Crime Prevention Tips

Secure all entrances at night and when leaving.
Store ladders inside. If you can not store them inside secure them outside.
Do not give information to strangers on the phone. On wrong number calls do not give your number to caller.
Report continued wrong numbers to the phone company.
Report broken street lights in your neighborhood. Well lit places takes the hiding place away from the bad guys.
Be alert for unusual activities. If you see a stranger near your neighbors property do not be afraid to check his or her identity with your neighbor.
Report any suspicious actions, sounds or strangers to the police.
Start a “buddy system” with your neighbors in order to watch each others homes. Watch for unexpected “movers” and “repair” people at a house where no one is home.

Use safe locks on all doors. Use auxiliary deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolt locks with at least a 1 inch throw, or rim locks are the most secure. Spring latch units with the lock in the knob are a poor risk for everyone but the burglar. If there is any glass within 4 feet of the lock, a double cylinder lock requiring a key from both sides of the door should be used.

When leaving your keys with an attendant do not leave house keys with car keys.
Do not hide keys outside the door, under the mat, in flowerpots, etc.. If you can hide it the bad guy can find it! Leave the house key with a trusted neighbor.

Outside of locking your doors, good lighting is the single most cost effective deterrent to burglars. If the burglar can’t be seen, he won’t be caught.
When leaving for an evening, leave at least one light on in the house. Don’t pull shades or leave notes indicating when you’ll return. Close garage doors.

Cancel all of your deliveries of newspapers, milk, etc.. Have the Post Office hold your mail or have someone pick up your deliveries each day.
Notify the Point Pleasant Police of when you are leaving and when you are returning.
Put a light (or lights) on an automatic timer. Do not draw shades or curtains.
Check all doors and windows to make sure they are locked.
Have a neighbor check your home while you are away.

A car is stolen every 33 seconds in the United States. In many cases, car theft would have been avoided if the proper precautions were taken. Be cautious! Don’t be careless about your car just because it is old or not running properly. Car thieves often make more money by dismantling a car and selling the parts than by selling it in one piece.
An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up whenever you leave your car and take the keys with you. Close all windows. Thieves have tools that help unlock cars through a minimum of open space. A package or camera lying on the seat of your car is an invitation to steal. Lock all valuables in the trunk or take them with you.
While driving watch out at intersections and stop lights. These are favorite spots for troublemakers. Keep your car in gear. At traffic lights leave enough room between you and the car in front of you for a quick escape. If you are threatened, in any way, blow the horn and drive away.
When you return to your car be cautious! Make sure no one is lurking near your car. Look and make sure no one is hiding in your car.

Walk confidently. Know where your going. If you don’t know where your going go to a store or business and ask directions. Be extra alert around stores and banks (they attract bad guys). If you are with someone else you are much safer. Well lit areas are safest. Avoid shortcuts and do not accept rides from strangers (it is much safer to walk). Hold purses and briefcases next to your body and do not set them down. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not flash money. If someone is following you on foot, cross the street, vary your pace, change direction or go to a store and call police. If the person persists SCREAM! If someone is following you by car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Go up a one-way street. Be suspicious! Keep looking back, let them know your looking. GET THE LICENSE PLATE! Let them know you can’t be taken by surprise.

This means knowing how to avoid being the victim of an attack or robbery. KEEP ALERT FOR THE UNEXPECTED! Do not take unnecessary chances. Know what to do if you are a victim. Act with common sense. Always cooperate with authorities. It is best not to carry weapons unless you are thoroughly trained in them. Guns, tear gas, etc. can be turned against you. An umbrella, a rolled up newspaper, nail file etc. can be used against an attacker. Be sure to keep yourself physically fit through a regular exercise routine.