Planning to leave on vacation?  Do you reside in the unincorporated areas of Woodson County?   Have you notified the Sheriff’s Office to place your residence on the House Watch Program? Call 620-625-8640 and provide the information listed below.

Neighborhood Watch is a program involving a network of neighbors trained by community policing deputies in home and self-protection, suspect identification, and how to serve effectively as additional eyes and ears for law enforcement agencies in their communities.

Neighborhood Watch works effectively at the block level because people can easily see, and recognize situations that are unusual. They can see and hear what activity is taking place across the street, next door, or at the property to the rear. They can most likely recognize persons or vehicles as belonging to or not belonging in the neighborhood.

Neighbors can let each other know when they will be away thereby establish a targeted watch during their absence. For extended periods of absence, neighbors can take turns making sure the absent neighbor’s home does not gradually take on the signs of an unoccupied dwelling. Neighbors know better than anyone else what is usual or unusual, normal or suspicious. Therefore, they are the most effective source to provide authorities with helpful information.

How can we help?

• CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
  
  
• Check first with your Sheriff’s Office before starting any kind of community crime prevention program. They may be able to help organize your initial meeting.
  
  
• Explain that you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch group and ask for assistance.
  
  
• Ask about the crime situation in your neighborhood.
  
  
• Ask to have a Sheriff’s Deputy at your first meeting.
  
  
• TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS
  
  
• Canvass your neighborhood.
  
  
• Discuss crime prevention problems in your area.
  
  
• Briefly explain the value of Neighborhood Watch programs.
  
  
• Ask about a convenient time to schedule your initial Neighborhood Watch meeting.

BE SURE TO MENTION THAT:

1. Neighborhood watch does not require frequent meetings.
2. It does not ask that anyone take any personal risks to prevent crime.

• Invest in solid rather than hollow-core doors, as well as well-constructed sliding glass doors and windows. Both doors and windows should have high quality locks. Such items make it time consuming for burglars to gain entry.
  
  
• When going outside, always lock your doors, even if you plan to be out for only a brief period.
  
  
• Do not place valuables, especially ones easily carried away, where they can be viewed through windows.
  
  
• Keep your garage door secured. Never leave it open when you are away, as empty garages are a clue that no one is home.
  
  
• When away for extended periods of time, set light timers to intermittently light your residence making it appear that you're at home.
  
  
• Avoid keeping large sums of money or valuable jewelry in your home.
  
  
• Do not allow strangers to use your phone. If necessary, place the call yourself while the person waits outside.
  
  
• Do not leave keys hidden under mats or flowerpots. These locations which are especially obvious to burglars.
  
  
• Keep trees, bushes, and shrubs trimmed close to the house to eliminate hiding places. Plant thorny bushes below windows.
  
  
• Invest in a good security system that includes motion sensors.
  
  
• Do not leave tools or ladders in your yard that a burglar could use to gain access to your home; keep them safely locked away.
  
  
• Get a barking dog or “Beware of Dog” signs. When you travel, have someone care for your pet in your home rather than removing it from the premises.
  
  
• Make it a routine to double check for unsecured and windows before retiring for the evening.

Burglars know that if they are caught with marked merchandise it is solid evidence against them. Fences do not like to handle marked items, so chances are better that the burglar will leave your home alone and head for easier choices.

WHERE TO ENGRAVE AND WHY?

Part of Operation Identification’s objectives are to warn burglars away, so do not try to hide the fact that an item has been engraved. Mark items as conspicuously as possible without defacing them.

Obviously, some valuables such as jewelry, antiques, and silverware cannot be marked without reducing their value. Photograph items in your residence and work areas for identification, using either a standard camera or camcorder. Use of a camcorder allows you to not only show a photo of the item but also record audio to describe the items. Although it does not guarantee police will be able to trace your items, it is just another tool you have in helping to identify your lost or stolen property.

Mark your valuables with your name or Kansas driver’s license number. DO NOT USE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

WHICH ITEMS SHOULD YOU ENGRAVE?

The best rule of thumb is this: Mark anything of value that a burglar (or two) could remove from your premises. Use this checklist as a guideline: