Emergencies:

In an emergency situation, ALWAYS call 911. Examples of an emergency are: an injured person, a fire, a car accident.

Non-Emergencies:

When faced with a non-emergency situation, you should call the police non-emergency number (above). Examples of a non-emergency are: a house break-in that took place while you were gone, a stolen motorcycle, vandalism. (It is suggested you report non-emergency situations to BOTH 911 and the non-emergency police number so all incidents are added to the county's monthly reports.)

Trespassing & Fishing Violations:

To report trespassing or fishing violations, it is strongly recommended you contact BOTH the non-emergency police number AND the Dept. of Natural Resources at the above numbers (the police tend to respond faster than DNR, but DNR has more jurisdiction over these types of violations).

What Is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is when neighbors help one another by keeping a look-out for unusual activity in the community. This is especially effective since a law enforcement officer patrolling the neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in your yard... but your neighbors would!

How Does It Work?

As you go about your daily routine, remain aware of any activities taking place around the homes to either side of you, in front of you and in back of you. That's it.

Simply by becoming familiar with who your neighbors are and what types of cars they drive, you can easily identify a stranger in a neighbor's yard or an unfamiliar vehicle in their driveway.

What To Do When You See Suspicious Activity:

1. Write down a description of the suspicious person(s) and/or get the make, model, color and license number of the strange vehicle.


NOTE: Be sure to notify the policy of any people (adults or kids) wandering around your street after reasonable hours.


2. Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!

... Do not hesitate to contact the policy about ANY unusual situation!

• Lock all doors and windows at all times (even when you are at home!)
  
  
• Keep your doors and windows clear of trees and shrubbery so they are visible from the street and to your neighbors.
  
  
• Keep your yard and house well lit at night...
  
  
  • Put lights on timers throughout your home to make it appear the house is occupied when you are not there.
    
    
  • Install security lights outside your home and leave them on at night.
  
  
• Tell trusted neighbors when you're going away for a few days and arrange for someone to collect your mail and newspapers... but do not make your travel plans well known to everyone.
  
  
• Consider installing a security system from a reputable company.
  
  
• Take notice of anyone you do not recognize who is loitering on the street, sitting in a parked car for a long period of time, or does anything that seems to be suspicious to you - and IMMEDIATELY contact 911 to report such activity.
  
  
• Keep your yard clear of tools, ladders, or anything else that could be used to gain entry to your home. Also make sure all sports equipment, childrens toys, and bikes are picked up at the end of the day to avoid attracting attention.
  
  
• Immediately after you've called the police, contact the neighbors who live next to you, your neighborhood watch captain, and a member of the community association if you have a break-in. This alerts the community to the incident, as well as to be on the lookout for anyone matching the descriptions of the suspects and their vehicles.
  
  
• Keep records of all valuable or expensive belongings, including furniture, jewelry, etc. Take photos of these items and, whenever possible, engrave them with your driver's license number. Be sure to position valuable items in your rooms so they are not visible through windows.

What To Do When You Go Away:

Be sure to give the following information to a trusted friend or neighbor...

1. Where you are going.
   
   
2. How you can be reached in case of an emergency.
   
   
3. When you expect to return.
   
   
4. If anybody will be at your home while you are away (a pet sitter, gardener, repairman, etc.).

Also, be sure to...

• Stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to collect them for you.
  
  
• Make arrangements to have your grass cut and watered while you are gone.
  
  
• Store any cash and valuables in a bank safety deposit box.
  
  
• Arrange for a neighbor to watch your house... give them a key, and let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
  
  
• Notify the police department that your house will be vacant.

What To Do When Your Neighbors Are Away:

• Know exactly when your neighbors are leaving and when they will return.
  
  
• Collect any newspapers, mail and advertising circulars that are delivered.
  
  
• Make a daily check of the premises, inspecting all windows and doors.
  
  
• Do not tell any inquiring strangers that your neighbors are away on a trip.