The Police Department is working hard to prevent crime. There are things that you can do to prevent crime and reduce your likelihood of becoming a crime victim.
- Keep all doors and windows locked. If you have an alarm, activate it. If you don’t have an alarm, get one if you can. Never leave keys in doors near glass. Hang spare keys out of reach from doors and windows.
- Never leave strollers, bikes, lawn mowers, tools, sporting equipment or any other valuable items sitting unattended around your home.
- Never leave your purse: in the cart at the supermarket or department store; on the floor next to your chair; hanging from the back of your chair, or on the chair next to you in restaurants or on public transportation; or in an unattended desk at work.
- Never leave laptops, purses, keys, cameras or other valuable items next to a door or visible from a first-floor window.
- Never leave valuables visible in your car. If you must leave them in your car unattended, place them in the trunk before you reach your destination.
- Display your address prominently on the front and rear of your house near the door. This could save your life during a medical emergency! Remember: Black on White by the light in six-inch numbers.
- Do not leave exterior lights on during the day, but do leave them on all night. Put lights on a timer. Put inside lights on timers when away.
- Install a peep-hole in your front door, and do not open the door to strangers. Add dead-bolt locks to all doors.
- NEVER give your Social Security Number, Medicare number, Birth date, bank account number or pin number to anyone who asks for it on-line or on the phone. No legitimate business will ask for this. This is a scam!
- Never send money to someone who claims to be traveling and without money. You do not need to send money to win money. There is no drug that will prevent you from getting Covid-19 or cure you at this time. These are scams!
- I-phone, I-pad and I-pod are prized by robbers. If they see it, and they will want it, they will take it. Do not show them out in public, especially on the Metro.
- Wear only one ear bud when listening to music or messages so you can still hear what is going on around you. Pay attention to your surroundings.
- When visiting an ATM, be sure to look around for anyone watching you. Stand close to the screen when putting in your pin number to block others from seeing your number. Make sure to remove your card when you are finished with your transaction. Try to go to the ATM inside the bank, or during the daylight hours, and not at night. Never count money in public. Don’t carry large sums of money with you while walking on the street.
- Have your car VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched to prevent auto theft. Watch for notices of VIN etching events in your community.
- Get to know all of your neighbors, so that you can recognize those who don’t belong on the block, and Form a buddy system with a neighbor to take in mail and papers while you are away, and keep a spare key for you.
- Report burnt-out street lights to 311. Or report them at https://dc311.secure.force.com/ServiceRequestHome .
- If you witness a burglary or other crime in progress, call 911 and report “Crime in Progress.” Write down everything you see and keep notes in a safe place. Read your notes to the 911 operator. Put the date and time on your notes.
- Do not leave your purse or valuables visible in your car while pumping gas. Lock your car door while pumping gas.
- If going out at night, only take what you need in a small purse that can be worn with your hands free.
- Become a block captain if you don’t have one, and help protect your neighbors.
- Invest in cameras around your property. Find out more at ovsjg.dc.gov. The DC government will help pay for them.