Crime Prevention

Download Home Crime Prevention Rack Card(PDF, 6MB)

• Ensure doorbell and security cameras are charged and functional.
• Use motion-sensor lights and outdoor cameras for monitoring.
• Keep garage doors closed and interior doors locked.
• Lock all doors and windows; use deadbolts where possible.
• Avoid leaving valuables like grills, tools, or ladders unsecured outdoors.
• Install an alarm system, especially if you live alone or travel frequently.
• Shred personal documents and break down boxes from high-value purchases to prevent advertising valuables inside your home.
• Keep outside lights on at night or use timers and motion-sensor lighting.
• Plant thorny shrubs near windows and fences as natural deterrents.
• Teach kids about locking doors and not opening for unknown visitors.
• Have trusted neighbors or family members check on your home during vacations.

Download Vehicle Crime Prevention Rack Card(PDF, 1MB)

• Take all valuables out of the vehicle before leaving.
• Lock your vehicle every time you leave it, even if there's nothing valuable inside.
• Hide any valuables you can't take with you—a great way to do this is to hide the items before you leave for your next location. That way, nobody sees where you stash your stuff!
• Park safely. Choose a well-lit area and be aware of who or what is around you when you exit your vehicle.

Before you leave your vehicle, is it C.L.E.A.R.?

• C - Close all vehicle windows
• L - Lock all vehicle doors
• E - Eliminate all of your belongings from plain view
• A - Always take your keys
• R - Remove all valuables and your garage door opener

Download Identity Theft Crime Prevention Rack Card(PDF, 692KB)

• Be cautious when typing, writing, or voicing personal information in public.
• Regularly check financial statements for unauthorized activity.
• Review your credit report annually for unknown accounts.
• Avoid responding to suspicious emails or calls claiming to need personal information; contact the organization directly instead.
• Use strong, varied passwords that include uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols; update them frequently.
• Opt for electronic statements over postal mail to reduce exposure to sensitive information.
• Cancel and reissue lost credit/debit cards, checks, or IDs immediately.
• Shred documents with personal information before disposal.

What should you do if you're a victim of fraud?

• Notify your financial institution immediately.
• File a police report with local authorities.
• Freeze any affected accounts or cards.

• Crime Prevention Tips - Travel
• Crime Prevention Tips - Shopping

Fraud and scam prevention resources:

• Scams & Safety | FBI
• Identity Theft | Florida Attorney General
• Identity Theft | Federal Trade Commission
• Online Privacy and Security | Federal Trade Commission
• Identity Theft Central | IRS
• Social Security Administration (SSA)
• IRS Phone Scam Victim: Note the phone number that called and report the incident to TIGTA at www.tigta.gov or call (800) 366-4484.

Internet best practices for parents and kids(PDF, 57KB):

• NEVER give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name or telephone number in a chat room or on a bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
• NEVER write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
• DO NOT meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
• TELL your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• REMEMBER that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "SHE" is a "12-YEAR-OLD GIRL" could really be an older man.