As the winter and holiday seasons approach, this seems like a good time to send out a few reminders about home safety and Neighborhood Watch. We continue to be a watchful and observant community which is helping to keep us a safer community as well.
The Neighborhood Watch Program has some basic home safety guidelines that are appropriate at any time of the year:
Keep your garage doors closed when you are not in your front yard or in your garage. Thieves are quick and easily tempted.
If you park a car outdoors, do not leave any valuables or a garage door opener in the car. Use a steering wheel lock (ie, The Club) to make theft of your vehicle more difficult.
“Puffing” (leaving your car running in your driveway or on the street with no occupant) is illegal in Denver. It also makes your car an easy target for theft.
Keep the doors and windows to your home locked.
Use your alarm system if you have one.
Keep lights on around your home at night. The lights will discourage intruders and make them more visible to neighbors who might be looking out.
Alert your neighbors when you will be out of town so they can keep an extra eye out. Stop deliveries and leave some lights on. Lights on timers are a good option.
With the holiday season approaching, sign up for email and/or text notifications for expected package deliveries so you can retrieve them from your porch as quickly as possible to avert porch pirates.
If you see suspicious activity, try to get as many specifics as possible. Note physical characteristics of the individual(s) or cars. Describe what is suspicious about the behavior. The police suggest taking pictures if you can safely do so. Alert your neighbors to see if anyone else has noted the same behavior. You can also call the non-emergency number for the police (720-913-2000) to report the suspicious activity. If it appears that a crime is in progress call 911 immediately.
Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season!
Kathy Villere Neighborhood Watch
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