CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

The Mt. Horeb Police Department is committed to making our community safe for everyone. This includes citizen’s, visitors and future generations to come.

Unfortunately some will become victims of crimes, and in some cases being victimized can have long lasting negative effects on our lives. This page is designed to help you minimize your risk of becoming a victim. In many cases crimes could have been prevented if certain safety practices were in place.

In our busy lives we can become complacent at times inviting thieves to take advantage of our carelessness. Taking a few simple precautions and making them a habit can make a difference.

The Village of Mt. Horeb and its citizens are not immune to any crime. Problems and issues that are normally associated with larger cities are branching out into smaller communities. These trends are continuing to rise and are a challenge to all that encounter them.

Always lock the doors to your home, auto, and garage when you are gone.
Always put away bikes and other equipment at night.
Lock your bikes when leaving them unattended.
Lock your car when you leave it unattended.
Never leave valuables or cash in plain view in your car.
Mark your valuables with identifying marks or numbers for identification should you have them stolen.
Get to know your neighbors and cooperate in a neighborhood watch program.
Tell your close neighbor that you will be away on vacation. That way they know no one should be around your house.
Install outside lighting around your house to deter burglars.
Never leave windows open or unlocked unless you are at home.
Purchase high security locks, deadbolts, and other security items as needed.
Never leave a message on your answering machine that tells a caller you are not home.
Stop newspaper and mail delivery when going on vacation.
Notify the police department of your vacation and request a security check. This is a free service in Mount Horeb.
Never allow a stranger or an unscheduled sales person into your home.
Always ask a door to door sales person for their soliciting permit. A soliciting permit is required in Mount Horeb.
Never leave keys to your home in obvious places, such as under the front doormat or in the mailbox.
If you are going to be gone from your home for an extended period of time, consider placing your valuables in a safe deposit box.
Also consider leaving any large items such as guns with a friend or family member.
Ask a close friend or relative to house sit for you.
If you hire a house sitter, check their references.
In hiring cleaning personnel or cleaning services, check references.
Never leave jewelry, expensive items, or cash out in the open in your home.
Never toss away credit card receipts or banking paperwork without it being shredded.
Never give your credit card number out to a sales person if you are unsure they are a legitimate business.
Ask a telephone sales solicitor for a call back number. If they refuse to give you the number, they may not be legitimate.
Always check references on contractors who promise one day only deals on prices and/or services.
When walking alone, walk in lit areas.
Walk in visible open areas.
Take a friend along when you walk or bike.
Tell a family member where you are going and when you will be back.
Vary the routes and times that you walk. Do not follow the same walking/biking routine.
When approached by a fellow jogger, biker or walker, be aware of your surroundings.
If you feel that you are being followed, go to the nearest open business or well lit payphone and call the police.
Do not leave a well lit area or open area in an attempt to get away from the suspect.
Report anyone or anything suspicious when it occurs.
Keep your keys in your hand and be aware of your surroundings when you are going to your car. Do not stand at the door looking and digging for a set of keys.
Place packages and other items in the trunk of your car out of view.
Go shopping during daylight hours.
Park near the front door of the store and avoid dark and isolated parking areas.
Again, take a friend along.

Please feel free to contact the Mt. Horeb Police Department for additional information regarding crime prevention. The tips listed above are intended to help you reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Crime prevention works if we take the time to examine our surroundings and complete additional steps to insure our safety and the safety of those around us.