Riverton Police Department Crime Prevention Tips

 

•  Make sure all locks and deadbolts are correctly installed.

 

•  Your answering machine greeting should state you are not available to take the call.  It should never say you are not at home.

 

•  Never allow strangers into your home without checking their identification first.

 

•  Photocopy everything in your wallet (ID, credit cards, etc.) so if your wallet is ever stolen, you have an accurate record of its contents.

 

•  Install outdoor lighting to keep your property well lit.

 

•  Keep shrubbery away from your windows to discourage intruders from entering your property.

 

•  Do not leave windows open.

 

•  Maintain a Personal Property Report (see below)

 

•  Lock all doors and windows to your home and any other buildings on your property (garages/sheds).

 

•  Do not leave ladders and tools outside of your house. 

 

•  When you will not be home for an extended period of time, keep lights and radios on timers in rooms that are not easily visible while you’re away.  This prevents burglars from seeing if a room is empty, and it also gives your house a “lived-in” look while you are away.

 

•  Answering machines should not state you are on vacation.

 

•  Vacation dates should not be noted on your calendar(s).

 

•  Ask your neighbors to watch your house while you’re away.  Have them bring in your mail and your newspapers.

 

•  Contact the Riverton Police Department to let us know you’ll be away so we can perform property checks while you are gone.

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY REPORT

 

It is always a good idea to take inventory of your personal property and belongings, and maintain a written property report in case you are the victim of a crime.  A property report helps you keep track of the items in your home.  In the event someone breaks into your house, this report helps you know what items are missing.  If possible, you should record the item make and manufacturer, serial numbers, distinguishing characteristics, etc.  This also helps the police identify your items if they are recovered. 

 

1.  IS IT WORTH MAKING A PROPERTY REPORT?

 

The FBI states that a burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the United States and that police only clear abut 13% of all the reported burglaries.  You can help the police by giving them as much information as possible to find your belongings and to put the burglar behind bars.

 

2.  WHAT TYPE OF BELONGINGS SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY PROPERTY REPORT?

 

You want to list any jewelry furs, silver, paintings, guns, cameras, collectibles, credit cards (with the company and the card number), electronics and other valuables. 

 

3.  WHAT DO I DO WITH THE PROPERTY REPORT AFTER COMPLETING IT?

 

You should keep your report in a safe spot such as a safe deposit box or other lock-box.  It is also beneficial to take photographs of your valuable items for ease of identification.