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When Leaving Home for Several Days!
Tell police when you are leaving and when you plan to return; they will check on your house periodically. The non-emergency Mint Hill Police Department telephone number is 704-545-1085;
Let a neighbor that lives close by know you are going away. That way the neighbor can observe your home and report any unusual activity to the proper authorities. Give contacts where you can be reached in case of an emergency;
Have different lights turn on and off so the house appears occupied. This can be accomplished with inexpensive timers placed at different locations in the house;
If you have outdoor flood lights install dusk to dawn devices so the lights do not stay on during the daytime;
Have a friend or neighbor go inside and check the house periodically;
Consider asking friends or relatives to live in your home while you are away;
Store all valuables;
Leave a car in the driveway, or ask neighbors to park in it;
Have a neighbor pick up your newspaper each day. In the absence of a neighbor picking up the newspaper, stop your newspaper delivery while away. Multiple newspapers in the box or on the drive are clear indications you are not home. To stop the delivery, the Charlotte Observer phone number is 1-800-532-5350;
Have a neighbor collect your mail each day. In the absence of a neighbor collecting your mail, place a hold on your mail service. A United States Post Office link is provided below if you choose to hold the mail.
USPO Hold Mail Link
Common Sense Crime Prevention!
Use a timer or photo electric cell that automatically turns a living room light on at dusk;
Leave a radio on with the volume turned low when leaving home, even for short periods;
Always close and lock garage doors;
Secure automatic garage door transmitters in glove compartments of your car;
Secure all obvious (and not so obvious) points of entry to your home. Pretend you are a burglar... stand outside your home and plan how you would get in; then install secure locks on all doors and windows;
Lock all ladders, ropes, or tools that could help a burglar gain entry;
Keep all shrubbery trimmed near your doors and windows-don't provide concealment or climbing platforms for a burglar;
Brightly illuminate all entrances, preferably with vandal-proof fixtures;
Keep your grass cut, your leaves raked, etc., to indicate a well cared for and occupied home;
Empty your mailbox or arrange to have it emptied as soon as mail is delivered;
Install new locks when moving into a previously owned home;
Keep extra keys out of sight and in a safe place; never hide a key outside - most hiding places are obvious to burglars;
Avoid displaying valuable items near windows with open drapes or shades;
Never leave a note on the door explaining while you are not home;
Never leave doors or windows unlocked when leaving home, even for short periods;
For cars that are not placed in your garage, please keep vehicles locked at all times. Make sure valuable items are not in site if locked in your vehicle.
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