Neighbors,
There has been some Security Issues in the Neighborhood. Be aware that the Constable may stop you just to verify that you live in the neighborhood. Do not let this offend you in anyway, we would rather you be asked and then the Constable knows is is supposed to be here. Our hope is that being alert and getting to know everyone, will help Security with the summer months coming up. If you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to call our patrol at anytime. The Constables will be happy to talk with you anytime and address your concerns. Telling the Constable a few days after you see something is too late for them to act. Kids are getting out of School for the summer and as you know that may cause an increase in the crime rates. If you have a monitored alarm system, you may want to add our contract patrol dispatch number along with HPD, this will allow our Constable to also get a call if your alarm is tripped. This might get a faster response to your alarm call. Any questions drop us an email and we will get in touch with you to answer your questions.
Vacation Watch Notification Form
ALERT: Older black man, thin with salt and pepper hair riding a blue bike has been asking for money around the neighborhood. If you see him call the constable!!!!!!!!
Contract Patrol - Constable Precinct 1 Ph.713-755-7628
Security Basics at Home
Make it appear that you're home - use timers on lights, radios, and televisions.
| Never leave clues that you are away. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers or ask for them to be held. |
| You may want to ask a neighbor to park in your driveway so it appears someone is home. |
| Never leave a message on your answering machine saying you are on vacation. |
Keep your doors locked even when you are at home.
Lock the doors and windows to your home, all of them, including the door to the garage. We've all heard people say that they don't bother to lock the door to their home that is connected to the garage because they think the automatic garage door will protect their home. A change of frequency on a garage door opener could make your home an easy target.
Install outdoor lighting to illuminate doors and windows. Lights with motion detectors are very effective. Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. You can do this by installing low voltage outdoor lighting or Solar Lights.
Check to make sure all doors are installed properly, hinges to the inside, locks that have at least a three-quarter to one inch throw, and a peephole properly placed in the door.
Sliding glass doors should have special locks mounted or a well-placed broomstick in the track - - which will make it almost impossible to open. The sliding doors also need the proper installation. Many homeowners would be amazed to learn that sliding glass doors are often installed improperly. All a burglar has to do is lift the door out of the tracks and he is suddenly inside your home.
Window air conditioning units give a very easy point of entry if they are not installed properly. If the A/C is not mounted to the frame, and secured so that it cannot be easily removed, have it installed by a professional. Easy points of entry make you a target.
Don't hide a spare key! If you must have an extra key, give it to a trusted neighbor or family member. Never place it under a front door mat for a friend, vendor or family member. It's the first place a burglar will look!
Remember to require vendors to show proof of identification; uniforms are not enough. Make sure you know who the caller is before you admit him into your residence.
Never admit that you are home alone.
Never open the door to a stranger. Remember, no matter how strong a door is, once it is open by even a crack, you become vulnerable.
If there is an emergency and someone wishes to use your phone, get the phone number and make the call for them.
Keep your shades and blinds down, particularly at night. But you may want to keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to keep a normal appearance.
Don't rely on others to protect you. Get to know your neighbors, your community and your surroundings. Be aware of who is in your community and report any strange behavior. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone in the event they are needed. Never hesitate to use 911 if you are, or even feel you are, in fear of your life.
Don't leave your garage door opener in your car. Breaking out a car window or accessing your convertible with the top down can give a burglar easy access to your residence.
If you have lost your keys, have the locks changed. The alternative could be far more expensive.
Don't carry your house key on the same key ring as your car keys. Burglars have been known to be valet attendants that use clay moulds to replicate your keys.
Always lock your car when it's in the driveway or parked in front of your house. Not only will you protect your car, you will prevent anyone from stealing y garage to your house, in case anyone gains entry to your garage.our garage door opener, which would give them easy access to your home. Make sure that you include a deadbolt on the door leading from your
Trim hedges and shrubs
The worst thing you can do is give an intruder a place to hide while breaking
into your home. Keep all of your bushes trimmed and your hedges low.
Secure your windows
A common entry point for burglars is a ground level window at the side or rear
of the house.
Police, fire, and paramedic emergency telephone numbers should be listed on each telephone in your home. Telephone stickers with these numbers are available from the police, sheriff, or fire departments. In addition, if you have a babysitter for your children, make sure he/she is aware of what to do in an emergency situation. Write down your address next to the emergency telephone numbers. If he/she needs immediate assistance, they will be able to tell emergency vehicles what location they are calling from.
Do not seek confrontation with a burglar. If you come home to find a door or window unexpectedly open, do not go in. Instead, go quickly to a nearby home and phone the police. If you hear or see a prowler in or around your home, do not investigate it yourself. Call the police. Never struggle with a burglar unless you are clearly in danger of serious physical harm and forced
For some good Additional information visit:
Personal Security--At Home, On the Street, While Traveling--US Department of State