Crime and fear of crime are big problems that influence how you live. The most important resources we have in reducing these problems are
neighbors working together to prevent crime. This makes it harder for crime to happen and reduces the chance for criminals to victimize you and your family members.Crime is a local
problem and can best be deterred through locally organized groups of neighbors and residents within housing areas. Many communities have active Neighborhood Watch type mutual protection
programs, where neighbors look out for each others property and safety. Check with your military police to see if your community has such a program. If so, join up.
If not, start
one. Get together with neighbors on your block, in surrounding streets, or in your building (if in quarters, check with your building coordinator or village mayor). Start by sharing
crime prevention information. Exchange work and home telephone numbers with your closest neighbors. Keep them posted on your daily and vacation schedule. Let them know about scheduled
repairs or deliveries. If they spot suspicious people or vehicles around your home while you are gone, they will know something is wrong and call the military police or the local police.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS...
If your spouse is deployed, don't advertise it. This alerts everyone that your spouse will be away for an extended period of time.
ALWAYS
lock your doors, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. In addition to the front and rear doors, keep your garage, cellar, patio, storage areas, and maid rooms locked.
Periodically check them.
If you live in government housing, are the doors to your stairwell secured? If so, are they consistently kept locked? If not, contact your building
coordinator.
Ask a neighbor to collect any mail, flyers, and newspapers, so they won't pile up outside your box or in your mailbox. Stop deliveries until you return.
Be cautious of
door-to-door sales people and other solicitors. If possible, conduct the conversation at the door. Be cautious whom you invite into your house. If you invite a solicitor in, DO
NOT leave him/her alone in a room.
Keep telephone numbers of the military police, city police, and ambulance next to your phone.
Familiarize yourself with unit, community, and local emergency
reporting procedures, such as: calling for police assistance, obtaining emergency medical help (especially the times to call the proper medical help) 911, etc.
Report suspicious persons
or activities immediately to military police or local authorities. Be especially cautious during special activities in your neighborhood.
Tell your children to never admit being home
alone on the telephone or to someone at the door. Teach them to say: "Mom or Dad can't come to the phone and will call back."
Teach children how to contact the police or a neighbor;
make sure they know their home address and telephone number.
Screen repairpersons and solicitors to ensure their visit is legitimate. If possible, install a peephole in your door; if not,
use a window.
Remember, disguises and uniforms are easily obtained. Before you let workers into your home, make sure there is a legitimate need and check their credentials. Call the
firm/organization they claim to represent to verify their identities.
If you suspect/detect someone observing your home/activities or that of your neighbors, report it immediately to the police.
