During these tough economic times and future holiday events, property crimes tend to increase. Auto burglaries, home burglaries, robbery and thefts increase. We should always be vigilant and protect ourselves from crime, but it will be especially important in the coming months and year.

Here are some tips to protect yourself and your property:

1.  Lock items in the trunk of your car or keep them out of view. Park your car in an area which has adequate lighting.

2. Females should never walk to their car alone at night. Get security to escort you or leave in groups.

3. Hold your keys or a small can of pepper spray in your hand. Keys make an excellent weapon and can stun someone just enough to give you a chance to get away. Carry a whistle on your key chain. If someone seems suspicious use the whistle or get on your cell phone and call someone who can call for help if something goes wrong.

4. Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break into.

5. Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

6. Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. Use motion detector lights outside.

7. Keep your garage door closed and locked.

8. Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or fliers to build up while you are away.
   
   
9. Arrange with the post office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

10. Push-button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

11. Know who belongs or does not belong in your neighborhood. If someone looks suspicious, call the police to have them checked out.

12. Keep your yard clean and bushes and trees trimmed. You don’t want to give burglars a place to hide or remain concealed as they come in and out of your yard.

13. If you have an alarm system, use it, even if you are only leaving for a short time. While they may not prevent burglary’s they do reduce the amount of items taken and many times when the alarm goes off the burglar will leave without taking anything. Whether you have an alarm system or not buy signs that say you have an alarm and place them around your home.

14. If you see anything suspicious, call the Santa Ana Police using the following number:  891-7226.  This number is for a 24/7 dispatch center.