Neighborhood Watch

Burglary Prevention Tips

Please implement the following tips to minimize your chances of becoming a burglary victim.

• Make sure All doors and windows are secured before leaving.
• If your residence is not occupied for several days, arrange for a friend or neighbor you know to pick up your mail or fliers that may be left outside the residence. If you are unable to make the necessary arrangements, cancel your paper and mail deliveries.
• Inform the Hampton Police Division when you are leaving and when you plan to return so your home can be checked on periodically.
• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to check your home periodically while you are away.
• If your home is not occupied for several days or an extended period of time leave your TV and/or radio on with volume turned low, even for short periods. You can also leave different lights turned on and off, and periodically open and close drapes to make your home appear occupied.
• Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors such as locking pin, charley bar, or wood/metal rod.
• Use highly visible alarm decals or a "Beware of Dog" decal (even if you do not have either). Remember-- you want to deter the crime.
• Keep bushes, trees, and shrubbery trimmed back so that no one can hide behind them.
• Advise your complex's management of any street lights that are out and inform management if you are leaving for an extended period of time.
• Set a date for a Neighborhood Watch meeting by calling Cpl. Kincaid at 727-6015.
• Contact the Hampton Police Division to have a home security survey conducted at no cost.

These simple tips may prevent you from being a victim!

For assistance please contact:
Hampton Police Division
Community Relations Unit
40 Lincoln Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
757-727-6574

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Robbery Prevention & Personal Safety

BE ALERT WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

• Don't go out alone. (After dark)
• Be careful how you carry your purse and wallet.
• Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
• Keep car doors locked when traveling, whether you are a passenger or driver.
• If someone makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
• If you are confronted by a robber, give them what they ask for. DO NOT fight the assailant.
• When coming home late at night, leave as many outside lights on as possible.

WHEN APPROACHING YOUR VEHICLE

• Check the area of the parking lot for people "HANGING" around.
• Be alert in parking lots and parking garages, park near an entrance.
• At night, park in well lighted areas.
• Secure all packages, clothing, etc.
• Don't park near concealment
• Keep your eyes open and pay attention!! You can check your phone and look through your bags later.
• Have the keys in your hand.
• Be ready to defend yourself.
• Look under and around your car as you approach it.
• Ensure the trunk and doors are still locked.
• Check the back seat before unlocking the door.

*** The Hampton Police Division would also like to remind ALL residents to always lock your doors and windows and to turn on any outdoor lighting! These simple tips may prevent you from being a victim!

For assistance please contact:
Hampton Police Division
Community Relations Unit
40 Lincoln Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
757-727-6574

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Personal Safety - "I CAN"

"I can make a difference in my community" BE ALERT WHEN OUT AND ABOUT

• Don't go out alone. (After dark)
• Be careful how you carry your purse and wallet.
• Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
• Use direct deposit for money coming to you.
• Keep car doors locked, whether you are a passenger or driver.
• Be alert in parking lots and parking garages, park near an entrance.
• If someone makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE AND SECURE

• Install good locks on doors and windows and use them.
• Don't hide keys in mailboxes, planters or under doormats.
• Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people.
• Be sure your street address is visible from the street.

WATCH OUT FOR CON ARTISTS

• Do not fall for anything that sounds too good to be true.
• Never give your credit card number, bank account number, and social security number to anyone over the telephone.
• Do not let anyone rush you into signing anything or buying anything.
• Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
• If you are suspicious, check it out with the police, Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection office. You can also call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060.
• Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people.
• Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies and to be monitored by a central station.

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WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL THE POLICE?

Calling the police is always a good idea when you want to get involved in crime prevention. But sometimes calling the police or other authorities is more than a good idea-it is a must.

Surprisingly, many people hesitate to call the police out of fear of getting involved, or of being identified, or even of fear of sounding silly or overly-suspicious. But the police need and want your help in preventing crime.

What happens to me when I call the police?
Naturally, the police need to know as much as possible when they deal with actual or suspected criminal activity. When you call, the police operator will take as much information as is required to be able to send police to deal with the situation. But more information may be needed later, or facts may need to be checked out, so always leave your telephone number with the police. You can still remain anonymous. This means that your number will not be made known to police. Simply tell the person to whom you are reporting that you wish to remain anonymous and your privacy will be respected.

SOME EXAMPLES OF CALLS THAT REQUIRE THE POLICE:

• Anything that looks suspicious
• Unwanted guest or trespassing
• Loitering in the parking lots or in front of businesses. Examples: Skateboarders, bike riding blocking the sidewalks, and panhandlers
• Door to door solicitation
• Vehicles left in the parking lot for days or weeks
• Suspicious subjects casing the area on foot or vehicles
• Anytime and every time you suspect that something is wrong, suspicious, dangerous, criminal or possible trouble has occurred, is occurring or about to occur.
• The sound of breaking glass

Hampton Police Division
Community Relations Unit

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