As we enter the holiday shopping season, the Southern Pines Police Department is offering Moore County residents important crime prevention tips. 

Burglars and thieves go through neighborhoods looking for uncut lawns and stuffed mailboxes,” said the Southern Pines Police Department in a news release.  “In the evening, they look for darkened houses or lights that have been left on too long. Thieves also look to enter and steal valuables from unoccupied vehicles in shopping center parking lots and steal packages left on porches and outside garage entrances. The following burglary, theft and vehicle “break in” prevention tips will help to make you and your family safer while also showing you how to become a part of the police partnership.”

BURGLARY BASICS:

~ Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

~ Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short
time, lock your doors.

~ Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

~Keep your garage door closed and locked. Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary. Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors. An alarm system is another way to protect your home.

~ Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

~ Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

~ Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

VEHICLE BREAK IN BASICS:

~ Did you know it takes less than 20 seconds for a thief to break into your car and steal you personal belongings?

~ Never leave items such as purses, electronics, money, or jewelry in plain view in the vehicle.

~ Always lock your vehicles and hide/remove any valuables while unattended.

PACKAGE THEFT PREVENTION BASICS:

~ Sign up for delivery alerts from the vendor you purchased items from.

~ Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to retrieve delivered packages from your doorstep.

~If permissible from your employer, have packages delivered to your place of employment.

~ Place a hold on packages so they can be picked up at a delivery center.

~ Install security cameras at the points of entry to your residence.

DON’T TEMPT A THIEF:

~Lawn equipment, barbeque grills, bicycles and other valuables are best stored out of sight. Always lock your
garden sheds and garages and use curtains on garage and basement windows. Never leave notes on your door
such as “Gone shopping.” Be sure to lock your vehicles and conceal anything valuable you leave in the vehicle
if it cannot be removed.

“The most important thing you can do is call the police to report a crime or any suspicious activity at 910-692-7031 or 911,” said the department. “You are the eyes of your neighborhood. Please remember, you can always remain anonymous when calling local law enforcement.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email