Crime can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Many crimes can be prevented. The Aurora Police Department would like to remind members of the community that taking some simple steps can minimize their potential for becoming a victim.

See the type of crime occurring in your neighborhood.

Common targets for burglars are small items like jewelry that they can fit into their pockets. These items can easily be sold at cash for gold outlets. Please be vigilant about reporting suspicious activity in your neighborhood. If you see someone knocking at the front door of your neighbor’s house and then move to the backyard, please call police. If someone knocks on your door and asks for someone who does not live there, call the police with their description and direction of travel. Most importantly, please remember to always, lock your doors and windows when you leave your residence.

Crime Tips

It is no secret that the Aurora Police Department investigates many thefts and other property related crimes. But you may not be aware of the critical role citizens play in the police investigation.

Many of these crimes go unsolved because the owners were unable to properly identify their stolen items. In the event that your property is stolen, investigators will ask you for information that clearly identifies your property.

Aurora is a member of the LeadsOnline Report It Program: LeadsOnline provides a system for maintaining secure records of property you own. You may store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss. This record may also come in handy when reporting any loss to your insurance provider.

https://reportit.leadsonline.com/

Often times, thieves will try to cash in on the stolen property by selling it to local pawn shops, various second-hand stores, or on the Internet. Investigators armed with detailed property descriptions and photographs can track down stolen items and those who would attempt to profit from the sale of stolen property.

By taking this simple step and creating a record of your valuables, the odds are increased that you will get your stolen property back and the thief will go to jail.

Safety at Home

• Residents are encouraged to keep all doors locked, including sliding and glass doors. It’s also important to keep windows locked. If you want to leave a window partially open, use window stops to prohibit access.

• Lighting is an inexpensive tool for preventing nighttime crime. It costs pennies a month to keep your porch light on over night. When you are out of town, use timers to turn on lights in your house.

• If you’re going to return home late in the evening, leave some indoor and outside lights on.

• Pay attention to suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Write down descriptions of suspicious people and license plate numbers. Report this information to the police.

• Be wary of letting unfamiliar people into your home. Install a peephole in your front door. Ask for identification, a phone number, references and a business card, and call the business to verify the information while the person remains outside of the home. If there is any doubt, do not let the individual inside and then contact the police.

• Never disclose personal information over the telephone. If you live alone, use only your last name and initials on mail boxes and in phone directories.

• Join Neighborhood Watch. You can also ask your local Police Area Representative (PAR) Officer to share crime prevention tips with a group of neighbors. Call 303.739.6000 to learn more.

Safety in Public

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Criminals tend to avoid people who appear self-assured, so walk purposefully and with confidence.

• Avoid walking at night or in dimly lit areas. If you must walk in the evening, walk in pairs whenever possible and along familiar routes.

• Trust your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. If you feel someone is following you or could hurt you, yell ‘Fire’ instead of ‘help.’ People are more likely to respond to your call for assistance.

• Streetwise Safety Tips

  
  

Safety While Driving

• Park in well-lit areas. When walking to your vehicle, observe the area around you and have keys in your hand.

• Check the front and rear seats before getting into your car. Lock your doors after getting into your car and keep them locked while driving.

• To avoid getting stranded, keep your car maintained and your gas tank filled.

• If you feel you are being followed and are concerned for your safety, drive to a safe location and call 911 for help.

• Exercise extra caution when using underground and enclosed parking areas. Try not to enter alone.

Computer Safety

In today's world, more and more things are being accomplished via the internet. This requires people to be more vigilant when using the internet. Never make a purchase on an unsecure website. Use secure purchasing programs like PayPal if possible. Never send personal information over the internet.

Be aware of what you are posting on your social media sites. Set the privacy settings as you see fit, but know that there is always a possibility of someone getting past security measures. In the event you need to report various types of abuse and fraud to Facebook. Additionally, it will help with interstate users who post inappropriate page content or establish Facebook identities in the name of others.