BBB Tip: National Night Out – Help Keep Your Neighborhood Safe

National Night Out is an annual community-police event meant to create awareness in our neighborhoods, generally taking place in late July or early August.

National Night Out promotes partnerships and camaraderie with the goal of making neighborhoods safer by strengthening community bonds and promoting communication. It also enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, providing a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities in all fifty states. This year marks the 34th annual National Night Out, and BBB Serving Wisconsin is happy to once again be part of several community Night Out events.

BBB offers simple tips you can use to stay secure and help make your community safer:

Get to know your neighbors. National Night Out is the perfect way to meet people in your area. Just knowing who your neighbors are is valuable, but establishing relationships really makes a difference in keeping your neighborhood safe from crime.

Neighborhood watch. Form a watch group in your area and report suspect activity. Alert neighbors and police if you see unfamiliar cars driving slowly or individuals acting suspiciously. Keep a list with names and phone numbers of homeowners on your block handy.

Monitor door-to-door sales. Although many legitimate companies solicit door-to-door, con artists use this technique as well. If a door-to-door sales person knocks on your door, know that you do not have to answer the door or allow the person into your home. If you choose to answer, do not commit to purchase any product or service until you have checked the company out with BBB at bbb.org. Take time to report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.

Trash and recycling bins. Many people put their collection bins out the night before pick-up. Or they do so just before leaving for work in the morning. In either case, dumpster divers may have an opportunity to dig through your trash for personally identifiable information. Never put financial or personal information in your trash. If you see people going through your trash, call your local police. Do your best to collect your bins the same day sanitation crews have collected trash and recycling.

Shred your documents! Destroy all documents with financial or personal information in a cross shredder. This includes things like bank and credit card statements, stock portfolios, tax returns, ATM and credit/debit card receipts, copies of birth, death, and marriage licenses, vehicle titles, deeds and mortgages, pay stubs and insurance policies.

Mail boxes. Mail theft is one of the primary ways thieves get personal information to perpetrate identity theft. Collect mail as soon as it is delivered, or get a locking mailbox to give you more security. Be on the lookout for bills or financial statements that do not show up - this is a sign of possible identity theft.

Home security systems. Professional home security systems can be a deterrent to criminals. If you can’t afford a complete system, consider relatively inexpensive home security products like motion sensor lights, etched window glass film, tethered safes, patio door reinforcement bars, light timers, and entry alarms. Also, never leave keys in your car - even when it is in your garage.

Vacation safety. While on vacation, let police, trusted neighbors, or friends and family know when you will be gone and where and how they can reach you. Having someone check on your home, bring in newspapers and mail, and turn lights on and off can help keep your home safe. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, consider a stop order for your newspapers and mail while you’re gone.

By working together with your neighbors, you can create a safe community. Participating in National Night Out is a great first step towards stamping out crime on the street where you live.