Safety Tips for Lancaster Residents
 Crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming more prevalent in small communities. Thinking that it can only happen to someone else and doing nothing to prepare yourself or take precautionary measures in case makes you the perfect victim criminals are looking for.
Making yourself less of a target is simpler than you might think.
- Make your home look occupied.
- Always lock your doors before leaving the house.
- Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without opening the door.
- Lock your windows.
- Don't let bushes grow too tall -- they provide a place for criminals to hide.
- Leave your lights on when you go out for the night.
- Use exterior lighting or motion sensitive lighting.
- If you are gone for more than a day, have a neighbor pick up papers and mail.
- Engrave your ID onto valuables.
- Ask for proper identification from delivery men or strangers.
- Women who live alone should list only their last name and first initial in phone directories and on mailboxes.
- Do not hide spare keys -- there is no safe place to "hide" keys.
Learn how YOU can help enhance the safety and quality of life for everyone in Lancaster!
Here are some images of CPTED best-practices for homeowners:
| Thorned bushes help prevent fence climbing: |
 |
| |
See-through fencing helps prevent hiding: |
 |
| |
Good lighting is one of the most effective deterrents: |
 |
|
I support the use of cameras in
Lancaster. ... It is not financially
possible to have a police force large enough to be ever present in every
area of the city. What areas do you
ignore? None, if you have sufficient
camera coverage."
J. Herbert Zug
Lancaster Township
... if a community-minded, independent organization wants to erect and monitor security cameras, I thank them for it.
If Franklin & Marshall College wants to
put up better lights and cameras around Buchanan Park, I would be very happy about it. I would sleep more soundly
and maybe stop looking over my
shoulder when I take an evening walk.
Michael Billig
Lancaster
|
