Communicate with your Neighbors

Sharing information with your neighbors can reduce burglaries and other neighborhood crimes in the following manner:

• Know your neighborhood and communicate with the residents.
• Record license plate numbers and descriptions of suspicious persons and then contact the police.
• Be the eyes and ears of the police when they are not around.
• Bringing awareness to personal and home security issues through the police department.

When you are going to be away:

• Tell your neighbors and leave an emergency contact number with them.
• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or family member.
• Arrange for pickup of mail and other deliveries.
• Have a neighborhood look after your lawn in order to maintain a lived-in appearance.
• Contact the Ellettsville Police Department and complete a Vacation Courteous Check Sheet.
• Use timers to turn lights on and off at different times to present an occupied appearance.

Be suspicious of:

• That person you have never seen before.
• That person (young or old) selling candy, newspapers and/or magazine subscriptions.
• That person (young or old) taking a "shortcut" through your backyard.
• That repairman, delivery man or visitor at your neighbor's door.
• The unfamiliar vehicle (car, truck or moving vehicle) in your neighbor's drive.
• If you notice anything else that is suspicious, be a good neighbor and call the police.