Summer is right around the corner, but warm weather isn’t the only thing on the horizon. Every summer, when school gets out, teens hit the streets looking for something to do. Many of them get caught up testing boundaries and breaking laws. While some refer to this kind of behavior as “criminal mischief,” the problem can have a significant impact for businesses and property owners that are faced dealing with the repercussions of that mischief.
Common Summertime Crimes
Vandalism, larcenies and trespassing are some of the most common occurrences. Neighborhood kids looking for something to do tend to gravitate towards anywhere that lacks direct adult supervision. Neighborhood associations with common areas such as pools and clubhouses have to find ways to protect their property while keeping teens safe. If your property has a pool, teens swimming unsupervised can be an enormous risk, as well as liability; however, that risk increases 10 fold when alcohol is involved. Security systems and surveillance cameras are a great way to help keep pools, empty buildings, and other property safe.
Security Strategies for Community and Neighborhood Associations
Install and post signage that video security is in use. Security cameras are an extremely useful crime prevention tool. Professionally installed video cameras record and store video that can be used to identify trespassers. It’s also possible to set up cameras that are activated by motion, which then send an alert to whoever is responsible for the security of the property. The images are stored digitally and can be viewed remotely at any time.
Vandalism, Graffiti, and Litter Lead to More Crime
When it becomes clear that a building or property isn’t being maintained or cared for, people tend to be cavalier about breaking rules of that property. According to researchers, properties that are plagued with graffiti and litter create an environment in which people think they can get away with trespassing, stealing, drug use, or underage drinking, a concept referred to as the “broken window” theory. This is why organizing the neighborhood is so important. If you experience vandalism or damage to a property, bring people together to clean up, paint over, or fix to damage, and immediately add security cameras and signs to discourage a repeat of the behavior.
Promote Neighborhood Watch
Foster a relationship with local law enforcement to share information that can help prevent crime and apprehend suspects. Forming a neighborhood watch in the St. Louis region isn’t that difficult, especially if you already live in a tightknit community. Neighbors looking out for one another and having a presence in the area is one of the best ways to discourage criminals from picking your neighborhood as a target.
Police in the St. Louis Region are encouraging neighborhoods to join the watch:
Strategies Homeowners Can Use to Help Prevent Crime
If you’re a homeowner, there are steps you can on your own to reduce your chances of being hit by trespassers, burglars, or vandalizers. Here are six easy tips to follow:
- Keep car doors locked to prevent theft of money and other valuables.
- Lock garage doors and windows, especially if you keep a stocked refrigerator.
- Be alert to noises, look out for neighbors and report unusual activity.
- Participate in neighborhood watch programs that unite the community in preventing crime.
- Report all crimes to police, even if it seems minor because it may help prevent more serious crimes in the future.
- Make your home a challenging target and show mischief-makers you take home security seriously.
Be Tough on Criminal Activity!
There is no reason for any American family to spend a single day living in fear of criminals and wrongdoers. Contact Butler Durrell Security for a free consultation to help make your property safer with cameras and electronic security systems.
