Property Safety

Security Audits

Many homes and businesses have security weaknesses and the owners are unaware.  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.  This examination will help determine the facility's security status; 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 Police Department at (515) 278-3938 or by email.

Operation ID

Nobody expects to be the victim of a property crime, but if the unexpected does 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 of 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 can 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 Police Department at (515) 278-3938 or by email.

COMMUNITY CRIME EYE  - URBANDALE'S NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

Our department has renamed Urbandale's neighborhood watch program to Community Crime Eye.  The Urbandale Police Department wants our residents and business owners to participate in community awareness, as well as within their own neighborhoods. 

What is Community Crime Eye?  The same concept as neighborhood watch, only applying the same awareness to what is going on in your community.  Neighborhood watch is a highly successful program which involves neighbors working together to reduce crime in their community.  Participants in a neighborhood watch program are trained to report any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles.  They are given tips on what to look for, how to identify someone and when to notify the police. 

Throughout the United States, there are dramatic decreases in crime reported by law enforcement agencies in communities with active neighborhood watch programs.  We want Urbandale's Community Crime Eye program to be able to do just that, decrease crime in our community. 

Remember, criminals do not want to attract attention to themselves or get caught.  Criminals do not want to take the added risk of working in communities that have active neighborhood watch programs.  The signs help in identifying areas participating in the program - letting the criminals know that the citizens in the neighborhood/community are trained to serve as the eyes and ears for the Urbandale Police Department. The cooperation between citizens and law enforcement working together to fight crime in a community is what makes neighborhood watch programs so successful. 

For more information on the Community Crime Eye Program or to find out if your neighborhood has a watch group already established, contact the Urbandale Police Department at (515) 331-6804 or by email.

Bicycle Registration

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 registering your bicycle online or by calling (515) 278-3938. 

Vacation House Checks

Going on vacation? Notify the Police Department 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.  Sign up for a vacation house check online or by calling (515) 278-3938.  This is a free service.