The Morgantown Police Department offers the following Crime Prevention tips in hopes of reducing everyone’s chances of becoming a crime victim as we approach this holiday season.
- Lock your car.
- Do not leave valuables in your car.
- Record the make, model and serial numbers to all of your valuables (electronics, firearms, etc) and photograph your jewelry.
- Keep a copy of these photos and serial numbers somewhere besides on your computer or at your residence.
- Trusted friend or family member;
- Work; and
- Safety Deposit Box.
- It is easier to return stolen property when it is recovered and to prove that property is stolen with good identification.
- Whenever you are going to be gone from your residence for any period of time there are a number of things you can do that reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
- Have a trusted friend check on your place regularly;
- Have your mail stopped at the post office or picked up by a friend and not allowed to accumulate;
- Have your newspaper stopped or have a friend pick up the paper and sale fliers;
- Double-check that all windows and doors are locked before you leave;
- Have your lights on a timer so that come on and off like you are home;
- Have motion sensor lights on the exterior of your residence, the brighter the better; and
- Contact the Morgantown Police Department and sign up for the Vacation Home Check Program. To sign up you may call 304-284-7522 (option 0).
- Whenever possible shop during daylight hours. This provides you with the greatest visibility while driving and allows you to observe your surroundings in the best conditions possible.
- If possible shop with a partner.
- Dress casually; wearing athletic shoes or shoes with slip resistant souls to prevent falls.
- Always carry identification, such as a driver’s license or other photograph id, while you’re away from your residence.
- Do not carry large bulky purses or large amounts of cash while shopping.
- Always let someone know where you are going to be and what time you plan to return home.
- If you lose your credit cards or ATM cards, notify your bank immediately.
- Secure all packages out of sight in the trunk if possible.
- If you have a large amount of packages, ask a store clerk to help you to your car.
- Never leave your keys in your car.
- Park in well lit areas.
- Have your keys in hand before you leave the store. DO NOT attempt to locate your keys while standing alone in a parking lot.
- Always lock your car door as soon as you get into your car.
- Be aware of being approached by strangers offering you a deal that sounds too good to be true. Con artists use a variety of methods of distraction in an effort to steal money and valuables.
- If you are shopping with your children, teach them to go to a store clerk or store security if they become separated or lost.
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.