Police Department

Crime Prevention Tips

• Secure all entrances at night when leaving, including cellar doors and windows. Consider installing metal gates or rolling shutters over windows and patio doors.
• Store ladders inside. Do not leave them loose outside. If you cannot put them safely inside, lock them securely. Suggest your neighbors follow this rule of ladders too.
• Do not give information to strangers on the telephone. On wrong numbers, do not tell the caller your number. Report continued wrong numbers to the phone company.
• Report broken street lights in your neighborhood. Well-lit areas discourage burglars by taking away hiding places.
• Be alert for unusual activities. If you see an unknown person loitering in or around a neighbor's yard, don't be afraid to check his or her identity with your neighbor by phone.
  Remember: people on legitimate business will be glad to show identification.
• Report any suspicious actions, sounds or strangers to the police.
• F Start a "buddy system" with your neighbors in order to watch each other's homes. Watch for unexpected "movers" and "repair people" at a house where no one is home.

• Use good safe locks on all doors. Use auxiliary deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolt locks with at least a one-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.
• Lock the doors when you go out, even if it is for just a minute.
• Use effective window locks.

• Do not leave house and car keys together with attendants at parking lots. Your house keys can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your license plate number.
• Do not hide keys outside the door under mats, in flower pots, over moldings, etc. if you can hide it, a burglar can find it. If you want an extra key nearby, leave one with a trusted neighbor.

• Outside of locking your doors, good exterior and interior lighting is the single most cost effective deterrent to burglars. If a 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 deliveries each day.
• Notify the Lacey Township Police Department of the time you are leaving and the time you expect to return. Police may be able to keep a special watch on your home.
• Put a light or lights on a timer for automatic turn-on at night. Do not draw shades or curtains.
• Check all doors and windows to make sure they are locked.
• Have a neighbor check your home occasionally. Be sure to let the neighbor know where you will be.

• A car is stolen every 33 seconds in the United States. In many cases, car theft would have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken.
• Be cautious. Don't think you can be careless about your car just because it is old or not running properly. Car thieves often make more money be dismantling a car and selling the parts than by trying to sell 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.
• Lock the trunk and/or tailgate and close all windows. Professional thieves have tools that help unlock cars through a minimum of open space.
• A gift-wrapped package or a camera lying on the seat of your car is a temptation to steal. Lock all valuables in your 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. If you care threatened, blow the horn and drive away.
• Keep doors locked at all times.
• Keep windows rolled up.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Park in areas that are well-lit when you return.
• When you return to your car make sure no one is hiding in the car or nearby.

• Walk confidently. Know where you're going. If you don't, go to a store or business and ask directions.
• Walk with someone. If you have some company you are much safer.
• Well-lit areas are safest. Avoid shortcuts through parks, alleys, etc. They could mean trouble.
• Do not accept rides from strangers. It is better to walk.
• Protect valuables. Hold purses and briefcases close to your body. Do not set them down anywhere. Carry wallets safe, inside pockets. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not flash money around. Keep a list of credit cards at home.
• If someone is following you on foot, cross the street, vary your pace, change direction. If the person persists, go to a lighted store and call police.
• If someone is following you by car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Go up a one-way street. If the person persists, jot down the car's license number and call police.
• Be suspicious. Keep looking back. It lets the person following you know that you cannot be taken by surprise.

• This means knowing how to avoid being a victim of an attack or robbery.
• Keep alert for the unexpected.
• Do not take unnecessary chances.