Crime prevention was traditionally thought to be the sole responsibility of local law enforcement agencies, but the concept of community policing has dramatically changed that philosophy. Partnerships between police and the residents they serve have helped empower people to take active roles in crime prevention in their neighborhoods.

Castle Pines North (CPN) is a low crime area, and residents play an important part in maintaining that statistic. Neighbors watch out for each other and are quick to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to the Sheriff’s Office. They take precautions to keep their homes safe, such as locking doors and windows – even when they are at home; keeping garage doors closed when not in use; and keeping the exterior of their houses well lit at night. These simple steps help to keep the community of CPN a safe place to live.

With nicer weather around the corner and with day-light savings in effect, residents will be outside more and staying out later. People will be coming into neighborhoods visiting friends, looking at homes for sale, and shopping at garage sales. Kids will be out on bikes and pet owners will be walking their dogs. The activity level in residential neighborhoods will increase, and as a result so should homeowners’ awareness. Staying alert and continuing to take precautions to maintain security can be the keys to continued safety!

Here are some things residents can do to help prevent becoming a victim:

At Home

Never open the front door automatically after a knock. Use a peephole and ask for identification.
If a stranger asks to use the phone, do not permit entry into the home. Offer to call for emergency assistance for them.
If a window or door has been forced open while the homeowner was gone, do NOT enter or call out. Use a neighbor’s phone and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Always close and lock garage doors before driving away.
Never leave keys in the front door – even for a minute – after opening it.
Don’t place keys or a purse down just inside the door while carrying packages inside.
Make sure every external door has a sturdy deadbolt with a minimum of 1 ½” bolt.
Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available locks or with a wooden dowel in the track.
Make sure windows are of good quality and have equally strong locks. Don’t forget about the basement windows.
Never hide keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Give a spare key to a trustworthy neighbor.
Have locks changed on a new residence.
Trim shrubbery that hides doors and windows. Cut tree limbs that could help an intruder climb into a window.
Turn on outside lights after dark to illuminate porches, entrances and yards – front and back. Consider timers that turn on automatically.
Install motion-sensor lighting on the exterior of the home.
Clearly display house number so police and emergency vehicles can find the home quickly.

Away From Home

Always be alert to surroundings and the people around.
Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
Make eye contact with people when walking.
Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide.
Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street – continue walking.
Do not overload arms with packages.

In the Car

Always lock car doors after entering or leaving vehicle.
Check the back seat before getting into the car.
Park in well-lit areas.
Think you are being followed? Drive to a well-lit public place.
If the car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay in the car and ask them to call local law enforcement.
Don’t stop to aid other motorists. Go to a phone and request help for them.
When being driven home, request the driver wait until you are inside.
Don’t leave packages, cell phones, purses or briefcases on the seat or in plain view when away from the car.
Get keys out and ready before walking to the car.

In The Office

Never leave wallets in plain view in a pocket of a jacket hanging on a door.
Mark personal property with some type of identification.
Don’t leave cash or other valuables in the desk.
When riding in an elevator with another person, stand by the control panel. If attacked, press the alarm and as many of the control buttons as you can.
Be alert to pickpockets on crowded elevators.
If you work outside of normal business hours, keep the office door locked.
Be aware of exits and escape routes at the office and have emergency numbers easily accessible and posted.

Source Information:

Douglas County Emergency

Preparedness Guide 2003-2004