CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Burglary Tips:

• Lock doors and windows - especially ground level access (day or night)
• Keep garage doors closed and secure (day or night)
• Lock your interior door to your home from the garage
• Lighting - both exterior and interior (motion lights, timers)
• Egress windows - keep locked and covered
• Sliding glass doors - keep locked, but also use a patio bolt and/or a dowel rod or metal locking device in the track
• Consider an alarm system - security company or window alarms that are available at hardware stores or home improvement stores (such as Lowe's, Home Depot or Menard's)
• Replace any exterior hollow core doors with solid core doors
• Consider double cylinder deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
• Landscaping - should not be more than 2-3 ft high; trees, should not be any less than 7 ft off the ground - (think concealment)
• Communicate with neighbors when out of town or away for a day or evening
• If away for a weekend or extended length of time, request a "Vacation House Check" through the police department. (See options on right side of web page)
• Organize a "Community Crime Eye" group in your area (neighborhood watch)
• Do not keep personal valuables in your vehicle, such as your purse, wallet, iPod, laptop, money or cell phone
• If your vehicle(s) are outside, keep them locked - consider access to your garage door opener
• Contact the police department immediately to report any suspicious person(s), vehicle(s) or activity.  YOU know your neighborhood better than anyone else.  
• DO NOT take matters into your own hands.
• DO NOT open the door for strangers or invite strangers into your home.

Contact Officer Randy Peterson at (515) 331-6804 or by email  for information.