Summer Crime Prevention
Theft is a crime of opportunity. During the summer months would-be thieves are on the look-out for items which can be easily taken in moments. Unlocked doors, open windows, and open garage doors all provide a temptation to steal valuables — bikes, packages, cell phones, purses — left in plain view. Blooming trees and overgrown shrubs can provide would-be burglars with places to hide.
Here are a few tips to make your summer a safe one:
- Install lighting, such as motion lights or dusk to dawn detector lights, on your home’s exterior.
- Keep your exterior doors locked at all times, even when you are outside doing yardwork.
- Trim shrubbery around your home to eliminate hiding places.
- Never leave ignition keys in your automobile or leave it running unattended.
- Your address should be clearly visible from the street for emergency and identification purposes.
- Close and lock your garage door when you are not nearby. Place valuables stored in the garage in a locking device not visible from the street when the garage door is open.
- Do not leave bikes unattended. Lock your bikes, even if you are going to be away for only a few moments.
- If you sleep on the second floor of your home, keep all first-floor doors and windows closed and locked.
- Be aware of your surroundings and those around you when you walk, jog, or bike.
- Stop all deliveries of mail and newspapers when on vacation.
- Don’t discuss your vacation plans — at the grocery store, gym, etc.
- Don’t post live vacation photos on social media.
- Complete the vacation home watch form on the EuclidPD website at http://euclidpd.org/vacation-house-watch/
- Use timers to light your home inside and outside.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up flyers or other publications that might be left while you are away.
Don’t make it easy for a burglar to make you a victim, employ crime prevention measures to keep Euclid safer!
Kate McLaughlin
I am the Community Policing Specialist at the Euclid Police Department.
Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020