Summer is a wonderful time of the year, so here are some crime prevention tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim of warm weather crimes.

Home & Yard Security

• If you are working in your yard, lock the front and back doors to your house. People who do yard work rarely stay in the front or back yards, they are usually all over.
• Don't keep ladders or other equipment in your yard that could be used to gain access to your home.
• Keep shrubs, bushes, and hedges trimmed to a height of three feet or less.
• Solid fences can prevent neighbors from watching out for each other.
• Consider limiting the height of your solid fence or choose a chain link fence.
• Call 911 if you see suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood. This includes strangers looking into garages or vehicles.

Preventing Bicycle Theft

• Be sure to lock your bicycle to a stationary object.
• The best locking devices are a hardened steel, u-shaped lock or a case hardened chain at least 3/8" thick.

Garage Security

• If you are not working in your garage, the garage doors should be closed and locked. All windows should be covered.
• Keep lawn mowers, bicycles, ladders, and other valuable items in a locked garage.
• Secure the service door with a medium or heavy-duty deadbolt lock and maximum security strike plate.