Paying attention to your environment and taking precautions can help to reduce the opportunity for crime to occur:

Always be on the lookout.

• Call the police at 9-1-1 if you are at home and hear or see something suspicious. Don't take direct action yourself.
• Check out photo identification for any service personnel.
• If you return home and suspect someone has broken into your home, go to a safe location and call the police.
• Be suspicious of people loitering.
• Know who's at your door before opening it.
• Never let a stranger enter your home.

Be responsible.

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just going out "for a minute."
• If a window is left open a few inches for ventilation, it should be locked to prevent someone from opening it more.
• Don't leave keys in mailboxes or under doormats.
• Deter others from knowing your electronic purchases by breaking the original packaging in flat cardboard. Never leave the empty box curbside.
• Close curtains/blinds to shield items from view.
• Don't discuss your finances or possessions with strangers.
• If you have a vehicle, check on it regularly and do not leave any items in plain view.

Take care of your home.

• Keep property free of trash, litter, weeds, leaves, hazards and other things that indicate neglect in caring for your property.
• Remove loose rocks and other objects that could be used to vandalize your property.
• Make sure repairs are completed in a timely manner.
• Make sure the house number is visible from the street so police and fire departments can see it in case of emergencies.
• Purchase renter’s insurance to safeguard your possessions.