Residential Burglary Prevention Tips
Lock Before You Leave
Your safety is of the utmost importance to the Tallahassee Police Department. The majority of auto and residential burglaries reported to the Tallahassee Police Department listed "No Force" as the means of entry. Despite the awareness campaigns, we continue to see this trend in 2008. The Tallahassee Police Department Crime Prevention Unit offers the following safety tips to assist you.
TPD asks you to remember to
- Make sure all exterior doors and windows are properly closed and locked when you leave. Many burglaries occur because people do not fully close the door. Most burglaries are a crime of opportunity! An unlocked or opened door or window can easily provide this opportunity. Garage doors should also
be closed and locked. - Stop your mail and paper or have a trusted neighbor collect them for you.
- Make sure interior lights and electronics are on timers. This will give your home the appearance of being occupied. Exterior lighting can usually be equipped with a photocell that will activate lighting automatically.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area. Valuables left in plain view only entice burglars. Remove all items from the vehicle (CD's, backpacks, cell phones, purses, currency).
- Have someone you know check on your vehicle and home. Leave emergency contact information with someone you trust. If you live in an apartment, contact your apartment manager or leasing agent to let them know you are leaving town. Let them know how to contact you in case of an emergency.
- Contact the police department and request an Extra Protection for your address.
Reducing the current burglary trend is our primary focus. Don't become a statistic!!
Help Us Help You!!
Simply, ... Lock Before You Leave!
For more information on Crime Prevention Programs and Services, contact the Unit at
(850) 891-4251 or via email