There's a Lot You Can Do

Crime is a serious problem that can effect everyone. Through crime prevention efforts, you and other concerned citizens can:

• Give each other greater control over your property and your lives
• Strengthen bonds in your community
• Help police make your community a safe place to live, work and play. Citizen involvement is crucial
• Secure your home

Avoid Scams

• Refuse unordered, C.O.D. merchandise (merchandise you pay for upon delivery).
• Investigate offers for real estate, insurance, charities, home businesses, etc., before buying.
• Ignore chain letters.
• Phony telephone offers. Verify any caller's claims with the Better Business Bureau and your state or local consumer protection office. Never give your credit card or bank account number over the phone unless you've placed the call with a reputable company.
• Watch out for door to door swindlers. Some sales people who come to your door are not reputable. Ask to see a permit, if required where you live. Carefully check goods and services sold door to door.

Help Keep Drugs Out of Your Neighborhood

• Set a positive example. If you do use drugs, get help to stop. Call the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at 1-800-662-4357.
• Teach kids about the dangers of drugs. Discuss ways to resist peer pressure when drugs are offered. Encourage alternatives to drug use.
• Support local drug treatment programs. Treatment and rehabilitation are keys in halting the drug problem.
• Team up with your community leaders. Work with educators, community officials, neighbors, etc. Help provide youth with safe alternatives to drugs and gangs.

Other Crime Prevention Ideas

• Provide escorts for the elderly. Senior citizens are prime targets for crime. Volunteer to accompany older people on shopping trips, medical visits, etc.
• Get involved in neighborhood cleanup. Cleaning up debris in parks and vacant lots, removing graffiti and improving street lighting are all part of an overall crime prevention strategy.

Additional Resources

For more information or assistance contact Neighborhood Policing Division at (561) 746-6201.

For more help and information about how you can fight crime, contact:
The National Crime Prevention Council
1700 K Street NW, 2nd floor
Washington, DC 20006-3817
(202) 466-6272

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
1757 Park Road NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 232-6682