Crime Tips

A note from our COP chairman

From Thanksgiving thru the end of the Holidays is the period of max crime
throughout Baltimore County...Including Chartley.  The County has issued
some Holiday Safety Tips that I think are excellent and that should be
shared.  I would like to encourage you to click on the link in the message
below and read the tips provided.  We are also going to post them on our
website.

Several years ago, CHA also posted some excellent safety tips on our website
which I would  encourage you to read. They are listed below.

Finally, please feel free to share these tips with family memebers, friends,
and neighbors.  Perhaps sharing these safety tips with others can help them
to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Additional tips can be found at http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/holiday_crimeprev.html


Thanks,

Dave

General Tips

• Always be alert to your surroundings.
• Always call 911 immediately if you see a suspicious person or vehicle in your neighborhood.
• Keep inside lights, television, or radio turned on if away from home for even a few hours.  The use of programmable timers is also recommended particularly if you are going to be away for an extended period of time.
• Keep outside lights on after dark, preferably motion detector lighting which saves electricity.  The outside lighting should illuminate all doors, windows, and out buildings.
• Always lock all doors and windows.  Don’t forget to do the same for all cars and out buildings.
• Ask a neighbor or friend to watch your home if you are away for an extended period of time.  Never leave your keys under the doormat, planter, or in the mailbox.  Give them to the trusted friend or neighbor and always provide a number where you can be reached while you are away.
• Stop your mail and newspapers when away from home for an extended period of time.
• Reinforce the locks of sliding doors and windows by placing a bar securely in the track.
• Remove or cut back trees or shrubbery around your home that block windows or doors.
• Never give personal information to anyone you do not know and never provide such information when using a cordless telephone or cell phone.
• Avoid leaving bill payments in your mailbox for the mailman.  Take them to the post office instead.  Remember that they contain account numbers and other personal information.
• Call the Franklin Police Station Community Outreach Office at (410)-887-6985 to set up an appointment for a free home security survey.  This is an excellent opportunity to protect your home and property.

When Shopping

• Always be alert to your surroundings.
• Park your car only in well-lit areas.
• Avoid parking beside a vehicle larger or longer than your own.
• Shop in pairs or groups, particularly after dark.
• Carry a cell phone and report suspicious activity by dialing 911 immediately.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash – use debit card or credit card instead.
• Store purchased items in trunk of car or out of sight.
• Do not give your social security number to anyone – a legitimate business or organization should not need your social security number.
• Check all credit charges against your monthly credit card statement.   Immediately call your credit card company if there are suspicious charges or if you cannot reconcile your account.
• Most retailers black our all but the last four digits on account numbers on receipts.  Shred all receipts or carbon copies when finished with them.
• For extra security, consider using a separate credit card for shopping online and use that card only for that purpose.  Check all such purchases carefully against the monthly card statement. 
• Women should never place their purse in a shopping cart.  Leaving a purse in a shopping cart is an easy target for a thief.  Ideally, a purse with a shoulder strap should be used and worn under a coat.  If you have a cell phone, carry it in a coat pocket instead of leaving it in your purse.

Halloween

• Make sure your children are dressed in reflective, flame retardant clothing.
• Provide your children with a flashlight.
• Check children’s clothing for proper fit – the main cause of injuries on Halloween is from children tripping on long costumes.
• Accompany your children whenever possible.
• Have children trick-or-treat in groups.
• Have trick-or-treaters carry a cell phone if possible.
• Instruct children to observe their surroundings and avoid houses that do have outside lights on.
Inspects all treats and discard any that are not enclosed in sealed wrappers