May Safety Tips

From Pam McCreary (D1 Crime Prevention Coordinator):

I have had reports about solicitors working in neighborhoods to sell various products and services. At this time of year, there seems to be an increase in door knocking and some of what is being "sold" are home security systems. I have done extensive tracking of this in the past, and found that the people I was checking on were legitimate solicitors of these systems. The catch was that they were selling their "no name" product door to door. When you make a decision to invest in a system for your home, YOU take the lead on which reputable company will install the system. Ask friends and family who have systems which company they use and whether they are satisfied. One of the things many people fail to do is find out how the system works. Who does the company call if the alarm is activated - you, the police, or others? And how much time does the response take? If your telephone line is disabled, do you have a back-up to the system? Do your homework before signing on the dotted line - and choose wisely. It is better to have a good system on all points than just a cheap one!

No "Urgently Asking" Please: You are the only one who can determine the best way to handle solicitors at your door. Some people prefer to not even answer the door for strangers, and others open their doors to anyone. Just keep in mind that if you do open your door, you should not let a stranger into your home.

Avoid solicitors by making a sign for your from door that reads "No Soliciting, No Petitioning, and No Marketing." Many people have a "No Soliciting" sign and they still get people knocking who claim they are not selling anything. In truth, the definition of soliciting is "urgently asking", so the term should cover almost anyone who approaches your door asking for anything. Remember, it is YOUR home, so YOU decide whether or not to open the door, who you will talk to, and when to end the conversation. (Note from the community organizer - keep in mind that community meeting notices are often left as flyers at your home - if you want to be notified of these events, you need to be willing to tolerate SOME approaches... )

May Security Tip: As you start to get your yard in order this May, don't leave your garden tools outside overnight. Keep in mind burglary is a crime of opportunity: don't give someone walking by the opportunity to break you garage window with the nice shovel leaning against it. Keeping a tidy yard is just one way to help keep your home and your family safe. Another is to not leave your doors unlocked when you are out in the yard. When we get busy and involved with the work, we can easily miss someone watching us to take the opportunity to slip into the house, take what they want, and be on their way without being noticed. It happens every year to residents, don't be one of them - lock up and be safe!