The "neighborhood" is the blanket of your home, and it's what surrounds your safe haven and personal possessions. Neighborhoods reflect the many personalities of its occupants. Most neighbors keep an eye out for one another, so it is important to become acquainted with your neighbors to help watch out for one another and help keep crime down. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your neighborhood a save place. § Getting to know your neighbors and their daily routines can be very helpful in many situations. Knowing who lives in or often visits the neighborhood can help distinguish if a stranger is present or lurking about. § Alert neighbors when suspicious strangers have been seen in or around the area. Include as many details or descriptions that will help others to keep a watchful eye open. § When at all possible, participate in or organize a neighborhood watch program. Posted signs in the area will alert potential intruders that the neighbors in this area have a watchful eye out, and are aware of the surrounding occurrences. Intruders are more likely to move on to another target that is less protected. § Keeping safe can be as simple as taking a few simple precautions; never let strangers in your home, even if they offer free services. Most legitimate services usually are prearranged by telephone. Letting a stranger in your house during this type of situation could allow for casing of your home for a later home invasion. § Upon returning to your home after being out, keep an eye out for changes, such as open doors or windows that shouldn't be open, or other unusual changes. If you should suspect that an intruder is in your home, do not enter the home, use a cellular phone to call the police while leaving the premises or go to a neighbor's house or nearby store, to call the police. § When moving to a new neighborhood, one can check with the local police department to find our which types of crimes have occurred and at what frequency. |
