WISE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME PREVENTION
IMPORTANT 911 INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
In the Town of Wise, our police telecommunications dispatch calls for police, fire and medical emergencies. When calling 911 for help, please tell the dispatcher exactly what type of emergency you have. If you live in a condominium or apartment building, the 911 call should be made from the apartment where help is needed. Very often the dispatcher can provide life-saving information over the phone until the arrival of emergency personnel. Please remember, dial 911 immediately. You can lose valuable time if you call the doorman or security office first. If someone outside the apartment makes the 911 call, instruct that person to give detailed information about where help is needed. It is not enough to give the name and address of the building. Police officers and fire/ rescue personnel must know exactly where to respond.
SECURITY BASICS
1.Check to see who is at the door before opening it to strangers. A wide angle viewer (or peephole) is inexpensive and easy to install. Do not rely on door chains, which offer virtually no security. Report suspicious persons or activities to the Wise Police Department immediately by dialing 328-9369.
2.Don’t be careless with your keys and don’t give keys to service workers unless you are absolutely certain you can trust them.
3.Never leave notes on your door that can inform a burglar that your apartment is unoccupied. Lock all doors whenever you leave your apartment - even if you will be gone only a few minutes.
4.As a second line of defense, consider a security closet for storage of valuables inside your apartment. This closet should be equipped with a solid wood core door, with hinges with non-removable pins and with a good quality deadbolt lock.
5.Exterior doors should be constructed of solid core wood or metal, at least 1 3/4 inches thick. They should be equipped with a deadbolt lock constructed of case hardened metal with a minimum of a one-inch throw and a good quality strike plate.
Sliding Glass Doors
These can be secured in the following ways:
1.Installing auxiliary locks, including a “Charlie Bar,” or other device to jam the door. 2.Installing a keyed lock or removable pin that bolts the doors to each other or to the frame. 3.installation of metal screws in the space above the door to prevent lifting the door from the tracks.
Windows
If glass is within 40 inches of the inside latch, glass can be broken and the latch can be reached. To prevent this, install a double cylinder deadbolt, or cover the glass with special security coating or glazing, or add decorative security grillwork. Caution - double cylinder deadbolt locks can be dangerous for older residents, especially in case of a fire.
Jalousie Windows are virtually impossible to secure without adding protective security grillwork. If Jalousie windows are to remain closed, the individual glass panels can be secured using “superglue” or a similar product. If possible, Jalousie windows should be replaced with another type of window.
Awning type windows can be secured by removing the handle. Removal of the handle makes it impossible for an intruder to reach inside and open the window.
Double or single hung windows should be fitted with auxiliary locks or pins.
PERSONAL SECURITY
When Driving - Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight. Keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked at all times. Don’t stop to help the driver of a disabled vehicle. Use your car phone or use the telephone when you reach your destination, to notify the police. If you have car trouble, raise the hood and then stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked. If strangers stop to help, ask them to report your situation to the police or the nearest service station. Always park in well lighted areas. Lock valuables in trunk before you park your car. Always lock all doors and check when you return to make sure no one is hiding in your vehicle.
When Walking - Don’t make yourself a likely target by walking with excessive jewelry, walking alone on dark, deserted streets, allowing your purse to “dangle” from your hand, or appearing frightened. Walk with confidence and a sense of purpose. Show that you are aware of your surroundings and what is going on in front and in back of you. The attacker is looking for someone to take by surprise - don’t be that someone. Do not return to an empty apartment if you believe you are being followed. Go to a public place and call for help. When you return home, have your key ready to unlock the door without delay. Leave lights on inside your home. It is much safer to return home to a well lighted area.