Safety Saturday: Crime Prevention

October is National Crime Prevention Month. The goal of crime prevention is to decrease crime and increase security, but also to prevent harm caused by crime. Together, we can protect the well-being and safety of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
Did you know a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? Furthermore, a high percentage of burglaries occur in the daytime, between 10am and 3pm.
We have compiled tips from law enforcement agencies to bring awareness of best safety practices to reduce preventable crimes.
Crime Prevention Tips
At Home:
- Make Your Home Look Occupied. Leave some lights and a radio on when you're out.
- Lock Your Doors. Never leave your house open for “just a moment,” always lock your doors when you're out.
- Use Deadbolt Locks: A deadbolt lock is a good deterrent to burglars.
- If you have a security alarm system, activate it!
When out in the community:
- Be aware of your surroundings. A criminal may target you simply because you are preoccupied.
- Be prepared. Have your keys in hand.
- Avoid isolated areas. When possible, always park in well-lit areas.
- Never risk your personal safety for valuables. Your safety is the most important thing.
In the evenings:
- Remove valuables from your vehicle.
- Lock the car doors.
- Have a nighttime routine: verify all doors are locked and vehicles secured.
Criminals look for easy targets. You can make it more difficult for them by following these simple prevention tips. Many vehicle burglaries and vandalisms occur as a result of vehicles being left unlocked. Criminals walk through neighborhoods trying vehicle door handles, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is to remove all your valuables, lock your vehicle’s doors upon exiting and take the keys to the vehicle inside your residence.
The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings.
The Harris County Constable’s office, Montgomery County Sherriff department, and The Woodlands Township have partnered together to raise awareness about important crime prevention initiatives. As The Woodlands continues to grow so does the need for residents to be vigilant and continue to take part in crime prevention efforts in their homes and in their neighborhoods.
Neighbor knowing neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. Together, we can protect the well-being and safety of ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
Important Phone Numbers
- Non-emergency phone numbers:
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office: 936-442-7797
Harris County Constable - Precinct 4: 281-376-3472
- For emergencies, please call 9-1-1 first.

