Don't Make It Easy For Criminals...

As citizens, we all share the responsibility to see that our belongings stay secure and that we don't get complacent, this is when criminals take advantage of us.  Criminals look for easy opportunities such as stealing small items that can be bought or traded without being traced.

I once had a fortune cookie that read "Society Prepares The Crime, The Criminal Commits It".    Never has there been a statement as true as this!  

Report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff's department.    No law enforcement agency can operate effectively without the cooperation of the people it serves.  The concept of crime prevention invites ALL segments of the community to proactively participate in the reduction of crime.

In an effort to prevent crimes in Lee county, I've put together some helpful tips to follow. 

·  Lock your doors and windows to prevent "Crimes of Opportunity". A high number of crimes are thefts of property. Many of these thefts are through unlocked doors. These are preventable thefts. Lock Out Crime!

·  Keep your car locked and your valuables stored securely. Secure CD cases, purses, radar detectors, cellular phones, portable stereos, and other valuables in trunk. Conceal otherwise conspicuous stereo equipment.

·  Report suspicious strangers or activities by dialing 9-1-1. Make a phone list of numbers (non-emergency too) to call (Police, Sheriff, Animal Control, etc) ahead of time so you have it handy when you need it! 

·  Maintain identification records (make, model, serial number, original cost) of all valuable property. If possible, photograph or otherwise maintain visual record of valuables.

·  You're Smart. Be Smart. Be Aware. Be Safe. Lock Out Crime.

Home Safety:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

Don't Tempt a Thief!

• Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
• Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”

Locks…Get the Best:

• No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a local locksmith for advice on your situation.
• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
• When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.

Targeting the Outside:

• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
• Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
• Easy way to record activity is with a wildlife or deer camera, which can found at your local Walmart of sporting goods store.

Windows:

• Most windows can be pinned for security.
• Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame - place a nail in the hole to secure the window.

Alarms:

• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
• Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you.
• If you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system — Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them.
• Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.

If Your Home Is Broken Into:

If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

• Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.
• Use your cell phone or a neighbor's phone to call 9-1-1.
• Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
• Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons. (Note description from head to toe)

Car Burglaries

Tips on how to avoid car break-ins:

•  Do not leave valuables in plain view:
  (GPS devices, laptops, cell phones, MP3’s, wallets, purses, backpacks, etc)
•  Do not leave windows or sunroof open.
•  Do not leave doors unlocked.
•  Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
•  Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view.
•  Do not leave out items with personal information.
• Do not move valuable items to the trunk while in public view.
• Slow Down and use common sense before you leave your car.