Small local communities are often targeted by thieves because they offer a large number of potential victims in a small area. In fact, they are likely to return to the same house and neighborhood if they manage to pull off a burglary there. After all, easy pickings get picked often.
There are a number of things that residents of small local communities can do to reduce the risk of theft, however. Here are some of the most effective methods for deterring thieves and keeping your community safe.
1. Get to know your neighbors.
One of the best ways to deter thieves is to have a good relationship with your neighbors. Thieves are less likely to target a community where everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. If you don’t already know your neighbors, take some time to introduce yourself. You may even want to consider organizing a neighborhood watch program.
2. Make criminals easier to spot.
Criminals like to operate in the shadows where they can’t be seen. By keeping your property well-lit, you make it much more difficult for them to do so. Consider installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home or business. This makes them easier to spot if they do try something. However, just installing lights is not enough. In fact, most crime happens during the day in some areas. To deter thieves from pushing through once they’re spotted, you should include a loud alarm in your security system. Preferably, get a security system that also contacts local law enforcement.
3. Don’t advertise possessions.
Another way to deter criminals is to not advertise your possessions. If you have valuable items that can be seen from outside your home or business, criminals will be tempted to break in and steal them. Keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave them in plain view in your car, either.
Using fences, gates, curtains, and keeping windows and doors closed are all effective ways to deter thieves from targeting your small local community. Fences can be used to surround your property and create a physical barrier that criminals will find difficult to cross. Gates can also be used to restrict access to certain areas of your property. Curtains and window coverings can be used to keep valuables out of view from the outside, and it’s important to make sure that all windows and doors are locked when you’re not home.
4. Be aware of your surroundings.
One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of crime is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to who is around you and what they’re doing. If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to call the police or report it to a community watch program.
CCTV systems are a great way to increase awareness and deter burglars from targeting your community. By having a CCTV system in place, you can rest assured that you will have video footage of any criminals who attempt to break into your property. This footage can be used as evidence if a crime does occur, which can help the police catch the perpetrator.
5. Label objects clearly.
When it comes to deterring thieves, one of the most effective methods is to label your possessions clearly. If criminals can’t easily sell or fence your belongings, they’re less likely to attempt to steal them in the first place. In small local communities, it’s even more important to label your belongings, as thieves are likely to know the residents and are familiar with their possessions. Labeling your belongings makes it much more difficult for them to sell or fence your property, which can deter them from targeting your community in the first place.
There are a number of ways to label your belongings. One popular method is to use a wood burner to burn identification into wood objects. This is a quick and easy way to create a durable label that is difficult for thieves to remove. You can also use a welding fluid and steel stencils to put labels on metal objects. This will create a permanent label that is resistant to weathering and tampering.
Final Thoughts
Small local communities can take several steps to deter criminals from targeting their residents. By using fences, gates, curtains, and keeping windows and doors closed, you can make it difficult for criminals to gain access to your property. Being aware of your surroundings and labeling your belongings clearly are also effective methods of deterrence. CCTV systems are a great way to increase awareness and help the police catch criminals if a crime does occur. Keep yourself, your family, and your community safe by following these tips.
