Neighborhood Watch Tips

Here are some tips, from the Elgin Police Department, to keep in mind as a Neighborhood Watch Member:

• Keep your front and back lights on during dark hours.  Criminals don't like to be seen.
• Get to know your neighbors on either side and across the street.  Get-togethers are encouraged!
• Watch out for your neighbors.  Get to know your neighbor's routine and have them know yours.  Let them know when you'll be out of town.  Don't leave notes indicating that you aren't home or when you'll return.  Inform the police of any suspicious activity immediately.
• Have salesmen, repairmen, etc. show proper identification.
• Don't hide spare keys 'where no one would ever look'.
• Inform Public Works if street lights are out @ 847-697-3160.
• Report any and all graffiti to the Graffiti Hotline @ 847-931-5599.
• Engrave your household inventory.  You can borrow an engraver for one week from the Elgin Police Department Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division.  In case of a burglary, this has been successful in returning merchandise to it's lawful owner.
• Consider an alarm system.
• Never enter your house if you see evidence of a burglary.
• We are not vigilantes!  Call the police.  If you do meet a burglar, let him go.  Better to lose money or property than your life!

Also, due to recent vehicle burglaries, the Elgin Police Department is encouraging residents to: 

• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
• Lock your vehicle, close the windows & don't leave the keys in it.
• Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle.  If you do, keep them out of sight (under your seat, in a locked glove box or in the trunk).  Items to be aware of are GPS and mount/cord, I-Pass, garage door opener, CDs, iPod, laptop, purse, wallet, loose change, backpack, cell phone & mail.
• Park your car in the garage.  If you are unable to, park in your driveway rather than on the street when possible.
• Set any alarm or anti-theft device that your vehicle is equipped with.
• Call the police if you see adults or kids wandering the neighborhood, loitering around a vehicle, looking into cars, or trying vehicle door handles.
• Keep a record of the serial numbers on valuable items that you keep in your vehicle, in case something is stolen.  Mark your valuables with your Driver's License or some identifying information so they can be returned to you if they are recovered.
• File a police report if your car is burglarized.  Even if nothing or just change was taken.