Summer is here and that means nice weather, vacations and being outdoors. Summer is the perfect time for a family break, but criminals don’t take time off. Residents can avoid becoming a victim to lurking criminals by staying alert and following a few basic prevention measures to ensure it’s a great summer. Always be alert and call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood.  

Protecting Your Home 

• When you are away from home, keep the doors and windows in your home locked, even if you are only leaving your home for a few minutes. If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and play music or a television so your home appears to be occupied.  
• Make sure the doors and windows in garages and sheds are locked.  
• When at home with your doors open, always keep your screen doors locked.  
• If you are outside doing yard work, don’t make it easy for a criminal. Do not leave your doors unlocked or visibly opened, especially if you cannot see them from where you are working. Make sure that you lock up all your garden tools, power tools, lawnmowers, and ladders.  
• Installing exterior motion sensor lighting can aide in deterring crime. 
• When you are planning for your vacation, have your mail and newspapers stopped or have a neighbor pick them up. Turn on inside lights to create the impression that your home is occupied. If you are gone for a long period of time, make sure to have someone mow your lawn. Do not leave any posts on social media sites indicating that you are on vacation.  
• Do not hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, under door mats, or above door ledges.  

Request a Property Watch from the Lone Tree Police Department  

If you are a resident of Lone Tree and are planning to be away on vacation, you may request increased patrols of your home and your street while you are away. If an issue is detected, the officer will attempt to notify you or your designated caretaker. Visit cityoflonetree.com or call the Police Department at 303-799-0533.  

Protecting Your Vehicle 

• Park in secure, well-lit locations where your vehicle can be seen. Avoid isolated areas and park near locations frequently used by pedestrians.  
• Roll up all windows and lock all doors.  
• If your vehicle has an alarm system, activate it.  
• Install anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locking devices.  
• Remove your personal property and place items in the trunk before you arrive at your location. Do not leave valuables or cash in your vehicle.  

For more information on neighborhood safety in Lone Tree, please reach out to the Community Partnership Unit at cpu@cityoflonetree.com.