NATIONAL NIGHT OUT began in 1984 to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie, as well as to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Crime Stoppers of Houston is proud to support all of our communities on NATIONAL NIGHT OUT.
Did you know?
- Every 15 seconds a burglary occurs, with the average dollar loss being $2,251.
- Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into.
- Most break-ins occur during the day when you are at work.
- 95% of burglars surveyed would run if they met a large, unwelcoming dog face-to-face.
- Your local law enforcement department provides home security checks.
- Getting to know your neighbors is a great defense to keep your neighborhood safe.
- A neighborhood with mowed lawns, flowers, and freshly painted homes looks like it’s cared for and this alone can help deter crime.
1. Entrust a neighbor or a friend who lives close by with an extra key to your home in case of emergencies. It is not recommended to hide a key around your home.
2. Keep shrubbery trimmed away from windows. It will add to your curb appeal and won’t allow someone to hide. Maintain outdoor lighting and landscaping.
3. Install security cameras and make a habit of using your alarm and locking windows and doors, including interior doors to an attached garage.
4. Use timers on lamps in your home. It will appear as someone is home and will provide lighting if you arrive home after dark.
5. Postpone your social media travel updates until you return. Updating in real-time alerts others of an empty house.
6. Have packages delivered to an alternate address such as a work address if you are not going to be home during a delivery.
7. Alert your local law enforcement department if you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time.
Tips for Parents
* Know the location of your children. Create a system of communication for knowing where they are or when they reach their destination.
* Set limits on where they can and cannot go in the neighborhood. Consider potential dangers such as busy roads, abandoned houses, railroad tracks, registered sex offenders, etc.
* Familiarize your child with the neighborhood. Show them safe places they can go if they need help such as a neighbor’s home, the fire station, police station, trusted stores or business offices.
* Be sure your child has memorized your home address and phone number along with the phone number of another trusted adult.
* Remind your child to “check first” before they leave the house.
KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE: Prevention is Key!
Most neighborhood crimes that occurr are crimes of opportunity. Unlocked cars and easy access to you home are a burglar’s dream. We cannot take for granted how safe we feel in our homes and community. Anything from running a quick errand and leaving your purse or briefcase in the car, forgetting to turn on your alarm or forgetting to lock your windows could put you at risk.
Do Something Tips
- Being aware of your neighbors’ habits can assist in noticing if something does not seem right.
- Work together with your neighbors by looking out for suspicious and/or unusual behavior in the neighborhood.
- Create an email chain for your street/neighborhood to help keep the neighborhood abreast of safety tips and crime trends.
- Get outside and be visible by hosting block parties, going for walks, playing in the front yard to show potential criminals that you live in a tight knit community where neighbors look out for one another.
- If something seems questionable or to report suspicious activity, call the non-emergency line of your local police.
- Don’t enter your home if doors or windows are open that you don’t recall leaving open. Call the police from a safe distance.
- Call your neighbor if you see a service vehicle at their house while they are gone.
How to Report a Tip – CRIME STOPPERS
- Call 713-222-TIPS (8477)
- Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637)
- Go to crime-stoppers.org