Morristown Police Announce Crime Prevention Tips For 'Incident-Free' Summer

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – As the warmer weather approaches, Morristown Police are asking residents to be vigilant and proactive in preventing crime.

The police department released a community bulletin this week with tips and reminders on how to “help you and your family enjoy an incident-free summer.”

Those tips include:

• Always remember to roll up your car windows, take any valuables out of your car, and lock your doors every time you exit your vehicle, even if it is parked in your own driveway. Thefts from cars are often as a result of people forgetting to lock their doors.
• Always lock your doors if you are gone, even if only for a few minutes. If you are working in the backyard, keep your front door and garage door closed and locked, and your backdoors locked if you are in the front yard. During the warm weather people often open windows or sliding glass doors while they are at home. Always remember to close and lock them when you go to sleep.
• Install motion-activated lights in your front and backyards, so if someone approaches your home the lights will automatically come on and illuminate the area.
• Put all ladders and other tools in a secure storage area when not in use. Ladders and other tools can be used by criminals to access your home. Always lock any storage unit or shed on your property.
• Be aware of home improvement scams. If you did not solicit the contractor or salesman who shows up at your door unannounced, do not do business with them. If a utility representative comes to your house request identification. True representatives will carry identification and they will gladly show it to you. Call their company for verification or call the police if you are concerned.
• Summer is a perfect time to spend riding a bicycle. Make sure your bike is secured by locking it up when left unattended. Proper locked storage or securing the bike inside your residence is recommended when not using your bicycle.
• Finally, be a good neighbor as this can be one of the best crime prevention tools. Watchful, attentive neighbors can spot potential criminals and alert the Police right away. As always, if you suspect something, say something.

Of course, in an emergency situation, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1. All other incidents can be reported to the Morristown Bureau of Police at 973-538-2200.