Everyday Safety Tips

Be aware! That is sound advice for those wanting to deter crimes in their neighborhood. Crime can happen at any time, day or night. It is important for homeowners to take steps to deter crime. It is also important for neighbors to watch out for each other. Vigilance is imperative. Below are tips each household can easily implement.

Everyday Crime Prevention Tips

  • ALWAYS set the burglar alarm - even when leaving home for only a short period of time. An alarm may chase off a burglar before he gets inside your home.
  • Leave lights on automatic timers.
  • Burglars like to work quickly. Use locks on all doors and windows.
  • Sliding glass doors should be secured with a bar or track locks (if they would not prevent emergency exit).
  • Go through each room and inventory your possessions, including serial numbers.
  • Take pictures of your valuables. Leave the pictures and inventory in a safe place such as a safe deposit box or with a friend.
  • Be sure valuables (artwork, jewelry, and electronics) are not visible from the street.
  • Do not leave laptops, purses and other valuables near the door upon returning home.
  • Get to know your neighbors and watch each others’ homes.
  • Be aware! Report all suspicious vehicles and persons immediately.

Vacation Crime Prevention Tips

  • ALWAYS set the burglar alarm. Teach persons who will be in your home the proper way to set the alarm.
  • Have your mail held at the post office while you are away.
  • Stop newspaper delivery while you are gone.
  • During an extended vacation, make arrangements to have your lawn mowed.
  • Leave lights on automatic timers.
  • Contact the police department and request a “House Watch” while you are away.
  • Ask a neighbor or friend to stop by your house periodically; have them open and close blinds, turn on different lights.
  • Let your neighbors know when you are leaving and when you plan to return home and if you are expecting anybody at your house while you are away.
  • Burglars desire easy access to your home. Eliminate hiding places by ensuring all trees and shrubs are trimmed around doors and windows.
  • Exterior lights with motion sensors help protect your property.
  • Don’t place the fact you are gone on your telephone answering machine.
  • Don’t hide your keys on your property.
  • Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe hiding place, such as a safety deposit box.

Important phone numbers

  • In an Emergency: dial 9-1-1
  • For officer response call the Arapahoe County Non-Emergency dispatch number: 303-795-4711.
  • For Cherry Hills Village police administration, call 303-761-8711. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.