Neighborhood Crime Prevention

The Community Noteworthy Reports

To see what is happening in our community as far as crimes against persons and property crimes, click Link to The Community Noteworthy Reports.

Community Sector Crime Reports for Sector 413:

January, 2010 Crime Report

December, 2009 Crime Report

November, 2009 Crime Report

October, 2009 Crime Report

July, 2009 Crime Report

June, 2009 Crime Report

April, 2009 Crime Report

March, 2009 Crime Report

February, 2009 Crime Report

Contacts and Important Numbers

• Non-Emergency Police Number: 804-646-5100
• General Information Police: 804-646-0400
• Lt. Hamlet Hood (4th precinct): Hamlet.Hood@richmondgov.com or 646-4239
• Neighborhood Watch- Officer Douglas Wacker: 646-0407 or wackerdr@richmond.va.us
• Car thefts/Willie Walker: 804-646-4105
• Arson Hotline: 804-646-6668
• Graffiti- Public Works: 804-646-1794
• Graffiti- Officer Claude Picard 646-4105 or claude.picard@richmondgov.com

• Report Graffiti to the city online. Click on Sign in to create account.

Etablishing a Neighborhood Watch

A good neighbor is one of the best crime prevention tools to prevent crime in your neighborhood. Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement are the basis of the Neighborhood Watch program. If you are interested in being involved in a neighborhood watch program, please contact the Association today.

General Tips

• Have your key ready before you get to the front door.
• Make sure your entrance area is well lighted.
• Get to know all your adjacent neighbors.
• Agree to watch out for each other's home.
• While on vacation, pick up newspapers and flyers.
• Call the police if a stranger acts suspiciously.
• Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors.
• Ensure proper lighting around your home.

Coming Home Late at Night

• Avoid shortcuts that are not well travelled or well lit.
• Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed, stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
• When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
• If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
• If a motorist bothers you while you are walking, turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary to discourage him.

Lighting Tips

• Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy.
• Exterior lighting should allow 100 foot visibility.
• Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door.
• Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically.
• Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes.

Preventing House Invasions

• Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
• Lock all doors, windows, and garages at all times.
• Use four three-inch screws to secure heavy duty lock strike plates.
• Use the door peephole before opening the door.
• Use your porch light to help you to see clearly.
• Never rely on a chain-latch as a barrier to partially open the door.
• Never open the door to strangers or solicitors.
• Call the police if the stranger acts suspicious.
• Alert your neighbors to suspicious solicitors.
• Hold a family meeting to discuss home security plans.
• Set the perimeter alarm at night, if you have one.

Alarm Systems

• Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage.
• Alarm systems need to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained.
• Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective.
• Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date.
• Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell.