CRIME IN KENNYDALE: WHAT YOU NEED TO DO, Revisited

​This is a partial re-print of an article that appeared in the Kennydale News in April, 2015.  Sadly, we are still seeing property crimes occur here in Kennydale, so now is the time to implement whichever of the following precautions that you don’t already have in place:
 

1. Install lights by all exterior doors, and the motion detecting type at front and garage doors (or install LED lamps on a timer and run them all night).
2. Trim shrubs back from doors and windows
3. Don’t leave exterior lights on during the daytime; that suggests that you are away from home
4. Always close your garage door, and cover “view” windows so that no one can see inside
5. Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home
6. Do not hide keys outside; leave them with a trusted neighbor
7. Add drop bars, wooden dowels, or pinning devices to windows and sliding glass doors
8. Keep valuables in a safe deposit box
9. Take outgoing mail directly to the post office or a blue Postal pick-up box
10.  Never let strangers into your home.  If someone knocks, answer them through a closed, locked door and keep it locked until you verify that they have legitimate business with you.
11.  Consider installing a residential alarm system
12.  Consider installing a good quality video surveillance system
13.  Leave nothing in your car; lock; park in garage if possible 

While on vacation:
14)  Place a radio and interior lights on timers
15)  Put mail and newspapers on hold
16)  Ask your trusted neighbor to pick up any packages or fliers from your driveway or porch, and to “keep an eye on things”
17) Sign up with the Renton P.D.’s Vacation House Check Program (425-430-7571 or www.rentonwa.gov .

As Officer Cyndie Parks notes, “It falls upon those who live in a neighborhood to be vigilant and to remember: utilizing 911 as a resource tool as opposed to an emergency-only number is incredibly important.  Reporting suspicious activity can make a very big difference when it comes to deterring criminal activity – please be a heavy handed 911 caller”.  After you call 911, get on social media, if you are so inclined.  Finally, if you have never set up a Block Watch on your street, or if yours has become inactive, please call Officer Parks at 425-430-7521 to get one established or reinvigorated!