Neighborhood Safety
As Lone Tree continues to grow, maintaining a safe and secure community remains a top priority for the Police Department. Here are practical safety tips to help you protect your home and vehicles.
Deter Theft in Your Home
Thieves break into homes by simply entering through doors, windows or open garages. Sometimes thieves will go door to door looking for unoccupied homes. If an unidentified person comes to your door, take precautions before you open your door. Never open the door to someone you do not know and always ask for identification.
- Doors and locks. Thieves can break into your home through locked and unlocked doors and windows. Lock all doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. The front or back door is the most common point of entry.
- Windows. Unlocked windows, including in the basement, are frequent points of entry.
- Garage doors. Keep your garage closed and locked, including the door always leading from the garage to your home and any side doors. The door from the garage into the house also deserves a deadbolt.
- Keys and key chains
Do not hide keys outside your home
- Light it up. Exterior lights (especially the ones that are activated by motion) are a great deterrent to thieves. Use lights on timers in your home, especially when away making your home look occupied.
Deter Theft of Your Vehicles and Valuables
With thieves increasingly targeting vehicles in neighborhoods, taking proactive measures is more important than ever. Vehicles left unguarded and valuables left in plain sight are prime targets for opportunistic criminals.
- Lock Your Vehicle. Always lock your car doors and secure windows.
- Remove valuables. Never leave valuables such as electronics, bags, or personal items in plain sight inside your vehicle. Store these items in the trunk or take them inside your home.
- Secure the Garage. Ensure that your garage door closes securely. Check that all side doors and windows to the garage are also locked.
- Install Motion-Sensor Lights. Place motion-sensor lights around your driveway and garage area. This can deter criminal activity by illuminating the area when movement is detected.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas. When parking outside, choose well-lit, busy areas or within sight of your home. Avoid parking in secluded or poorly lit areas.
- Use a Steering Wheel Lock. A visible steering wheel lock can deter thieves.
- Install a Vehicle Tracking System. GPS tracking devices can help locate your car if it is stolen.
- Keep your keys secure. Never leave your car keys inside the vehicle.
- Engage Your Alarm System. Ensure that your car’s alarm system is activated whenever you leave it unattended.