The National Crime Prevention Council designated each October as Crime Prevention Month. Since 1984, governments, schools, businesses, and community organizations have focused each October on teaching members of the public how to avoid falling victim to crime, highlighting their accomplishments, and seeking new ways to collaborate to keep communities safe.
This Year’s Crime Prevention Themes
Each year, NCPC chooses several themes in response to crime trends and feedback from across the country and provides educational resources to help local communities address crime and increase safety. This year’s themes include bullying, preventing crime, avoiding counterfeit products, and staying safe when using a rideshare service, as well as planning to celebrate McGruff’s upcoming 40th birthday.
How to Improve Security at Home
Many people focus on safety when they are in unfamiliar locations but have a false sense of security in places where they spend a lot of time and feel comfortable. That can make them easy targets for crime.
Lock the doors to your home, whether you are there or not. If you go to the backyard or upstairs and leave a door unlocked, someone can enter your house and steal a laptop, cellphone, or other valuables. If you walk in and surprise a burglar, you may be attacked.
Don’t hide a spare house key in an obvious place, such as under the doormat or in a planter. Those are the first places thieves look. Find a secure hiding place or give a neighbor you trust a spare key and knock on that person’s door if you lock yourself out.
Many people feel so safe in their communities that they leave their vehicles unlocked. Some even leave a spare key in the car. Thieves count on that false sense of security and walk through neighborhoods looking for vehicles that will be easy to steal. Don’t overestimate the safety of your neighborhood. Always lock your car.
If you are planning a vacation, only tell people who need to know about your upcoming trip and tell everyone else after you get back. Burglars search for victims on social media. People who write online about how much they are looking forward to going on vacation can return home to find valuables stolen. Have someone pick up your mail or have the post office hold it until you return. Use timers to make lights turn on and off without a clear pattern so it won’t be obvious that the house is vacant.
Trust a Qualified Locksmith
All American Locksmiths can install deadbolt locks, if your house doesn’t already have them, to keep you and your family safe. We can also change the locks if you lose a key so someone can’t enter your home without permission and help if you lock yourself out of your home or vehicle. We’re available 24/7. Contact All American Locksmiths for help with your routine or emergency security needs.
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