Crime Prevention Tips
Lock it! Don't Lose it!
Many of the residential property crimes in Parker are crimes of pure opportunity: where individuals have left valuables in unlocked cars, unlocked sheds or open garages and an opportunistic thief takes advantage. Please! Help us, help you! Lock your cars and keep valuables out of sight. Lock your sheds and secure your garage. It's a habit we can develop that will inconvenience only 1 group of people: those that would steal from us!
Vacation Safety
Don't leave rooms unlocked in your lodgings. Insist that everyone carries his or her key when outside the room.
Don't leave valuables in full view in the car - your own or a rental. Leave them in the trunk; better still, in your room safe or hotel safe.
Make sure your home is secure - all deadbolts locked, lights left on timers, deliveries canceled or being collected by a trusted neighbor who has your travel schedule. Have a neighbor park their car in your driveway.
Notify the Police Department and complete a Vacation House Watch form.
Set up rules for each day's outings on where and how you'll link up if you become separated.
Study up in advance on your vacation destination. Know where you want to go and how you want to get there. Ask hotel personnel about the safety of areas off the regular tourist path.
Take only the credit cards that you will absolutely need. Carry traveler's checks instead of cash. Record information on these cards and any valuable equipment that you take with you. Take a copy of this information with you, and leave a copy with a friend or family member.
Child Safety
Before your children go to another home, ask the adults there whether they have guns or alcohol, and if so, whether these are securely and safely stored.
Check out the neighborhood with your child. Find out whether he or she feels safe or unsafe.
Make sure you know your child's friends and their friends' parents.
Review the safety rules with your child. Be a caring adult and a role model. Let kids know that they can tell you anything and that you will listen.
Set up clear rules for play after school, on weekends, and during summer and holiday times.
Urge kids to play in groups, which are far less susceptible to an approach by strangers.
Work with neighbors to address problems such as unsafe shortcuts, dangerous intersections, areas where shrubbery needs trimming back, and a lack of safe places to seek help.
Senior Safety
Ask for photo ID from service or delivery people before letting them in the door. If you are still uneasy, call the company to verify.
Be alert when out and about. Go with friends or family, not alone.
Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well lighted, so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true:
- A free vacation
- A low-risk
- Cures for cancer and arthritis
- High-yield investment scheme
- Sweepstakes prizes
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything - an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
If you're suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or a local consumer protection office. You can also call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.
Install good locks on doors and windows and use them. Don't hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. Leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
Keep car doors locked, whether you are a passenger or a driver. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
Never give your credit card, phone card, or Social Security or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
Lighting is Good!
As cliched as it may sound, thieves love the cover of darkness. Help thwart their efforts with good lighting around the exterior of your business, especially around door and window areas. Keeping some night lights on inside will assist a patrolling officer in detecting any motion from inside, as well.
Motion lights around residences can be a powerful tool in keeping away potential thieves.
So, You Finally Bought That Nice, New Big-Screen TV?
Whether you finally bought that nice, new big-screen TV or that lawnmower you've been dreaming about, or that cool bike for your kids, there is 1 thing you can do to help law enforcement locate your item and nab the bad guys if your item(s) was to be stolen! Record the item's serial number and keep it in a safe and secure place. We'll be able to serve you better if the items is lost or stolen and your insurance adjuster will be grateful, as well.