Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

Attention Homeowners

Our homes, our personal belongings and ourselves are only as safe as we make them. It is important that we become alert and aware that crime can occur, anticipating the location, times, and taking action to minimize the chance of it happening.

Crime prevention is the key to stopping the ability and opportunity for criminals to function. The use of instinct, knowledge, common sense and awareness can make you a tough target to crime.

Home Protection

• Do not leave keys over doors, under a mat or in flowerpots.
• When away leave a radio or television playing, in addition, at nights, leave lights burning inside and outside.
• Keep shrubbery hiding windows or doors and cut back trees which can allow thieves access to high windows.
• Make sure windows, especially those at ground level, have good locks.
• Always lock up ladders and tools. Don’t afford a burglar the resources to break into your home.
• Look out for your neighbour and become a member of an active Neighbourhood Watch.
• Ask a neighbour to pay attention to your house while you are away. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbour, so you can be contactd in case of an emergency.
• Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won’t be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
• Make sure all porches, entrances and yards are well lighted.
• If you arrive home alone and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don’t go in. Call the police.
• Make sure all exterior doors have good locks, preferably deadbolts.
• Report broken lights in your neighbourhood. Well-lit areas discourage burglars by taking away their hiding places.
• Report to police any stranger loitering in your neighbourhood, or people asking strange or vague questions about your neighbours and their whereabouts.
• Don’t let strangers into your home. Use a peephole. Ask for identification.
• Vary your routine. If you follow the same routine weekly, would-be burglars could monitor your movements and know when your house is likely to be unoccupied.
• Use metal grillwork on glass in entrance doors and decorative side glass to prevent burglars from breaking the glass and reaching inside to open the door.
• Get new locks when you move into a previously occupied new home. You have no way of knowing who might be in possession of keys to your door.
• Secure your own property both when you are in and out of your home.

What you can do to help fight crime

• Report incidents of crime and disorder to the police.
• Make use of secure parking areas and do not leave valuables in your car.
• Become involved in your local community.
• Join or participate in Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area.
• Encourage young people to get involved in activities in their area.
• Get to know the young people and families in your area.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Settle arguments without violence.
• Do not buy stolen goods.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch programmes is one positive way to increase security by developing close liaison between households in a neighbourhood, the local police and the local authority. The aim is to help people protect themselves and their properties, to reduce the fear of crime and to improve their local environment by:

• Improved home security
• Greater vigilance
• Fostering a community spirit
• Improving their environment

Become involved with your neighbours in order to increase awareness in your community and to make it a difficult place for criminals to operate. Get in contact with your local Police Station for information in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch and help make our community a safer place.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!

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