The Robinson Police Department is committed to helping our citizens in all aspects of crime prevention. As such, we have officers available to discuss crime prevention methods and personal security concerns with you. If you would like to have am officer attend your neighborhood meeting, civic meeting, church meeting, etc., please contact Officer Brad Richardson at (254) 662-0525.

Below is a list of some of the basic crime prevention tips that will assist you in maintaining a safe community.

SAFETY AT YOUR FRONT DOOR

1. Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know the person's identity before letting them in.
2. If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this, do not admit him.
3. It is advisable to have a wide angle viewer (peep-hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.

HOME SAFETY

1. All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.
2. When away at night, leave some lights on.
3. Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat. These are very obvious places that could be easily compromised.
4. The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock. Most garage doors come with dual locking bolts and should be inspected often.
5. Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.
6. Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.

WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES

Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.
Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a cell phone or neighbor's phone immediately to call police.

Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO (Before you leave)

1. Lock before you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor - yourself.

HOW TO SELECT A BURGLAR ALARM

Burglars dislike noise - it attracts attention. A barking dog is the best deterrent in preventing burglaries. However, a watch dog cannot always be depended upon. some professional burglars have been known to carry delectable "dog snacks" in their pockets - and with a full stomach, some watch dogs make friends easily and forget their purpose of guarding the premises. The most reliable safe-guard to protect your home and possessions is a reliable alarm. Many types of burglar alarms can be obtained for residential use. It is advisable, however, that basic hardware security measures be followed first. If additional security is desired, the following recommendations could be helpful.

1. Obtain estimates from three alarm companies, notifying each of this procedure.

2. An audible alarm is recommended over silent alarms for residential use in order to first protect persons and secondly, property.

Don't depend entirely upon an alarm system to protect you - be sure to use proper locking devices. Any alarm system should include:

A. A battery-powered fail-safe back-up.
B. Fire-sensing capability.
C. Read-out ability to check working of system.
D. Horn sounding device installed in attic vents.

When shopping for an alarm system, take this list with you.