The Morgantown Police Department would like to remind residents to be crime conscious during this back-to-school season. There are positive steps that you can do to prevent or reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicles;
- Lock your vehicles;
- Secure bicycles, motorcycles and other similar vehicles with a secure lock;
- Park vehicles in well-lit areas or parking garages when attending events;
- Travel in groups whenever possible, and
- Avoid texting when walking so that you are aware of your surroundings.
There are steps that you can do to help identify suspects as well as recover your property, both before and after a crime has been committed:
- Record the make, model and serial number of all items of value (television sets, computers, iPod, GPS units, firearms, bicycles etc.);
- Photograph valuable items that do not have serial numbers (jewelry, watches, crystal etc.);
- Print a copy of the serial numbers and photographs and store them at a safe location, such as a safe deposit box, with a relative with a friend etc., so that, if needed, they would be available.
- Install a burglar alarm with electronic monitoring; and
- If you find that you have been a victim of a crime, do not touch anything, do not disturb anything and call local law enforcement immediately to report the crime.
The Morgantown Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating crime in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to Morgantown Police Department Switchboard at 304-284-7522. If you need immediate Police attention or a crime is in progress call 911.