Every year Seattle communities and neighborhoods in can participate in Seattle’s Night Out Against Crime. This year, Night Out is Tuesday, August 6th, so it’s just under 2 weeks away. And, if you’re participating, let us know– we’d love to get photos of your block party!
Register your block’s Night Out to get the street closed for the event, and get on the map so your neighbors know where they can go for Seattle Night Out. It’s a great community-building event, a chance to meet or reconnect with your neighbors, and help prevent crime.
Why do it? Well, if you’re like me, you live on a block that has been targeted by car prowlers, burglars, and vandals in the past few months. Just yesterday, a reader wrote in to report the following car crimes that took place on Monday night:
“Several cars on Boston between 1st Ave W and 2nd Ave W were broken into last night (doors were shimmied open between front and back passenger door on driver’s side) – in a way that didn’t set off anyone’s car alarm. We know of at least 3, and probably more). Mine was in the driveway parked next to my house. Others were on the street.”
This type of activity is happening all too frequently, and summer is prime season for crime and shady solicitors. Use Night Out to meet your neighbors and keep an eye out for each other. If you haven’t been a victim, consider yourself lucky and get together to celebrate!
Regardless, get together with your neighbors and have a great time! And, to help prevent summer crime, here are some tips from SPD:
Summer Time Safety Tips from SPD
- Anytime you are out of direct sight of a door or window, it should be shut and locked. This includes during the day when you are working in the yard and at night. Before you go to bed, take a quick tour through the house and make sure all doors and windows are closed and latched.
- Remember most burglaries occur during the day. Report any suspicious person or strangers in your neighborhood to 9-1-1.
- Lighting can be a significant factor in discouraging night-time prowling. Turn on your front, side, and back outdoor lights at dusk, and leave them on throughout the night. Having lights on can also help neighbors see what is going on, and possibly get a suspect description.
- Do not let strangers into your house. If anyone comes to your home and asks to use the telephone, you can offer to make the call for them; however, you should not let them in to do this for themselves.
- Remind all family members, including children, that they should not be sharing information about family vacations or trips with others.
- If you are going to be gone from your home overnight, ask one of the neighbors you know to watch your house for you. Offer to do the same for them when they are away.
- To prevent secure parking garage break-ins, make sure you watch the gate/door close behind you. Never leave the garage until the gate/door is completely closed.
- When you enter into the apartment complex through the front door, make sure the door is locked and secure behind you. This removes the easy access to the parking garage by unknown person(s).
- Do not allow persons to walk through the door with you. Residents should have their own key.
Share this information with all family members and encourage them to practice these tips 24 hours a day, not just when we hear about something happening in the neighborhood where we live.