Crime seems to be ramping up with internet scams and schemes, phone scams, and other similar activities. There is no limit to the types of crime that are being conducted. With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in many types of crime. Homes and businesses are still susceptible to traditional crimes like burglary, theft, and robbery.

October means it is time to look at crime prevention and the many ways that you and I can become involved in not only protecting ourselves and our families, but our neighbors, businesses, schools, and even in churches.

History Of Crime Prevention Month

The National Crime Prevention Council deemed October as ‘Crime Prevention Month”, followed by a presidential proclamation. The NCPC began having campaigns to make people aware of the crime taking place and what they can do to stay safe. This year the famous crime dog, McGruff, will turn forty. They still use him in television ads, billboards, and magazine ads. He has become a real symbol of the fight to prevent crime.

Has It Been Effective

Statistics comparing various criminal activity in 1984 as compared to 2014 show a reduction in certain types of crime, like property and violent crimes. While there has been a reduction in some crimes, in some areas, overall crime is up.

The problem is that while some crimes are trending down, criminals are turning to other types of crime. The internet has become a major source of crime. Likewise, credit card fraud, identity theft, and cyber crimes are now one of the primary sources of crime. They still conduct the usual crimes associated with drugs and drug trafficking. Those crimes have decreased in some areas only to resurface in other parts of the country.

Law Enforcement And Crime Prevention

Today we see many counties and municipalities are cutting police and law enforcement budgets. We hear cries for defunding police. While we need police to enforce the law, they cannot be around to prevent crime. Police can only do so much, and therefore the burden of crime prevention falls on people like me and you.

Crime Prevention And You

Begin At Home

Crime prevention begins at your home, just like everything else you do. Taking care of your family and the place where you live is vital. Many people have installed door cams and other video recording devices on their property. This helps to stop packages from being stolen while homeowners are at work. Some people have cameras in their mailbox.

Having a security monitoring system is also important and provides you with peace of mind. These systems alert local police about a possible intruder.

Teach Your Family

Take the time to talk with your family, especially your children, educating them on watching out for strangers in the neighborhood. Discuss what to do in the event a stranger appears on the property. Teach them about 911, and how to contact you or other adults in the event of unusual or suspicious activity. There are many other things that you can do to get the family involved, including gun safety.

Protecting Your Identity And Assets

Cybercrime is one of the hottest areas of criminal activity. What can you do to protect yourself?

• Change passwords often
• Use secure passwords
• Only make purchases from trusted websites.
• Monitor your credit report often, watching for any unusual activity.
• Check credit and bank statements for accuracy
• Avoid phishing scams- these usually ask for information that the company already has if you are a customer.
• Ask questions and check businesses with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
• Don’t rush into anything
• Lock your bank cards when not using them if possible
• Freeze your credit temporarily if necessary

The list of scams and schemes that criminals have devised are endless. It is best to not pay at the pump when pumping gas as many thieves put devices on the card reader to read your card. Protect your pin and use pins and passwords that thieves cannot figure out easily.

If you own a business then these practices should be employed but at a greater rate since thieves often target businesses, schools, and civic organizations. Churches are not exempt from criminal activity, both within and without.

Help Your Neighbor

Since they implemented the neighborhood watch program in 1984 there has been a reduction of crime in neighborhoods. But it only works if that neighborhood adopts it and all residents do their part. It starts by talking to and getting to know your neighbors. You want them to watch out for you so get to know them. Watch each other for suspicious activity or really any activity. What may look or seem legitimate may be criminal activity.

Get Involved In The Community

Get to know your community and the people that live in it. If you have children in school, then you can be involved as a volunteer. Schools are subject to many forms of criminal activity including drugs, theft, and violent crimes. Keep up with what goes on even if you do not have children in the local schools. Schools also conduct crime prevention and safety campaigns for the school and community.

Churches and civic organizations are great places to become informed and get involved by participating in crime prevention programs and campaigns.

Local Law Enforcement

Local law enforcement officials are always available to take part in and help promote programs and campaigns at schools, businesses, civic organizations, and churches. Their presence helps bring the community together and shows that they are a key part of the community. It also helps everyone see them as an ally and not an enemy. Also, they offer classes on guns and gun safety and basic self-defense. Many people take up martial arts just for self-defense. an

Keep Your Eyes Open

Always be alert, keep your eyes open, and be ready to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Don’t take matters into your own hands and don’t turn the other way. Do what you would want others to do to you.

Contact

Bennett Injury Law is here for you and your legal needs. Contact us for information on how we can help you get your case started.