Summertime crime tips

A few crime-fighting tips from Altadena sheriff Lt. Joseph Dempsey:

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just going out “for a minute.” If a window is left open a few inches for ventilation, pins or dowels should be inserted in the tracks to prevent someone from opening it more. 
• Lock gates, garages, and sheds after each use. 
• Store bicycles, mowers, etc. in a locked garage or shed, or secure them to some stationary point. 
• Don’t leave notes on your door when you are away from home. 
• Don’t leave keys in mailboxes or planters, under doormats, or in other obvious hiding spots. Leave an extra key with a neighbor. 
  

 

Learn to recognize who belongs in your neighborhood, development, or apartment, i.e., residents, workers, guests, etc. 

Know who’s at your door before opening it. 

Ask for photo identification before letting in anyone you don’t know. Check out the identification with the company or agency if you are suspicious. 

Never let a stranger enter your home to use the telephone. Offer to make the call yourself in an emergency. 

Don’t give your name, phone number, or whereabouts on your answering machine message. Never say you aren’t home. Just ask the caller to leave a message. 

Call the Altadena Sheriff's Station at 626-798-1131 if you hear or see something suspicious. 

Don’t discuss your assets or finances with strangers. 

Don’t keep large sums of money at home. 

Keep valuable papers, stocks, bonds, expensive jewelry, coin collections, etc. in a bank safe deposit box. Don’t store them at home unless you have a security closet or a safe that is well hidden and cannot be removed.