More often than not, crimes occur because we open ourselves and our families to criminal opportunities. Talking to strangers, absence of security procedures for anonymous callers, taking for granted one’s safety outside the home, etc. make us easy prey to criminals. In the fight against crime, knowing that the worst can happen makes you less prone to be a victim and more confident of avoiding disasters.

Protecting yourself, your family and your home is a matter of responsibility that cannot be taken on by anyone else. You can make the difference.

Securing your Home and your Belongings

There are three things you can do to help reduce burglary:

1. Make your home burglar-proof.
2. Mark your belongings that burglars are most likely to steal.
3. Be alert to report suspicious persons and unusual activities to the police before a crime may occur.

What you can do to Secure Your Home

1. Ensure all doors and windows have locks in working condition. Keep only that is used to enter the house open, all other entry points to your household should be securely locked to prevent unnoticed entry into your home.
2. Make it a habit to check that all doors and windows are locked at night before going to sleep. The dark of night is a most ready camouflage for robbers and other criminals.
3. Outside your home: Prune lower tree limbs – don’t provide the thief with a natural ladder into your home. Keep the view to your house open – criminals love to hide behind tall fences or overgrown bushes while breaking into your home.
4. Keep your compound well lighted. Leave lights on inside your house when you go out for the evening.
5. Keep a record of the important information (especially make, model number, serial number) of all household facilities and equipment, such as TV, radio, video cassette recorder, refrigerator, VCR, washing machine. Have an inventory of your jewelry and other precious items and documents like birth, baptismal and marriage certificates.
6. Store cash and other valuable in the bank. Hiding them inside locked drawers are no guarantee of their safety
7. Protect your house from prying eyes by using curtains or drapes.
8. Provide family members with their own keys to the house. This is safer than leaving the key in a “secret” place, one that can be discovered by any person who takes the time to watch your movements when you leave your home and come back at night.
9. If you and your family are going on a vacation, or even going out ask a neighbor to watch your home, or ask a relative to stay in your home while you are away. An empty house is a prime target for criminal elements.

Crime Prevention Tips

1. Get to know your neighbors . They will be your partners in watching the activities in your area
2. Exchange names, home and work telephone numbers among members of the neighborhood.
3. Look after you neighbor’s house when he is away and ask him to look after yours.
4. Get to know your police officer and members of the police station in your area. Write down the station’s emergency hotline number in a place you can easily see in case you will need police advise or assistance. Use your police force – they are ready, willing and able to keep you, your family and your neighborhood safe and sound.

PREVENTIVE TIPS FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLES OWNERS

1. Always lock all car windows and doors before leaving your car in the parking area.
2. Always park your car in lighted areas during nighttime.
3. Park your motor vehicle in secured places.
4. Check the area where you parked against suspicious looking people.
5. Avoid displaying valuables inside your car when parking to avoid temptations.