Crime Prevention

Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. If you take away the opportunity, you reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Whether it is personal safety or residential safety, all too often a couple changes in our habits, behaviors, or home security can keep us from becoming victims of crime. When trying to reduce crime and protect yourself, answer the following questions to see if you are truly safe or unknowingly making yourself a victim.

• How am I carrying my purse, wallet, or backpack?
• Is it easy for someone to grab it and run away?
• Is my car locked? Have I left anything of value in plain sight for a potential thief?
• Am I paying attention to my surroundings? Do I know what is going on around me?
• Am I predictable in my daily activities? Do I vary my routine from time to time?
• Do I have good locks on my home? Do I have good outside lighting?
• Is my landscaping making it easy for someone to hide or break in my home?

By just answering these simply questions, you can decide if you are reasonably safe from crime, or if you need to make some changes. All too often, crime prevention is never sought until after we become victimized. Don’t become a victim of crime. Be proactive. Take action now.

For more information, or to request a guest speaker on crime prevention, contact the Public Information Officer at (262)635-7772, or use the
Ask an Officer web form.