TOWSON, MD—With spring in full swing, the Baltimore County Police Department is reminding residents to take preventative measures against crime. The department recommends residents lock their doors and windows, secure valuables, and be aware of home improvement scams.
The police department is stressing the importance of locking all doors, even when at home. This includes locking the front and garage doors when working in the backyard and locking the back door when in the front yard. Residents should also lock up before leaving home, even for a short errand.
In addition to securing doors, residents should lock and close windows and sliding glass doors before leaving the house or going to bed. Valuables should be removed from vehicles, and windows rolled up. Cars should always be locked, even when parked in the driveway.
The Baltimore County Police Department also recommends securing ladders, tools, lawnmowers, and bikes in a locked storage area or shed. Residents can further protect their homes by reassessing their security systems and outdoor lighting, ensuring cameras are working and pointed in the right direction, and checking for firmware updates.
The police department also promotes Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which focuses on creating an environment that discourages opportunistic crime. This includes trimming back trees and shrubs that could block windows or provide cover for criminals. The objective is to keep sightlines open to ensure adequate observation. Planting prickly foliage like barberry, holly, or rose bushes beneath windows and around perimeters can also deter crime.
Residents are reminded to be wary of home improvement scams and avoid doing business with unsolicited contractors or salespeople. Always verify a company’s legitimacy before engaging with them.
Finally, the Baltimore County Police Department emphasizes the importance of neighborly watchfulness. Alert neighbors can identify unusual activity in the area and report it.
The department offers free residential security surveys for residents interested in enhancing their home security.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
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