There are many things that Mountain View citizens and business owners can do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Comprehensive crime prevention that coordinates strategies and policies (addressing causes as well as occurrences of crime) are vital to long-term success.
Crime Prevention Services
The police department offers a variety of crime prevention services including free security inspections for your home or business. You can read our monthly Crime Prevention Connection newsletter, which is posted on the main page of our website. We lend property engravers so you can engrave identifying numbers on your belongings. This reduces their value to thieves, as well as improving the prospects for arrest, conviction and return of property. We also offer free gun locks, to prevent weapons misuse. The department also maintains a large database of crime prevention brochures that can provide you with valuable information. Lastly, email our Community Action and Information Unit anytime to request a presentation specific to your needs or organization. We provide personalized personal safety training regularly to businesses both large and small, as well as to other community groups and organizations. You can also call us to discuss setting up a crime prevention class for you at 650/903-6707.
Crime Prevention Tips
Most criminals are looking for easy targets. Why volunteer yourself, or your property, when you can often avoid crime by changing your safety habits. Many of our Web pages feature crime prevention tips and we have a myriad of brochures addressing various topics. Here are a few easy ones to get you started:
- Lock your vehicle and place all valuables out of sight
- At night, park in well-lit areas and walk with a partner
- Never leave your car running, even for a minute.
- Lock your windows when you're not home.
- Don't carry your social security card/number in your wallet.
- Don't open your door to strangers.
- Notify your neighbors when you go on vacation.
State Crime Prevention Programs
Visit California's Safe State site for information about state-wide crime prevention.
