Protecting the Community from Theft

We are Girl Scout Troop 62092 from Durham, Middlefield, Rockfall, and Middletown. We’re working on our Bronze Awards. Our last objective is to do a community service project around town. We are sharing this because we want to protect our communities from theft. Every thief is looking for opportunities to commit robbery. 

This story is based on what one of our girl’s experienced in Middlefield. A few months ago, my neighbor’s car was unlocked.  He had a lot of money in his vehicle and it was stolen overnight. This made me scared because a few days earlier, a house down the street was robbed. I am only eleven years old and the first thing I thought was, ‟Will our house be next?” and so my troop and I decided to research on how to keep your home and your vehicles safe.

To keep your belongings safe, and protect your house, try these tips:

• Create an illusion; keep a few lights on in your home, then crack the shades open a bit. When you aren’t home, thieves will think you are.
• Lock your cars and vehicles. If you are not in your car or home, keep your windows rolled up and closed. One of the most popular things that thieves usually look for are things like GPS’s, loose change, and other items that cannot be traced. If you have a garage door opener, keep it off of your visor and out of sight.
• If you have a motion sensor light; USE IT! Thieves like sneaky areas, especially tall bushes by your house, which they can hide behind.
• If you plan to go out of town or on vacation, go to your local police station. They have a vacation form for you to fill out and they can keep an eye on your house.
• Have a neighbor or relative park their car in your driveway. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house. Go to your local post office or online to put a hold on your mail until you return home.
• If you spot someone lurking around your neighborhood or notice someone going door to door, call your local police and have them check into it. Don’t open the door and let anyone in your house that does not have an I.D. 

As you can see, these tips can really help prevent thefts that can happen in your home and with your vehicle. Stay safe!

Information submitted by Girl Scout Troop 62092