Crime Prevention Tips

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Crime?

Be active in keeping yourself, your family and your community safe from unsafe situations.

Participate in school, community, and police- sponsored crime prevention programs, such as Neighborhood Watch. To learn more, view Neighborhood Watch Page.

Attend community prevention education presentations regarding personal safety, bike safety, fraud, scams, and identity theft offered by the Hopkins police department throughout the year.

If you'd like to schedule a presentation, contact Police Services Liaison, Anne Marie Buck.

Everyday Tips

Crime prevention is not just a now and then thing, it is an everyday thing. Crime can occur on any day, in any neighborhood, at any given time.

Many crimes can be prevented if you:

  • Trust your instincts.
    • If you suspect something is wrong, or if a situation seems dangerous, you may be right! Don't dismiss suspicious people, cars or situations. Report them immediately.
  • Avoid dangerous situations.
    • Don't invite trouble. Use your best judgment about where you go and what you do.

At Home

  • Don't give out personal information, such as your name or address. If you have an answering machine, use it to screen unwanted calls.
  • Buy quality deadbolts and use them! Re-key all exterior locks when moving into a new home.
  • Don't hide keys under the doormat or anywhere outside. They're too easily found.
  • Never allow a stranger access to your home to use the phone - even if they claim it's an emergency. Speak to them through your locked door and offer to make the call for them.
  • Turn on outside lights to deter burglars. When you're going away on a trip, use a timer to turn lights on and off.
  • Keep your doors locked even when you're home. Lock the front door when working in the back yard and the back door when working in the front yard.

Walking

  • Plan and use the safest and most direct route.
  • At night, stay on well-lighted streets; avoid doorways, shrubbery, dark shadows near buildings and other potential hiding places - carry a flashlight.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings; look confident and purposeful.
  • Become familiar with businesses that are open late.
  • If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there are other people.
  • Carry your keys and money in a pocket, not in a purse or wallet.
  • If possible, walk with a friend, particularly at night.

In Your Car

  • Drive with car doors locked and windows closed.
  • Keep your wallet, purse and valuables out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.
  • If you see another motorist in trouble, do not stop. Call the police for assistance.
  • Park in well-lighted areas. Look around you before you get out of your car.
  • Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.
  • Always lock the doors, no matter how soon you plan to return.
  • When returning to your car, have the door key in hand. Look inside before you unlock the door and get in.
  • If you are being followed while driving, go to the closest police station or drive to an open business or gas station where you can safely call the police. Do not drive home or pull over to the side of the street.

Remember whether at home, out walking or in your car, report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.