Now that Fall has arrived and it is getting dark earlier, please take added security measures. Some Safety Tips are below:
- Know your neighbors – “If you know what is usual & customary it is then very easy to tell what is not usual.”
- Keep the door locked that leads into your home from the garage.
- Trust your instincts – “If your judgement tells you something is not right, call the police to report.”
- Beware of impostors – for example a repair person or a representative from a company you are a customer of but didn’t call. Never be afraid to ask for identification or to call the company to verify.
- When making a report of crime or suspicious activity, be specific. Be able to give the officer the “What, When, Where, Who, How and Why” of the situation.
- A dowel, broomstick or hockey stick handle work well in the door track of a sliding glass door to prevent the door from being shoved aside or lifted off the track.
- Lights are the best deterrent to crime. Consider switching to LED’s to make leaving the lights on less costly.
- Never leave valuable items in your vehicle.
- If you will be away from home have someone pick up your newspapers or any packages that might be left outside your home.
- Do not post “selfies” on social media while you are away, wait until you return from your vacation. Crooks use social media too!
- Take an inventory of your valuables. Having the information recorded in advance will make it easier for you to report them missing in what might be a traumatic situation.
- Call 911 for any crime, fire, or serious medical problem in progress or suspected to be in progress.
The St. Charles Police Department has a program for registering doorbell cameras and may be reached at their non-emergency line of 636-949-3300.