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In an Emergency, Dial
911 Security Audits Many homes and businesses have security weaknesses and the owners don't even know it. The Urbandale Police Department can conduct a security survey of your property. This is an in-depth, on site examination and analysis of a physical facility and its surrounding property to determine the facility's security status; to identify deficiencies or security risks and the protection needed; and to make recommendations to minimize criminal opportunity. For more information on security surveys, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 515.331.6804. Operation ID Nobody expects to be the victim of a property crime, but if the unexpected did happen, wouldn’t it be nice if you could get all of your property back? Operation ID is a way to do that. Operation ID is a method for marking your property with a unique code. The Crime Prevention Unit will assign you a code number, which is unique and recognized by law enforcement agencies throughout the country, and give you tips on how to mark your valuables. The code is either engraved into the property or applied using an invisible ink pen. If your property is stolen and then recovered, the Crime Prevention Unit will know that you are the owner simply by looking at the code. You will quickly get your property returned, plus, the chances of a conviction will increase if your property is found in the suspect’s possession. For more information on Operation ID, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 515.331.6804. Neighborhood Watch Criminals are not the smartest people in the world. (After all, they are criminals!) But they are smart enough to stay away from neighborhoods where there is a good chance they will get caught in a criminal act. And that is what makes the Neighborhood Watch Program so successful. When a potential criminal sees the Neighborhood Watch sign, he generally keeps right on going. He knows that the citizens in that neighborhood are trained to serve as eyes and ears for the Police Department. So, what is Neighborhood Watch? It’s a highly successful program of neighbors working together to reduce crime in their community. Participants in a Neighborhood Watch program are trained to know what to look for, how to identify someone, and when to notify the police. Watchers are assigned a unique identifier so they can report suspicious activity anonymously, if they choose. And because of their special training, Watchers’ calls are given special priority in the dispatch unit. For more information on Neighborhood Watch, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 515.331.6804. Bicycle Licenses Over 100 bicycles are sold in the Police Auction every year because police cannot identify the owners when a stolen bike is recovered. Protect your bike by getting an Urbandale Bike License. Bring your bike to the Police Department, 3740 86th Street, or simply bring the brand, color, size, and serial number, and purchase a non-expiring license for only $1.00. Going on vacation? Call the Urbandale Police Department (515.278.3938) or stop by the station, 3740 86th Street, and let us know you are leaving your house unattended for a week or more. We will have an officer stop by and check the house periodically until you return. This is a free service. See Also: |