Are you looking for ways to make your neighborhood safer? Perhaps you’ve noticed some suspicious activity lately, and you’re concerned. It’s good that you care about your neighborhood and want to make it a safe place. The good news is there are plenty of ways to improve your neighborhood’s security. You can do it on your own and by partnering up with other neighbors. To keep your neighborhood safe now and in the future, here are a few tips to reduce neighborhood crime.
1. Report Suspicious Activity
If there’s ever any suspicious activity going on in your neighborhood, it’s best to call the authorities. An example of suspicious activity is if you see someone trying to break into a house. Or, a stranger is talking to a child. In those cases, it’d be wise to call the police.
At times, some situations aren’t that black and white. If a problem like this arises, check to see online what your city constitutes as an emergency.
You can also call the police department directly. Getting them involved will remind suspicious characters not to mess with your neighborhood.
2. Don’t Hide Valuables in Easy to Find Locations
Contrary to what people may think, hiding your valuables in a dresser drawer or freezer isn’t a good idea. In all actuality, it may be one of the first places a burglar may look!
Instead of stashing your valuables in typical locations, invest in a safe that’s not easy to move. There, you can stash valuables like cash and jewelry. If you feel like being more creative, here are some ideas that might work as well.
Side note: Keep in mind that it’s best not to have too much cash in your house. If you were to get a lot stolen, it could be a big financial hit. So, try to prevent that by not having that much cash in your house.
3. Leave a Car Parked in the Driveway
You may go on the occasional trip or day trip. If there’s another car, leave it in your driveway. Doing this is an easy way to scare away potential intruders. It tricks them into thinking that someone is home.
Besides leaving your car in the driveaway, ask neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. They could also take your trash cans out on trash day to make it seem like you’re there.
4. Hire a Security Guard
Hiring a security guard to watch over your property can also reduce crime.
A security guard can keep an eye on your home while being either armed or unarmed. They’re trained to apprehend any intruders and stop them from harming property.
If they catch someone trying to steal, they can also handle turning them over to the police.
Neighbors will likely love that you have a security guard. Naturally, having a guard will keep their homes safe as well. After all, no one wants to mess with a neighborhood that has security guards posted!
5. Make it Difficult for Burglars to Enter
Making it challenging for a burglar to enter your house is also effective. The more time-consuming it is for them to break into your home, the less likely they will attempt to do it.
Try installing deadbolts on doors and locks and bars on windows. It’ll be difficult for them to get inside when it’s so time-consuming!
Burglars want to be in and out of a house quickly. So having things like added deadbolts should keep them away.
6. Encourage Neighbors to Install Security Systems
To reduce crime, it’s ideal when a neighborhood works together. You can do that by encouraging one another to keep a lookout for suspicious activity. And another way to keep everyone safe is by installing security systems.
There are four types of security systems:
- Monitored Security Systems.
- Unmonitored Security Systems.
- Wireless Security Alarm Systems.
- Wired Home Security Systems.
Find out which security system works best for you. Then, after getting one installed, share your knowledge with your neighbors. The more security you have, the less likely crime will take place.
7. Keep Your Neighborhood Clean
Make an effort to keep things clean and organized at your house. Doing this will show that the house isn’t vacant and that you care about its appearance.
Another idea is to have a neighborhood clean-up party. Together, you can all clear out trash and other random items.
The cleaner a neighborhood looks, the better. An attractive neighborhood shows intruders you care and that it’s not an easy place to target.
Conclusion
With everyone concentrating on reducing crime, your efforts should make a difference. Luckily there are many ways to deter burglars and other suspicious activity.
It’s wise to keep in close communication with your neighbors. You should all watch out for one another’s properties.
All in all, making security a priority will ensure you all live in a happy and secure neighborhood.