Crime Prevention
Spring/Summer Prevention Tips:
As you plan outdoor activities and vacations, remember that this is an opportune time for crime. Homes are often unlocked with open windows and doors to houses, garages, and autos. Valuables – cell phones, briefcases, purses, and bikes – are often left in plain view. Blooming trees and shrubs can block streetlights and the Police Department's view from the street into your yard and home.
Learn to keep crime at bay with these tips for enjoying a safe season.
"Locks, lights, and neatly trimmed shrubbery" are keys to home and personal security.
- Install lighting, such as motion lights or dusk to dawn detector lights, on the home's exterior.
- Trim shrubbery around your home to eliminate hiding places.
- Be sure that door locks are sturdy, functioning and of the proper type, such as dead bolt or key to key, where glass is present. Have all locks keyed to one key only. Place a key in the immediate area in case of emergency -- hidden but accessible.
- Be sure that double hung, casement, and sliding windows function and lock properly.
- Your address should be clearly visible from the street for emergency and identification purposes.
- Close and lock your garage door when you are not nearby. Place valuables stored in the garage in a locking device not visible from the street when the garage door is open.
- Do not leave bikes unattended. Lock your bikes, even if you are going to be away for only a few moments. License your bike and wear a helmet when riding around the city.
- Alarm systems are effective if installed by a Shaker Heights licensed company. This information can be obtained from the Shaker Heights Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. Use the alarm system even if you go out for a short time.
- If you sleep on the second floor of your home, keep all first floor doors and windows closed and locked.
- Vacation planning is extremely important. Use light timers and notify the Police Department when you leave by calling 216-491-1220 to make a “going away card.” If possible, have a neighbor or friend keep an eye on your home and pick up mail and newspapers.
- Lock your vehicle, even when garaged, and secure all personal property from view.
- Be aware of your surroundings and those around you when you walk, jog, or bike.
- Always secure your vehicle when unattended and secure personal property such as radar detectors, GPS devices, cell phones, purses, money, and any other valuables. These items should be placed in the trunk or taken with you.
Remember, every theft is a crime of opportunity. By following the listed tips, you can reduce the possibility of becoming a victim. Should you have any inquiries, please contact Gerald F. Jankowski, Crime Prevention Officer, at the Crime Prevention Unit, 216-491-1230.
During the Winter Holiday Season:
Homes and cars with holiday purchases and other valuables – cell phones, briefcases, purses – in plain view are an opportunity for thieves. Consider the following crime prevention tips:
Protect Your Vehicle
- "Out of sight, out of mind." The same idea applies to items in your car. Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight – in your trunk.
- Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view - holiday gifts, spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases - may tempt a thief. Always lock your car and use any anti-theft device you may have.
- For your safety, do not park in secluded or dark areas of a parking lot.
- Although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store — even if for only a minute or two.
Protect Your Home
- Approximately 50% of all burglars enter the house via unlocked or open doors and/or windows. Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- Burglars know that many households have new and expensive items in their homes following the holidays. In many cases, residents make their homes an easy target by putting boxes from their new gifts in plain view with rubbish. Avoid leaving boxes for new electronics out where they can be seen. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out and recycle them at Public Works.
- Turn on lights and a radio or TV to give the appearance that someone is home.
- Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or that are activated by sensors.
- Place gifts where they cannot be seen from the outside.
If a Stranger Comes to the Door
- Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of your generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead. Or think about reaching out in the spirit of the season to help someone who is less fortunate or lonely. Do your part to make the holidays a safe and happy time for everyone!
(To make an anonymous report of suspicious activity, call the Safe City Hotline, 216-295-3434.)
Doors
- Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you are at home, and remember to close and lock your windows when you leave…even if it’s just to walk the dog.
- Install new locks or have the tumblers reset when you move into a previously occupied building.
- Install auxiliary dead-bolt locks with one inch throw on all exterior doors and use them. A second lock is often the easiest and sometimes the cheapest way of strengthening the security of an entrance door. Keep the number of keys to a minimum by having all the locks keyed the same.
- Doors with glass panes should be fitted with double-cylinder locks, requiring keys both inside and out. Keep a key near the door in a location known by all occupants so they can exit in case of fire or other emergency.
- Sliding glass doors should lock from the inside. A strip of wood placed in the inside bottom rack will prevent the door from opening. Commercial “locking bars” or patio door locks are also available.
- Secure all entrances day and night, including garage doors, basement doors and windows, sun deck and porch doors. Don’t hide keys outside.
- Keep your keys to yourself. Don’t entrust them to tradespeople, maids, repairmen, etc. Separate house keys from car keys when leaving your car with parking lot attendants.
- If someone forces open your door, leave immediately by a different door and go to a neighbor’s house to call the police.
- Don’t open your door to strangers. When a stranger is outside your door, keep the door shut, even if you have a security chain. Talk to the caller through the door or a nearby window. You may wish to install a peephole or, even better, a door-mounted viewing lens.
- When working in the yard, garage, basement, or upstairs, keep your doors locked.
Windows
- Install key-type locks on your windows, preferably with dead-bolts. Some can even be locked in an open position…or drill a hole into wooden sash frames with the window in a closed position and insert a nail.
- Consider shatter-proof laminated glass or plastic as a replacement for decorative windows adjacent to entrance doors, which, if broken, make it easy to reach in and unlock the door. Glass doors can be similarly protected.
- Don’t overlook basement windows. If you never open them, remove the handles and nail them shut or replace them with the non-opening type.
Additional Security
- Electric marking pens are available from the Crime Prevention Bureau at no charge. Citizens are urged to etch the last four digits of their social security number on articles of value so they are less attractive targets for thieves and more easily identified if they are stolen. The numbers can be circulated nationwide. Operation Identification decals placed at the entrances of your home discourage thieves.
- Free home security surveys are offered by the Crime Prevention Bureau. Call 216-491-1230 to schedule an appointment.
- Burglar alarm systems are described in a separate pamphlet, available at the Police Department. Deal only with an approved company that has been licensed to operate in Shaker Heights. The Crime Prevention Bureau will recommend the type of system best suited to your requirements.
What to Do if Security Measures Fail
- If you discover a burglary, do not touch anything and call the police immediately.
- Give police any information you have, such as a description of person(s) involved, items missing, etc. If strange cars have been in the neighborhood, give descriptions or license numbers.
Yard Security
- Turn on outdoor lights at night to illuminate hiding places near your home. Consider installing a photoelectric sensor-type light switch.
- Trim shrubbery near doors, windows and porches, particularly along the sides of your home.
- Bring ladders inside or firmly anchor them to a garage wall. Put tools, toys and outdoor furniture away and chain bicycles, lawn mowers and snow blowers to a wall. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
- Close garage doors. An empty garage suggests that the home is unoccupied, and, if attached, provides easy entrance to the house. Electronic door openers provide additional security.
- House numbers should be visible from the street so police can respond quickly in an emergency.
Apartment Security
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If you live in an apartment or condominium, follow the same rules about doors, keys and locks, but add these to your checklist:
- Keep outer main doors locked. Do not press the buzzer to release the door unless you are certain who is requesting entrance.
- Look through the peephole before you open the door to your apartment. (City code requires peepholes in apartment doors to hallways.)
- Cooperate with other tenants in notifying the building superintendent of suspicious strangers, sounds or actions in hallways.
- Place supplemental locks on windows or doors that open onto fire escapes, terraces and balconies.
Neighborhood Security
- Participate in your neighborhood Block Watch program. Each volunteer captain receives information from the Crime Prevention Bureau and notifies residents so they can report any suspicious activity. This information is then relayed to the Crime Prevention Bureau so that appropriate police action can be taken. If you are interested in forming a Block Watch network for your block, street, condominium or apartment building, call the Crime Prevention Bureau, 216-491-1230.
- Be alert for unusual activities on your street or around neighboring households. Report to police any strangers loitering in the neighborhood or asking questions about your neighbors or their whereabouts.
- Note the license numbers of questionable automobiles and trucks.
- Report broken street lights to the First Energy Customer Service, 800-589-3101.
- Call police if you receive many wrong number telephone calls or calls from unknown persons seeking information.
- Don’t be reluctant or embarrassed to call the police. You may remain anonymous if you wish. Even if your call turns out to be unnecessary, the Police Department won’t mind; they appreciate an alert attitude.
Automobile Security
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A car is stolen every 30 seconds in this country, primarily for the resale value of the entire vehicle or its parts, such as doors and tires. Two-thirds of the thefts occur at night, and over half are in residential neighborhoods. Make it tough for a would-be thief by taking simple precautions:
- Make it a habit to lock your car and pocket the key. Never leave the key in the ignition
- Put your car in the garage at night and lock your garage.
- Write down your license plate number and check your plates now and then. Never leave the title or registration in the car.
- Remove valuables from your car when parking, or put them out of sight in the trunk or elsewhere.
- Consider commercial anti-theft devices, particularly if you leave your car unattended all day. Police will help you evaluate the different options and tell you where they may be purchased. Some recommended devices include kill switches, column locks and alarm systems.
- If your vehicle is stolen, contact police immediately. Be able to provide an adequate description (make, model, color) along with the license plate number and any other distinguishing characteristics.
Bicycle Security
- All bicycles must be registered with the police which includes affixing a license decal to the frame. A one-time nominal fee is charged. Bicycles parked on public property must be locked; unlocked bikes will be impounded. Front lights and rear and side reflectors must be installed on all bikes operated at night.
- Engrave name in a prominent place on the bike, using an electric marking pen provided by Operation Identification. Protect against rust by putting white paint in the engraving.
- Make it a habit to lock bikes in the garage and then lock the garage. Use case-hardened locks and chains; cable chains can be cut.
- If an approaching stranger appears menacing as you are riding your bike, change direction, go back the way you came and seek help at a nearby house. Call police immediately.
Personal Security
- Be cautious of potential identity theft. Be careful who you give your personal information to. Shred all documents containing account numbers, social security number, etc. Read about Identity Theft Resources.
- Be wary of loiterers when you walk.
- Protect your purse or wallet, but don’t fight to save them.
- Select a purse with a zipper or tight-closing latch, then turn the flap toward your body when carrying it.
- Don't put your purse in shopping carts.
- Carry the smallest amount of money possible and don't carry valuables.
- Don't carry a wallet in a coat pocket.
- If you are robbed, try to report to the police immediately, using the nearest phone.
- Never reveal to someone at the door or on the phone that you are alone.
- Don’t open your door to strangers or allow a stranger to use your phone.
- Ask for identification from all repair and utility representatives. Once they are in your home, never let them out of sight.
- List only your first initial and last name on the mailbox and in the telephone directory if you live alone.
- Avoid walking alone on the street. After dark, avoid poorly lighted areas and walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Be alert when you ride on public transportation. When leaving, take a quick look around to see who else is getting off with you. If someone is following you, walk quickly to the nearest well-lit area.
- If attacked, your best defense is noise – use a whistle, or scream long and loud. People will react to a scream of fire more readily than for help.
- Keep a level head and don’t panic.
- Try unexpected tactics: Distract a rapist, for instance, by telling him you have VD or sing at the top of your lungs.
- Use fighting only as a last resort, unless you are expertly trained.
Safety Tips for Children
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Teach children
- How to use the telephone, including 9-1-1 and long distance.
- What to do if they are separated from you.
- Not to go with anyone, to anyone’s house, or into a car unless you have given explicit permission.
- Where to go to or whom to call if they need help at home, at school or in the neighborhood.
- To walk and play with others rather than alone.
- To tell you if anyone says or does anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- To stay away from strangers.
- To protect themselves from inappropriate attention paid to them by people they know, whether they are relatives, neighbors or family friends.
- Have your child’s identifying records (pictures, fingerprints) updated frequently.
- If you are divorced, try to establish appropriate rules and schedules regarding visitation, and honor them.
Additional Safety Tips
- Check references of cleaning and service people.
- Know the names and addresses of anyone who has access to your home when you are not present.
- Store valuables (coins, jewelry, furs, etc.) in a vault or safety deposit box. Keep serial numbers of valuable equipment; take photographs of paintings and other articles.
- Don’t rely on dogs to guard your home.
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Be alert to attempted fraud. Inform police if you are approached in any of the following ways:
- The “pigeon drop:” Two people, sometimes three, ask you to keep a package of money or other valuable items for a period of time. They ask you to show good faith by giving them some of your money. After they leave, you will discover the package contains only newspaper.
- The “bank examiner:” You receive a phone call from someone purporting to be a bank representative and are asked to withdraw money as a ruse to trap a dishonest employee. When you comply, your money disappears.
- The charity racket: A solicitor for charity, with no literature to give you, asks for a donation immediately or for a check to be mailed to him as soon as possible.
Vacation Tips
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