Montgomery Police Department

Crime Prevention Tips

 

Tip #1- Identity Theft/ Fraud:

 

  • Do not give your social security number to anyone you have not verified, and only when proven necessary.
  • Do not supply information by telephone to telephone solicitors.  Supply information to tele-merchants only when necessary and after verifying their information.
  • Carry only those credit cards you plan to use immediately.  Keep other card in a secure location
  • Sign the backs of your credit cards and mark them “see photo I.D.”           
  • Shred personal bills and statements, and unsolicited applications.
  • Review your personal credit history semi-annually.  Contact Equifax at (888)567-8688 and Experian at (800)333-0809 to exempt your information from mailing lists.
  • Use extreme caution when supplying any credit-related information over the computer.
  • Do not use debit/credit cards over the Internet unless the site is secured.

 

Tip #2- Home Burglary:

 

  • Keep all doors and windows locked, including overhead garage doors.
  • Make your home look occupied.
  • Have adequate interior and exterior lighting .
  • Use sturdy doors and locks.
  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed.
  • Install an alarm system.

 

Tip #3- Vacations:

 

  • Have a trusted person watching the home ( pick up mail, newspapers, cut grass, shovel snow).
  • Set timers on interior and/or exterior lighting.
  • Leave a radio on inside (voices inside).
  • Stop by the Montgomery Police Department and fill out a vacation check form.

 

Tip #4- Thefts from/of Autos:

 

  • Lock your doors.
  • Remove valuables from inside vehicle (alarms work but do not deter thieves when valuables are visible).
  • Park in a garage or well-lit area if possible.
  • Replace your cigarette lighter after removing the power cord to your electronic equipment.
  • Be aware of your environment.  If you see suspicious persons or vehicles, copy down the license plate number and report it to the police immediately.
  • Record all serial numbers for stereos, cell phones, VCRs, cameras, etc.

 

Tip #5- Shopper Safety:

 

  • Shop with another person.
  • Keep valuables (credit cards, checkbook, I.D., money) on your person, not in a purse, bag, or shopping cart.
  • Park in a well-lit area and pay attention to where you parked.
  • Do not accumulate excessive packages.
  • Be aware of your environment; if you see suspicious persons or vehicles, report it to the police immediately.
  • If you have a cell phone, carry it in your hand to and from the parking lot.

 

Tip #6- Office Thefts:

 

  • Take personal valuables home with you .
  • Remove laptop computers from premises, or store them in a locked desk or cabinet .
  • Report suspicious/unauthorized persons.
  • Record serial numbers of all office equipment.
  • Keep purses stored in a locked desk or cabinet.
  • Contracted cleaning should be done during business hours (monitor cleaning crew).

 

Tip #7- Burglaries to Businesses:

 

  • Use sturdy doors and good locking devices.
  • Have adequate interior and exterior lighting.
  • Use lock-down devices to secure office equipment.
  • Install alarm system and cameras.

 

Tip #8- Vandalism:

 

  • Park vehicles in the garage or at least in a driveway rather than on the street.
  • Have ample exterior lighting during hours of darkness.
  • Report all suspicious  persons, vehicles, sounds and activities immediately.
  • Organize neighborhood watch groups.

 

Tip #9- Gypsy Scams:

 

  • If a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
  • Attempt to confirm the credentials of the repair persons/contractor (I.D. cards, etc.).
  • Do not pay in advance for work/repairs to be done.
  • Do not allow yourself to be pressured into having work/repairs done immediately.
  • Do not give personal information to anyone over the phone (social security #, bank acct. #, driver license #, etc.).
  • Beware of strangers offering to share money/valuables.
  • Beware of any unusual requests from your bank (especially if it consists of withdrawing money).
  • Do not let any unscheduled solicitors, workers or strangers into your house under any circumstances.

 

Tip #10- Personal Safety Tips:

 

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Attempt to do your activities with another person.
  • Do not open your door to anyone you are not comfortable with.
  • Car doors should be locked at all times.
  • Carry a cell phone with you at all times (even deactivated ones can make emergency calls).
  • Maintain your vehicle (keep at least half a tank of gas, and perform regular maintenance).
  • Be aware of your environment; if you see suspicious persons or vehicles, report it to the police immediately.

 

 

Tip #11 Thefts:

 

  • Do not leave anything of value unattended.
  • Close garage and storage shed doors when not in use, even when you are home.
  • Lock up bicycles and mopeds with chain locks when unattended.
  • Keep bags, purses and wallets with you at all times when shopping.
  • Record serial numbers for all electronic equipment, tools, etc.

 

 

To report a crime in progress or other emergency, dial 911

All other calls:

Montgomery Police non-emergency (630)897-8707

Aurora Area Crime Stoppers (630)892-1000

Kendall County Crime Stoppers (630)553-5999