Crime Prevention-- IT STARTS WITH YOU!

The Lonsdale Police Department would like to use this page to inform, educate and reduce crime in our City.  These tips come from various sources and Officers.  Please take the opportunity to read this page.

If you have any questions please call the Department at 507-744-2300

House Tips

  1. Most burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds attempting to break into a home. Make sure every external door has sturdy, well-installed deadbolt locks. Make sure your windows are locked when you leave home and secure ground level windows at night.
  2. Sliding glass doors offer easy access if not properly secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or putting a broomstick or wooden dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
  3. Never hide house keys under the door mat or a rock that is near your door. Most burglars know that trick. Instead give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
  4. When you move to a new house or apartment, have a competent locksmith rekey the locks.
  5. All outside doors to your home should be metal or solid wood.
  6. Install a peephole in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
  7. Don't use door chains; they break easily and don't keep intruders out.
  8. Prune back shrubbery and trees so that they don't obscure windows or doors.
  9. Install outdoor floodlights or motion-sensor lights to eliminate any areas where someone might hide.
  10. When you go out of town, give your house that " lived-in look " by putting a few of your light on timers. Also, stop your mail and newspaper delivery or have a trusted neighbor pick it up for you.
  11. Don't leave anything, such as ladders or tools, lying around that can be used to break into your home.
  12. If you are a female and you live alone, don't advertise it by putting " Miss Jane Doe " on your doorbell or mailbox. Just put the initial of your first name and your last name, " J. Doe. "
  13. Mark all of your valuables with your license number. Write down the serial numbers on all electronic equipment
  14. Consider installing metal grills on windows, but make sure they are easily removed from the inside in case of fire or other emergency.
  15. Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away.
  16. Write down and report to the police license numbers on vehicles used by suspicious persons in your neighborhood.

 

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Personal Safety

  1. While walking, avoid isolated areas. Walk confidently and with another person if possible. Don't carry a lot of cash and avoid wearing anything that would attract unwanted attention like furs or jewelry.
  2. When answering the door, never let in a stranger for any reason.
  3. Always ask service people for identification before letting them in your house. If you are suspicious they may not be who they say, you may want to contact the company to verify their identity.
  4. Never, ever pick up hitchhikers.
  5. Beware of a stranger who approaches you with a " great " business opportunity. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
  6. Never leave your keys, wallet or valuables in your car, for any reason.
  7. Never leave your car doors unlocked.
  8. Remove any identification from your personal key ring.
  9. Be aware of your surroundings - know who's out there and what's going on.
  10. Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes your feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave.

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Safety Tips for Children

  1. Make sure that children know their address, phone number and their parents' names.

  2. Teach your children to use the buddy system when playing or walking/biking.

  3. Have emergency phone numbers readily available near your phone.

  4. Keep chemicals, flammables and medicines out of reach. 

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