Help prevent crime in our community!
Remote and isolated areas have always faced a special vulnerability to crime. It is clear that crime is a growing problem and has been in our area for some time.
McLouth is fortunate to be able to fund a fairly comprehensive law enforcement department. The amount of serious crime, compared to other small communities in the region, is minimal. The McLouth Police Department is dedicated to “pro-active” patrol versus “re-active” response but, we are a limited resource. The problems that we have encountered and cases that we have investigated signal the need for continued and increased crime prevention measures.
Don’t let your guard down just because you live in a small town!
Rural communities can have their own unique crime problems. Economy, alcohol and drug abuse problems plague rural people as well as those in the suburbs and cities. Crimes do happen in rural areas, but less frequently than in cities – often maintaining or perpetuating a “sense” of security. Invest some time and money in prevention – now! What’s the payoff? Better security around your property, less worry about crime and your family’s safety. Be a good neighbor… get to know them and offer to look out for them and keep an eye on their property. Let them know when you’re going to be away on vacation or a business trip. Request a residential or business watch from the police department for the time you’re gone. Tell your neighbor and the police about anything that makes you uneasy or suspicious.
CHECK THE DOORS AND LOCKS
- Make sure external doors, in your homes, garages and outbuildings are solid wood or metal and have dead bolt locks.
- Use the locks!
- Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available locks or with a broomstick or wooden dowel in the track to jam the door, in case someone tries to pry it open.
- Insert screws in the upper track going into the fixed frame, to prevent anyone from lifting the door from its track.
- Secure double-hung windows by sliding a bolt or nail through a hole drilled at a downward angle in each top corner of the inside sash and part way through the outside sash.
- Secure basement windows well.
CHECK THE OUTSIDE
- Thieves hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
- Keep your house, driveway, garages, sheds, barns and other buildings well lighted at night. Use timers that automatically turn on outside lights when it gets dark.
- Consider motion sensors that set off lights or alarms.
- Prune back shrubbery that hides doors, windows, lights and would-be burglars.
- Keep your fences in good repair and secure gates.
- Warn thieves that you’re on the alert with “No Trespassing” and “Neighborhood Watch - We Call the Police” signs in your windows, in your yards or on your property.
PROTECT EQUIPMENT AND OTHER PROPERTY
- Mark tools, guns and equipment with a permanent identification number or insignia. Keep records of your valuables – lists and photographs – and document any serial number information. Keep this information in a fire-proof box.
- Keep small equipment – like mowers, weed eaters and bikes – locked in the garage, shed or barn.
- Never leave keys or valuables in vehicles. Always lock your vehicles when they’re not in use. And don’t leave tools and hunting or fishing gear in the open back of a pick-up truck or in an unlocked truck bed toolbox.
- If items, like riding mowers or trailers, must be left outside, disable them and/or secure them with chain or cable locks.
- Keep storage areas neat and well-organized so that any theft will be noticed immediately. This also warns potential thieves that the owner is watchful.