Crime Watch

Crime Watch Information

Safe Walk Tips

· Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Your vulnerability to street crime is reduced as much as 70 percent by simply being in or near a group.

· Before exiting the train station, put your keys in your hand or keep them in your pocket.

· Keep a safety whistle on your key chain to scare away a potential criminal and to summon help.

· Walk with confidence, be aware of you surroundings and avoid bushes and poorly lit areas.

· If walking alone and walk in the street as opposed to the sidewalk.

· If you are forced into a physical confrontation, give the perpetrator(s) what they want, and if possible get away, blow your whistle, scream or do whatever is necessary to draw attention to yourself!

· Consider taking a taxi or asking a friend for a ride if it’s late at night.

· Avoid dark alleys, short cuts and vacant lots, particularly at night.

· Don't wear headphones or talk on your cell phone when walking or jogging alone.

· Carry your valuables close to your body on inside your jacket.

· Trust your instincts. If you see someone that makes you uncomfortable, walk away and call 911 immediately.

· Always report suspicious people and any crimes by calling the police at 911. No call is too small.

Prevent Motor Vehicle Break-Ins

    • DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them into the trunk.
    • Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.
    • Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device onto the door lock button to pop it open.
    • Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the engine. If there isn’t one, you should have one installed.
    • If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in, call 911.

BPD Reminds Residents of Safety Tips for the Delivery of Packages

During the holiday season, the Boston Police Department advises residents to be aware of delivery packages being stolen from homes. Tips to protect yourself from a home delivery theft:

  • Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings.
  • Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). While we can't promise that this service is available, there are companies that will hold a package for up to 5 days.
  • Request that your package is marked "signature required." This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you're available to retrieve the package. You could also put a note on your door, requesting the deliverer go to your next door neighbor for the signature.
  • Leave special instructions on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house, so that the package is out of sight from the road. Ask the delivery person to take and discard the note with him/her or leave it with the package.
  • Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when your package is scheduled to arrive.
  • Have the items shipped to the nearest store for "in-store pick up."
  • If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work.