Crime Prevention Tips

These home safety tips will help keep you and your home safe from burglary, porch piracy, vandalism, and other home-related crimes.

• Lock doors and windows properly with quality locks and deadbolts. Use security bars for additional reinforcement. 
• Install peepholes at entryways. 
• Install alarm systems, motion sensors, and security cameras.  
• Use smart lights and smart locks that you can control remotely.  
• Post signs or decals from security companies to discourage criminals.  
• Ensure pathways, driveways, and backyards are well-lit at night.  
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed to remove hiding spots near doors and windows. 
• Use timers or smart bulbs to turn lights on and off when you’re not home. 
• Ask a neighbor or friend to collect mail, water plants, and monitor your home while you’re away. 
• Store valuable items like electronics, jewelry, and important documents in a secure safe, or hidden place.  
• Add a secure box for package deliveries to stop “porch piracy.”  
• Set up delivery alerts and track packages so you know when they are arriving.  
• Choose delivery options that require a signature, ensuring someone is home when packages arrive.  

Prevent theft, accidents, and other vehicle-related crimes by implementing these vehicle safety tips.

• Lock your doors and windows. 
• Store your valuables out of sight in the trunk or under the seats. Avoid leaving electronics or bags visible.  
• Install devices like steering wheel locks, car alarms, or GPS trackers.  
• Park in well-lit and busy parking spots, preferably near cameras.  
• Don’t Leave Spare Keys in the Car. 
• Always lock the trunk. 
• Stay alert and don’t use your phone while driving. If you need to talk, pull over safely.  
• Follow all traffic laws. 
• Always wear your seatbelt. 
• Stay calm in traffic. Do not respond to aggressive drivers.  
• Maintain distance from the vehicle in front of you to react if it stops suddenly. 
• Avoid parking in dark, isolated spots. 
• If you feel uneasy or think someone is following you, stop in a busy, well-lit place or drive to the nearest police department.

Follow these online safety tips to keep your financial and personal information safe and eliminate you or your loved ones from becoming a victim of identity theft, phishing, stalking, or online scams.

• Create Strong, Unique Passwords with a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Don't use easily guessed information and change them frequently. 
• Consider using a password manager to store and create unique passwords for each account.  
• Turn on Two Factor Authentication for important accounts such as email, banking, and social media for extra security.  
• Don’t click on suspicious links. 
• If you receive a request for personal information, call the company directly using their official contact information to confirm.  
• Limit What You Share on Social Media. Be careful about sharing personal details like your address, phone number, or travel plans.
• Change privacy settings on social media to control who sees your personal information.  
• Avoid conducting activities like online banking over public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added protection.  
• Make sure websites are secure by checking for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol before entering your personal information. 
• Always update your operating system, browser, and apps to protect against security risks.  
• Turn on firewalls to keep unauthorized users out of your devices.  
• Do not download files or apps from untrusted sources that may contain malware.  
• Never give out financial information or personal details unless you are sure the request is real.  
• Report online scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement.  
• Be wary of fake websites that may sell counterfeit products or steal your credit card information.  
• Always review return and refund policies before you buy anything online. 
• Use credit cards for online purchases because they provide better fraud protection.  
• Parents should watch their children's online behavior, and settings, and set limits on screen time.  
• Talk with children about the risks of talking to strangers online and sharing personal information. 
• Use parental control software or settings to limit access to inappropriate content.  
• Teach children to recognize and report cyberbullying or harmful online behavior. 
• Protect your financial information by using secure payment methods like PayPal, credit cards, or mobile payment apps that offer fraud protection.  
• Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.