Low Graphics Version Homepage > City Hall > Sheriff's Office > Crime Prevention Send a link Contact Us City Council City Hall Information City Manager's Office Commissions & Committeess Community Development Contacts Employment Information Environmental/CEQA Notices and Documents Finance and Administrative Services Human Resources & Volunteer Services Municipal Code Public Works Recreation & Facilities Resources & Links Sheriff's Office City Hall Calendar City Hall Map Directions to City Hall City Attorney City Clerk Contacts Emergency Preparedness Popular Pages Public Records Requests The Saratogan AlertSCC CERT Information Fire Hazard Information H1N1 Flu Medical Reserve Corps Wildfire Awareness Commission Agenda & Minute Email Notifications Commission Information Commission Vacancies Finance Committee Heritage Preservation Commission Library Commission Outside Agency Committee Assignments Park & Recreation Commission Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee Planning Commission Traffic Safety Commission Youth Commission Code of Ethics and Values Commission Appointment Commission Handbook Political Reform Act & Conflict of Interest Public Records Act Rules of Parliamentary Procedure Serving On A Commission The Brown Act Agendas and Minutes Agendas and Minutes Archive Agendas and Minutes Archive Agendas and Minutes Archive Park Videos Agendas and Minutes Archive Agendas and Minutes Live Planning Commission Meetings Planning Commission Meeting Calendar Agenda Packets (with Staff Reports) & Meeting Videos Public Notices Agendas and Minutes Archive Agendas and Minutes Archive Building Division Code Enforcement Contacts FAQs Forms General Plan Planning Commission Planning Division Popular Pages Tree Information and Permits Building Permit Activity Reports Construction Work Hours Building Inspection Processes Building Permit Record Request Form Permit Application and Search Tree Removal Regulations 2015 Trees by 2015 Saratoga Tree Planting Form Budget Finance Documents Forms Popular Pages Contacts Human Resources FY 2013/14 Proposed Budget FY 2012/13 Budget FY 2011/12 Budget FY 2010/11 Budget FY 2009/10 Budget FY 2008/09 Budget Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports Fee Schedule Annual Financial Summary Statement Business License Forms Vendors Forms Employment Information Volunteer Active Classifications City Organization Chart Employee Benefits Employee MOUs Engineering Division Streets Division Parks Division Projects Utilities RFPs and Bids Popular Pages Contacts Benchmarks Contacts Encroachment Permits FAQs Geotechnical Clearance Stormwater Requirements Contacts FAQs Report a Pothole Report a Street Light Issue Street Sweeping Contacts FAQs Parks Parks Maps Report Graffiti Report Park Issues Trail Maps Congress Springs Quarry Acquisition Highway 9 Safety Project Joe's Trail at Saratoga de Anza Prospect Road Median Project Village Pedestrian Enhancement Project Welcome Online Registration Upcoming Activities Refund Policy Facility and Park Reservations Great Getaways Senior Services About Us Contacts Instructors Suggest a Class! Tell Us How We Are Doing! Park Reservation Information Facility Reservation Information Event Permits Department Mission Recreation Services Joan Pisani Memorial FAQ County of Santa Clara Elected Officials Federal Government Other Resident Resources Saratoga Schools Special Districts State of California Sustainability in Saratoga Utility Services Video Archive Traffic Safety Crime Prevention Student Resource Officer Public Safety Resource Links Weekly Activity Summary Crime Prevention Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility. The following topics are general safety suggestions that when exercised, will make it tougher for criminals to make you a victim of crime.   NEIGBORHOOD WATCH Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program, which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. The program involves neighbors getting to know each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance. Citizens are trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods with the implementation of crime prevention techniques such as home security, Operation Identification, etc. Over 40 million crimes are committed every year and the number is still growing. There are not enough Law Enforcement Officer’s for every corner, so citizen involvement is essential to combat this social crisis. By cooperating with each other, and the Sheriff’s Office, people can help fight crime in their community the most effective way - before it begins.   Contact the Saratoga Neighborhood Resource Officer to form a Neighborhood Watch   HOME PROTECTION Always keep your doors and windows locked, and inspect them periodically for possible damage. Criminals hate well lit areas, and may not target a certain area if they can be seen easily. Exterior motion lights work well in establishing a safer perimeter near your home. If an unknown person is at your door, keep the door shut and identify them from inside of your home. Don’t be afraid of asking the person who they are. If they are there for a legitimate reason, they will be more than happy to provide their information. If you arrive home, and suspect a stranger may be inside, do not enter. Leave quietly and call “911” as soon as possible. PERSONAL SECURITY Do not carry more money than is necessary. This will lower the chance of manipulating large amounts of cash while paying for your purchases. When possible, travel with a friend or co-worker while in high risk areas. Making late night automatic teller withdrawals is risky, especially when there is little pedestrian traffic in the area.     SECURITY IN YOUR VEHICLE Keep your fuel tank full when possible, and your vehicle properly maintained to prevent break downs. Keep the doors to your vehicle locked, and windows rolled up in high risk areas, or when you notice suspicious circumstances. Never pick-up hitchhikers while operating your vehicle. If your vehicle breaks down, pull over to the right when possible, and call for assistance.     IDENTITY THEFT Identity theft is increasing in our jurisdictions and across the United States. You can take several actions to prevent a criminal from obtaining your personal identity. Promptly remove your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. Deposit outgoing mail in a Post Office collection box, or at the local Post Office. Shred pre-approved credit card applications, bills, and other material, which may contain financial information.     INTERNET CHILD PREDATORS While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts. Monitor your child’s computer use, and create an open dialog with them regarding suspicious activity online.     ELDER ABUSE/FRAUD Many seniors are being physically abused, financially abused, and physically neglected. Numerous financial schemes involving credit cards, investment rip-offs, lottery scams and charity groups target this group relying on their good nature. If you suspect a contract or offer is too good to be true, it may be fraudulent. Contact the Sheriff’s Office if you feel you have been the victim of any of these scams, or if you are physically abused or neglected.       About The CityWhat's NewHow Do I...ServicesCity HallThings To Do...City CouncilContact UsCalendarSite MapF.A.Q.