Doo Dahs CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Do not list "home" on your cell phone or GPS. If they fall into the wrong hands, they will lead the bad guys to your house, your belongings, and even your bank account.
The following tips come from a pamphlet put out by the Charleston Police
How to Report a Crime
For Emergencies and In-Progress Crimes, dial 911. For suspicious activity, people, or vehicles, call 577-7434
Identify yourself - name, address, telephone number
You CAN remain anonymous, but ask to be advised by phone
Type of crime or activity
"In-Progress" or "Has Occurred"
Where? Be specific
Description of suspect(s), how many, whether armed. Write it down!
Description of vehicle(s), tag number, dents
Direction of travel - use landmarks (towards or away from)
Stay on the line as long as possible
Suspicious Activity
Person looking into cars, homes
Person forcibly entering cars or buildings
Sounds of: Breaking glass, gun shots, screams, explosions, spray cans, barking dogs, loud parties
Person carrying weapon
Loiterer who doesn't belong near homes or schools
Persons carrying or selling items which might be stolen
Strange vehicles passing through, odd hours, parked with occupants, abandoned
Door to door salesmen
Persons photographing infrastructure (terrorist targets)
Protect Your Car From Thieves
Park in a well lit area
Burn house lights
Trim bushes to 3'
ALWAYS lock the car and take the keys!
Never leave the car running unattended!
Close windows and sunroofs
Use "The Club"
Use locking gas caps and lug nuts
Secure ALL electronic devices - take inside (or put in trunk): Cell-phones/chargers, stereo faces & CD's, GPS, I-Pods/chargers, laptop computers, cameras, etc.
Protect Your Home from Burglary
Burn outside lights
Trim bushes to 3'
Keep windows and doors locked, sheds and garages locked, whether or not you are home
Give impression you are home, even if you are not. Use timers for lamps and radios
Don't hide keys
Secure valuables and electronics from outside views (curtains, blinds)
Use safe/bank deposit boxes for jewelry & valuables
Know your neighbors
Join or start a neighborhood crime watch (call 769-7407 for information)
Safety From Con-Artists
If approached by a stranger offering to share money with you, leave, call Police immediately
Do not respond to lottery or sweepstakes winnings you did not enter
Do not deposit checks you get in the mail from strange companies, particularly if they want you to send some back to them
Do not buy from door-to-door salesmen, particularly if they do not have City Permits
Do not give personal information over phone or computer to anyone requesting it unless you initiated the call to a trusted company