Spring Crime Prevention Strategies

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, the Baltimore County Police Department is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to prevent crime this spring, by taking the following precautions:

• Keep doors locked at all times. If you are working in the backyard, keep your front door and garage door closed and locked; lock your back door when you are in the front yard. If you plan to runout, lock up before you leave home.
• Lock and close windows and sliding glass doors before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Securely store ladders, tools, lawnmowers, and bikes in a storage area or shed that is locked.
• Roll up your car windows and remove valuables from the vehicle. Keep vehicles locked even when parked in the driveway.
• Reassess and update security systems and outdoor lighting. Ensure cameras are working and pointed in the right direction. Check for firmware updates for your security system.
• Prevent crime through environmental design. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) focuses on developing an environment that reduces the possibility of opportunistic crime. CPTED can involve trimming back trees and overgrown shrubs that may block windows or provide cover for a criminal. The objective is to keep sightlines open to ensure adequate observation. Consider planting prickly foliage such as barberry, holly, or rose bushes beneath windows and around perimeters.
• Be aware of home improvement scams. If you did not solicit a contractor or salesman, do not do business with one who appears at your door. Always verify the legitimacy of the company or business before engaging with them.
• Lastly, remember being a good neighbor can often be one of the best crime prevention tools. Watchful, attentive neighbors can identify activity that is out of the ordinary in the area and report it.

The Baltimore County Police Department provides free residential security surveys. To learn more go to the following link: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/news/2023/04/27/baltimore-county-police-conduct-security-surveys-for-residents-and-local-business-owners