University Park is a picturesque town throughout the year; however, in springtime with the trees and shrubbery in full bloom it is beautiful. The tree canopy during nicer weather months provides a good balance of sunlight and shade, making it a perfect location for outdoor activities. It is inspiring to see so many residents outside enjoying leisure time activities. The officers from the University Park Police have begun to park their vehicles and walk and engage residents. During their patrols and walks they are    noticing windows left open and car doors left unlocked. As a result, we have compiled a list of crime prevention tips to help you keep your property safe in spring and anytime during the year. Please review the following University Park Police crime prevention tips and share them with a neighbor:

• Beware of home improvement scams. Take a proactive approach to avoid these types of scams. Beware of unlicensed contractors and report solicitors to the University Park Police. Be on the alert for low-cost home repair deals that are too good to be true.
• Lock all doors and windows. Keep all doors and windows locked, even when you are outside working in the yard. Lock windows inside of screened porches and lock basement windows.
• Burglars shun good locks and lights. A burglar placed under arrest told police about specialty locks that frustrate many thieves to include the following: hidden shackle locks and deadbolts. Leaving outdoor lights on can also assist in crime prevention. Criminals like to work in the dark. Install a light on a shed where you store expensive tools.
• Neighborhood awareness: the key to crime prevention. Watch out for your neighbors—keep an eye out to spot criminals and alert University Park Police to any unusual activity in town.
• Leaving car doors unlocked, windows open and convertible tops down is an open invitation to a thief. Thieves look for the right opportunity to steal. Keep your property safe by keeping it with you. Remove all valuables from your car and roll up your windows and lock the doors. Before retiring for the night set your car alarm.
• Never tell strangers about your home security system. Do not provide information about your home security system to a stranger or potential salesperson. 
• Keep your garage door opener out of sight. Avoid items being stolen from your garage, and even your home, by simply putting the garage door opener out of sight.
  Got a bike, lawn mower or other equipment? Photograph it, engrave it, lock it or lose it. Lock your bike and other valuables. Take pictures of your valuables and engrave them as well. Do not leave them out in your yard.
• Do not put mail in your home mailbox for pick up. This tells thieves that something valuable could be inside. 
• Fraud often follows disasters. Springtime means rain and thunderstorms. Avoid being a victim of a fraud or scam after a storm strikes. Identity theft can be a big threat to the public when disaster hits.
• A vacant house is a temptation to a thief. Will you be away from home for a while? Do not leave your home looking unoccupied and complete a house request for  University Park Police Officers to check on it. 

Utilize these crime prevention tips and help the University Park Police prevent the next crime. 

Thank you, Chief Harvey R. Baker