Safety and Crime Prevention Tips from the LPD

During the holiday season, there is often an increase in crimes such as burglaries, robberies and thefts and the Lubbock Police Department has some tips to keep you and your family safe.

The safety of our citizens and their property is of the utmost importance to the Lubbock Police Department. In an effort to help our citizens stay safe throughout the holidays, they would like to remind our community of some basic safety and crime prevention tips.

Home Safety:

Always keep all doors and windows locked, even when someone is at home, and use a secondary lock device on all windows.

Keep garage door closed and locked.

Use heavy duty padlocks on all fence gates.

Never open your door automatically without first checking to see who is at the door.

Be cautious about opening your door to someone you do not know.

If a stranger enters your home, run out of the house and get to a safe place if possible. If you cannot get out, lock yourself in a room and call 911 immediately. Barricade the locked door as well if necessary.

Notify friends and trusted neighbors when leaving town, and make arrangements to have mail, deliveries and newspaper stopped or picked up. Do not post anything on social media indicating you are out of town and your residence is vacant.

Before leaving town, call the LPD at 775-2865 to request a vacation watch on your home. This alerts patrolling officers to keep a close watch on homes whose residents are out of town.

Vehicle Crime Prevention:

Never leave the keys in your vehicle.

Never leave your vehicle running while unattended, even in front of your home or for a short time.

Always lock your vehicle’s doors and close your windows, even when you are only away from the vehicle for a short time.

Remove all valuable items (purses, electronics, CD's, books, cash, etc.) when away from the vehicle. If you can't take them with you, put them in a place that is out of view (locking them in the trunk or a tool box or some other secure place would be best). Remember that thieves may be watching.

While Out and About:

Be alert of your surroundings.

Stay in well-traveled and well-lit areas.

Look for strangers or suspicious persons sitting in vehicles, standing or walking in parking lots.

If approached by strangers, get to an area where there are other people and ask for help or call 911.

Park as close to your destination as possible.

Do not park near shrubbery, large vehicles, dumpsters, or anything that blocks your view or provides a place for someone to hide.

Look around your vehicle before you get out. Pay attention to your surroundings and any suspicious activity.

If possible, do not go out alone, especially at night. Walk in a group with other people or in areas where other people are close by.

Have your vehicle keys out and hold firmly in your hand as you walk to your vehicle to avoid any delay entering the vehicle. Lock all the doors as soon as you get inside the vehicle.

Keep your cell phone available in case you need to call for help.

Do not carry your purse in your hand by your side; carry it close to your body, preferably in front. If someone grabs your purse, let go of it, rather than try to hold on to it.

Immediately call 911 to report any suspicious activity. If you believe a person or situation seems suspicious, you are probably right! Alert the police immediately.

Visit the Lubbock Police Department website at www.lubbockpolice.com for more crime prevention tips.