Crime Prev.

Fair Lawn Police Department
Crime Prevention Page

Burglary Information
(from the Burglary Prevention Council)

Across the nation, a burglary happens every 15 seconds.
Most burglaries happen during July and August.
In 1997, almost 2.5 million burglaries were reported.
Almost 1/3 of those burglaries were made without forced entry.
Two thirds of the reported burglaries are residential

What Can A Homeowner Do????

Most burglaries are "Crimes of Opportunity". The Fair Lawn Police Department is committed to working with their residents and business owners to take away the opportunity and make Fair Lawn a safer and more secure place to live and work. The F.L.P.D. Community Policing Bureau offers residents and Fair Lawn Business owners free security surveys. Call 201-794-5365 for more information or to schedule a survey.

10 Simple Steps to Safeguard Your Home

Close and lock all doors and windows before leaving, even for a short period of time.
Use automatic timers on lights, radios and televisions.
Light up the yard area. (Darkness is the burglar's best friend)
Lock up ladders, tools, and lawn furniture.
Trim trees and shrubs surrounding the home. (take away the hiding places)
Join a neighborhood watch...need to start one, call us for easy information.
Install and use an alarm system.
Inventory the home's contents and keep valuables in a safety deposit box.
Never allow strangers into your home.
Do not have spare keys to your home under the doormat, flower pot, or window ledge. It's the first place the burglar will look.

Take the "Safety Sense" quiz

Crime Prevention and Babysitting Tips

Replace locks on newly acquired residence.
Install dead bolt or pin-tumbler locks on all outside doors.
Install double cylinder locks on all outside doors that have glass panels.
Make sure all moldings fit tightly.
Doors hinged on the inside prevents removal of pins from the outside.
Install locks on all windows (and use them).
Do not keep large amounts on money and other valuables at home.
Identify party at the door before allowing entrance to your home.
Keep outside doors, garage, and tool shed locked at all times.
Remove shrubs and trees next to your house that can conceal a burglar breaking in.
Avoid revealing your address and phone number to strangers.
You make the call for strangers requesting to use your phone (do not let them in).
Coats and purses of guests should be placed in a well secured room.
Keep a written record of all your valuables. Include serial numbers.
Photograph valuables.

DO NOT CONFRONT AN INTRUDER - LEAVE AND CALL 9-1-1.

Do not enter your house if you see traces of forced entry, call the police.
When retiring for the night, do not leave money or personal valuables exposed.
Keep a nightlight on at all outside entrances.
Replace locks immediately if you lose your key.
Separate the keys of your house and auto when leaving your car in parking lot.
Do not have any identification tags on your key ring.

Going On Vacation?
(Help Burglars Take One Too!)

Create a lived in appearance to discourage intruders.
Do not leave notes on doors for delivery men. This indicates your absence.
Before leaving, make sure all windows and doors are locked.
Do not leave "hidden keys".
By leaving a key with a trusted neighbor, he/she can check your home.
Have your lawn maintained during extended absence.
Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and packages. (Don't forget about "The Shopper") during your absence.
Do not publicize your absence.
Inform the local police of your plans.
Arrange draperies, blinds, and shades in normal position.
If you have an alarm system, set it before you leave.
Use timers for a radio and lights.
Inform your trusted neighbor where you can be reached.
Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages.
Check you answering machine messages periodically. Long waits or tones on a machine full of messages indicates that it hasn't been checked.
Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
Don't forget about your pets and there access to the home ("doggy doors")

BABYSITTING TIPS

Responsibility!

Take your babysitting job seriously. A large part of your job is responsibility. You must be responsible in protecting yourself as well as the children you will be taking care of. Know your employer before you take the job. If this is the first time you will be working for this person, check their references. You can be sure that they are checking yours.

Before accepting the job, get specific instructions about the number and ages of children, bed times, foods, medicines, television limits, other information about personal habits, and what is expected of you. Ask if they have any family pets. It would be beneficial to know that they have a pet so you will not be surprised when you arrive.

When you accept a job, arrive early to confirm all of this information and get any additional instructions. When you accept a job, keep your appointments. It is very difficult to make arrangements for a babysitter at the last minute.

Learning first aid procedures before you take on babysitting jobs will help prepare you for emergencies and may save a life. Many of these courses are offered locally.

When you are babysitting:

DO NOT allow anyone into the house (including your friends) unless your employer specifically gives you permission to do so.

DO NOT DO NOT tell a caller that you are the babysitter alone with the children. Take a message and tell them that the employer will return the call when they are available.

DO NOT DO NOT go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and call the police. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked.

DO NOT DO NOT spend an excessive amount of time on the phone. The employer may be trying to call home.

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1

Checklist for Babysitters

Name, address and phone number of employer (where you are at)
Directions to job location
Transportation arranged for you to get to job and return home
Location and phone number where employer can be reached in case of emergency (pager and cell phone numbers as well)
Alternate person to contact for emergency if employer cannot be reached
Special instructions from employer
Locations and instructions on use for safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies
Walk through house with employer to ensure all doors and windows are locked
Outside lights on
Emergency numbers and note taking materials by the telephone

The Fair Lawn Health Department frequently offers a seminar for babysitters. Many of the things listed here will be discussed in more detail. The seminar is free and is held in the Fair Lawn Library. For more information on this seminar, call the Fair Lawn Health Department at (201) 794-5329.

Additional crime prevention is available through United Against Crime and the National Crime Prevention Council.

For more information on Crime Prevention, contact the Fair Lawn Police Department's Community Policing Bureau at (201) 794-5365 or e-mail us.