Tips to Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

1. Get to know your neighbors

In the 60s, 70s, and 80s it seemed like everybody knew everybody in the neighborhood. The kids all played together after school and neighbors got together for BBQs. 

At the very least, exchange names and numbers with your neighbors. As you become more comfortable knowing your neighbors, it's also helpful to know who lives there, if they have regular service/maintenance at their house, and a bit about their comings and goings. 

We've lost some of you..but here's why it's important: 

• You've left for the day and can't remember if you closed your garage door - who can you call? 

• Two people have walked up to your house and have now entered your backyard, your neighbor notices them and knows that you don't have any regular service people onsite. Your neighbor reaches out to you and calls the police. Burglary in progress halted!

• You are working late, and it will be dark when you get home. You had something valuable deliver to your home earlier than expected - who can you call? 

2. Enhance your home's security

We are fortunate that the City of Phoenix Police Department employs Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. This is the practice of using physical design to reduce crime opportunities and influence personal behavior. Here are a few tips from presentations Detective Brian Kornegay has shared: 

2. • Provide an unobstructed view of the area around your property. 

   • Install outdoor security lighting, using motion detectors is a good consideration to conserve energy while providing security. 

   • Install solid-core doors on all exterior doors with deadbolt locks.

   • Secure all sheds and outbuildings, making sure they are visible from the home.

For information about the CPTED program or an evaluation for your property, call 602-256-4303 or email Detective Brian Kornegay at brian.kornegay@phoenix.gov

https://www.phoenix.gov/police/community-relations/cpted

3. Keep your yard, alley and curbside clutter free

In the City of Phoenix, property owners are responsible for keeping their yards, alley and curbside(s) clutter free. 

By doing so, you are not only fulfilling your responsibilities as a property owner but also helping prevent crime in your neighborhood. Many research studies have shown that areas that are well kept and clutter free are less susceptible to crime because criminals expect that the neighbors will report suspicious activities.

An unkept outdoor space may also be considered blight. Visit Neighborhood Services Common Blight Violations (phoenix.gov) for more information. If you find blight in the neighborhood, you may report it on the MyPHX311 or the MyPHX311 App or by calling 602-534-4444. 

4. Make it less appealing to steal

In addition to enhance your home security with the tips in enhancing your home's security, here are some tips to make your home less appealing to steal from: 

4. • Keep valuables out of sight.

   • Cut down boxes to make it harder to identify your new items.

   • Install water bib locks on your outside spigots to prevent others from using. 

   • Limit decorative shrubs and trees that may obstruct anyone seeing if a criminal is at your home or business.

For more information, click here for City of Phoenix's Burglary Prevention Brochure

5. Keep your daily routine and travel plans off social media

Limiting reference to what time you leave or return home or when you are going on a trip. Make it a practice to take but not post your vacation pictures. Then photo bomb your social media when you get home. It's not instantly gratifying but you will feel safer about not sharing your exact location. 

6. Get to know your local police precinct (Cactus Park is our local precinct)

Cactus Park precinct hosts quarterly coffee or dinner with a cop events. These events are a good opportunity to get to know the officers that serve in our community. In addition, our Community Action Officer attends our monthly block watch meetings. In addition, there are several events throughout the year including a water drive and toy drive 

Improving the safety of our neighborhood is everyone's responsibility. The list above may be overwhelming, starting with just one will put you and the community on the path to a safer neighborhood.