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Police Reminds Residents About Safety During Winter Breaks

As the upcoming breaks approach, our police agencies are reminding residents how to safeguard their home.

We hope this information serves as a reminder of what you can do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a crime and to help you remain safe . Protecting your residence while you are home or away:

• Keep doors and windows locked, regardless of whether they are an up
• per or lower level windows/entrances.
• Before you leave your home, check all windows and doors are locked. If you have a home security system, engage your alarm when you are away and when you are in for the night.
• Use blinds and drapes for privacy.
• Place lights on a timer to give the appearance of someone being home.
• Ensure bushes are trimmed back to remove hiding places for potential criminals.
• Store away and secure any loose items that might be in the yard, for example, a ladder, tools, etc.
• Ensure your home has good interior & exterior lighting for safety & protection.
• Never place a key over your doorway or outside the house. Consider leaving a key with a trusted friend or neighbor.
• Ask a friend or a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your residence while you are away.
• Take valuable items such as jewelry, money, portable electronic devices, etc., with you to avoid potential theft.
• If you are leaving your vehicle for a long period of time, remove items of value, secure windows and doors, and if you have a security feature, engage it.
• Never enter your home if you see that a door or window has been forced. Go to the nearest safe place and contact police immediately.

Report any off-campus unusual or suspicious activity immediately to PGPD: Prince George’s County Police Department – Emergency Line: 911; Non-Emergency Line: (301) 352-1200 University of Maryland Police Department – Emergency Line: (301) 405-3333 or #3333 from a cell phone; Non-Emergency Line: (301) 405-3555