Report any and all “suspicious” activity to local enforcement officers: People – vehicles – activities.
Suspect something, trust your instincts. Call immediately – Don’t hesitate.
If you see, hear or smell anything suspicious – CALL immediately!
Suspicious activity is anything that looks like it could be connected with criminal behavior.
Supply vital information when reporting: What – When – Where – Who – How – Why.
Suspect identification: Height – Weight – Hair – Sex – Age – Eyes – Race – Facial features –Scars/Markings – Gun Clothing – Name – Carrying something – Head covering.
Vehicle details – Kind of vehicle – Make – Model – License plate number and issuing state – Color – Year Additional things: Bumper stickers, dents, broken window, damaged, lowered/raised, etc.
Unusual sounds: Cries for help – Continuous screaming – Screaming/cursing – Gun fire – Alarms activated Shattered glass – Loud music – Barking dogs.
Remove graffiti and tagging ASAP! Remember the 3 "R's:" Record it - Report it - Remove it!
Lock/close your gates.
Close garage door.
Lock the doors to your home when leaving. Lock the doors on your vehicle when parked outside of garage and/or fenced/gated property.
Notify neighbor when you will be gone for any length of time.
When away from your home, use automatic timers for lights and radios.
Activate your home security alarm system. You have it – Use it!
It is wise to inventory your home/garage and keep the list in a safe place. Video-tape or take photos of the interior of your home, garage, property, giving specific attention to “valuables.” Record serial numbers; engrave valuables where possible with your driver’s license number, not your Social Security number! This is vital when describing or identifying lost/stolen property or in case of a major disaster for insurance purposes. Again, keep these in a safe place.
Know your neighbors: Recognize their “normal” activities. Which neighbors have children? Do your neighbors have “Special needs?” Are they elderly? What vehicles do they have? Are they involved in suspicious criminal activity? Is there family problems? If anything is out of the “norm,” report to local law enforcement officers to investigate. (Elderly/child/spousal abuse, drug selling, “pot” growing, etc.)
Invest in Neighborhood Watch signs/decals. Posting of these signs/decals tells a criminal that: You are not an easy target – They are probably being watched – You have taken the steps necessary to deter crime in your neighborhood and your home. Convicted burglars report avoiding neighborhoods that have Neighborhood Watch signs posted.
Do not post on Facebook or your personal web site when you will be gone from your home, i.e., Vacation or extended weekend. That just invites trouble.