Information provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – A personal message from Sheriff Weaver

October is national crime prevention month. Even though we need to practice good crime prevention common sense all year round, take the time this month to really think about what you can do personally to help prevent crime. If you haven’t done so already start talking to your kids about their own crime prevention responsibilities. Here are a few topics to get you started:

Preventing theft of personal portable electronics:

Don’t show off your property.

Keep electronic devices hidden from view when not in use.

Don’t make yourself a target. When using cell phones or music players in public, stay alert to what else is going on.

Leave valuables at home. If you don’t absolutely need one of your portable electronics during the school day, you should leave them at home. Schools don’t accept responsibility for stolen personal property.

Never leave valuables unattended. Most items are stolen because they are left unattended. Tossing a backpack on a table while getting in the lunch line or leaving it on the bench next to a gym locker may lead to theft of the back pack or something inside it. Ask a friend to watch your things until you return.

Report the theft immediately. This may help in the recovery of the item.

It is also very important to keep a record of the valuables you take to school. This includes each item’s color, make, model, serial number, and other identifying information.

Are your children home alone?

Like many parents who have to work, you might be anxious about your child’s safety if they are left alone at home. By following some simple safeguards, you will feel more at ease and worry less while you are at work.

First, make sure your children are old enough and mature enough to care for themselves.

Teach them basic safety rules.

Know the three “W’s”: Where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with.

Do you trust your child to go straight home after school?

Make sure your child can use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances.

Remind your child that they must follow the rules.

Can your child handle unexpected situations without panicking?

Make sure they can stay alone without being afraid.

Teach them to check in with you immediately after arriving home.

Instruct them how to dial 9-1-1.

Make sure they know not to open the door or let anyone in without your permission.

Have them carry a house key in a safe place. Do not leave it under the mat or on the ledge outside the house.

Remind your child not to enter the house if things do not look right—a broken window, ripped screen, or open door.

Make sure your child knows how to get out of the house in case of a fire or other emergency.

For more information on these two topics and many others, visit the National Crime Prevention Council website at www.ncpc.org.