Community Corner
Patch Picks: 5 Simple Ways to Fight Crime & Improve Your Neighborhood
It's easier than you think to deter crime and brighten your everyday environment.
This Tuesday, Aug. 2 is the 28th Annual National Night Out, and there are no less than .
The purpose of NNO is to bring communities together and heighten awareness to prevent crime and improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents.
But a one-day event can go only so far.
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Here are some simple things you can do to keep your family safe and help deter criminal activity in your neighborhood 365 days of the year:
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Get to know your neighbors
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Probably the best thing you can do to deter crime and improve your neighborhood is to be part of it. , and be observant.
“The biggest tip I can convey is (to) be involved and know your neighbors,” says Easton Police Chief Larry Palmer. “Watch out for each other, and develop trusting relationships with them.”
It certainly can't hurt or start a formal Block Watch group in your neighborhood, but knowing who lives on your block and easily being able to see when something is out of place will provide a personal security no outside agency can replace.
Report suspicious activity
When something is amiss, report it to the appropriate authorities. Police can't take action against crime they don't know about.
Violent crimes, gangs and drug dealing thrive in areas where it seems like no one cares. Send the message these things won't be tolerated near your home by consistently reporting unlawful activity and suspicious behavior.
Take ownership (even if you rent)
Regardless if you actually own the property, wherever you live is your home. Why should you live somewhere dirty, ugly or unkempt? Clean up, spruce up, pick up, sweep up, and reap the benefits every day of a beautiful neighborhood that tells the world the people who live there take pride in their city.
There are many small, inexpensive ways to beautify your surroundings, even in an urban environment. , hang new curtains or a wreath on the door, or add another aesthetically pleasing touch that says, “This place is mine, and I care what happens here.”
Shine a light on it
Crime likes to operate in the unseen corners and shadows of our society, literally as well as figuratively. Well-lit areas discourage criminals, who generally prefer not to be seen or identified to minimize their chances of being caught.
Keep porch and entrance lights on at night, and consider installing motion-activated lighting in vulnerable areas, such as alleyways and back entrances for security. Solar-powered options, which have recently become very efficient, are affordable, and require little to no installation, may be particularly appropriate for renters and areas where hard-wiring is impractical.
Use common sense
Many thefts are acts of opportunism—removing easy access and obvious temptations can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
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Keep your , in both your home and your vehicle, and make sure windows and other possible means of accessing your home are secure.
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Don't leave valuables in plain view, either in your car or in your dwelling. Draw the shades or curtains at night, as it's better not to let passersby see in.
Know the people you invite into your home—the friend of a friend you don't know well may not be your friend.
Utility employees, government workers and other officials all carry photo identification. Ask to see it if there is doubt of their authenticity before you let in someone claiming to represent an official agency that you weren't expecting. If you're still uncertain, have them wait outside and call their company or supervising agency to confirm their identity. Those with legitimate business should be cooperative and happy to wait.
