The City of Marco Island Police Department recognizes the need for Crime Prevention Awareness. The following are tips for citizens to practice to help reduce crime and the chances of being a victim of crime. Studies have shown that one out of ten homes will be burglarized this year. For a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim.
In almost half of all completed residential burglaries, thieves simply breeze in through unlocked doors or crawl through unlocked windows.
CHECK THE LOCKS
Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.
Secure sliding glass doors by installing commercially available locks or putting a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.
CHECK THE DOORS
Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door. Do not open your door to Strangers (Anyone You Do Not Know). Find out their purpose and if they ask to use the phone DO NOT, if you feel safe, you can make the call for them. Remember to immediately call the Police if you are visited of see any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity.
All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
CHECK THE OUTSIDE
Install outside light and keep them on at night.
Keep your yard clean. Intruders look for opportunity, prune back shrubbery so it doesn’t hide doors or windows.
Clearly display your house numbers so Police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
Make a list of your valuables- VCR’s stereos, computers, jewelry. Take photos of the items; list their serial numbers and descriptions. Engrave your Driver’s License or Florida Identification Number onto your merchandise (Operation Identification).
In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 21 seconds. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money – and increase everyone’s insurance premiums. They’re also often used to commit other crimes. DON’T BE A VICTIM OF THIS SERIOUS CRIME!!!
VEHICLES
*Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for “just a minute.”
*Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight. Buy radios and tapes and CD players that can be removed and locked in the trunk.
*Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don’t leave personal identification documents of credit cards in you vehicle.
*Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it’s in front of your home.
*Park in busy, well-lighting areas.
*When you pay to park in a lot or garage, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no personal information is attached. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.
*Install a mechanical locking device – commonly called clubs, collars, or j-bars that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Use it!!!
OBSERVATION AND REPORTING
The following are several ways that citizens can help prevent crime in their neighborhoods:
LOOK FOR AND REPORT:
Vehicles moving slowly with no apparent destination, or without lights
Unusual noises
Abandoned vehicles
Anyone being forced into a vehicle
Strangers sitting in vehicles or stopping to talk to a child
Someone screaming or shouting for help
Someone looking into windows or parked vehicles
Persons around closed homes
Any other suspicious incidents
In the event of circumstances such as these, you should contact the Police Department immediately. Briefly describe the event, what happened, when, where, and who was involved. Describe the suspect(s) and any vehicle description and their last known direction of travel.
All tips are recommendations provided to help assist citizens and deter crime.
Tips to Prevent Crime
Lottery Scam Don't help anyone cash a lottery ticket. It may be a scam.
Miscellaneous Crime Tips Crime tips regarding suspicious incidents, keeping you home and vehicle safe, and reporting unusual or suspicious activities.
Residential Scams There have been several of these reported in the area and all residents should be aware of this situation.
Sexual Predators Know the registered sexual offenders that reside in your area. This searchable database lists all of the State of Florida.
Top Stolen Vehicles The top 10 list of stolen vehicles, by year, make, and model. Also listed Nationally and for Florida.
Florida Attorney General's Office
United States Department of Justice
Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section
How to Report Child Pornography on the Internet
Safety Tips for Parents & Children
Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement: Victim, Incident, and Offender Characteristics (July 2000)
Myths and Facts About Sex Offenders
Justice for Kids & Youth - Website for Children
Office for Victims of Crimes
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