Help keep crime away from our neighborhood

By Stephanie Backovich
Special to the Viewpoint

SCNA invited, Katherine Hallmark and Holly Kenny of the Sacramento Police Department Crime Prevention Unit to speak in Curtis Hall last month. Here are a few of the crime prevention tips they shared.

1. Report all crimes in the neighborhood because the number of officers assigned to an area is directly related to the reported activity.

o Emergency call 9-1-1
o Cell Phone Emergency call 732-0100
o Non-Emergency call 264-5471
o On-Line Report use www.sacpd.org
o Graffiti Abatement Program call 808-5948

2. Park your car in a garage if possible. Second choice would be to park in your driveway as far back on your property as possible. Always keep vehicle doors locked; and do not keep valuables in your car.

3. Light your house outside throughout the evening. To save energy and money, use florescent or solar lights. At the very least you should have a motion detector outside. SMUD will conduct a lighting survey of your home upon request and make recommendations on optimal lighting placement.

4. Keep your front yard manicured to show pride in ownership and care of the neighborhood. Tree branches should not be lower than 6-7 feet from the ground and bushes should not be higher than two to three feet for best visibility into your home. Thorny bushes under windows can deter break ins through a window.

5. If you see a suspicious person in the neighborhood, take down a physical description, vehicle description, and license plate number. Call the non-emergency phone number. Photographs can help the police identify the person but only take the picture if you feel secure enough to take a photograph without creating a confrontation. The police department does not want you to put yourself in harm's way so use your best judgment.

6. Exchange names and phone numbers with your neighbors and call them when you see suspicious people or activities in the neighborhood.

7. Stop your mail and newspaper when leaving town. Also, tell your trusted
neighbors when you will be gone so they can keep an eye on your property.

8. Etch your driver's license number (with an electric engraver) on stereo equipment and other valuable items and take photographs of all valuables, especially items you are unable to engrave such as jewelry, silverware, and antiques. Keep the list and photographs in a safe place. These tips will help the police locate the rightful owners.

9. Take a cell phone with you when you walk and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

10. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program on your street.

For more information on starting a Neighborhood Watch Program, call Katherine Hallmark at the Sacramento Police Department at 277-6079.

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