How can we help Fight Crime in our community?
Reporting Crime:
Knowing how and when to call the police is an important part of preventing or solving a crime. Chesterfield County
our liaison is:
Corporal Craig Eckrich
Crime Prevention Unit
Chesterfield County Police Department
(804) 706-2982
Chesterfield County encourages citizens to use the non-emergency number for suspicious activity,
disturbances, or crimes that are not in progress.
The non-emergency number is 748-1251;
Use this number to report speeding or traffic complaints that do not need immediate police response.
However, if the situation seems URGENT do not hesitate to dial 911
Whatever the crimes may be, Meadowbrook Farm residents can do their part to decrease them by just being aware of their surroundings and taking prompt action when something just doesn’t seem right. Neighbors protecting neighbors is the best crime prevention tool we have!
When you’re away for extended periods, such as on a vacation, make sure your neighbors know to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in or around your home, and have someone take your mail and newspapers in
until you return.
When driving home, always be aware of your surroundings. Notice a car that seems to be following you for any length of time, and take note of people out walking in your neighborhood that just “don’t seem to belong.” If you notice any of these things, use your cell phone to call ahead and have someone meet you outside when you arrive. If no one is home, drive to a neighbor’s or friend’s home instead. If you must come home to an empty house, use an automatic garage door opener and drive directly into the garage, completely closing the door behind you before you unlock your car doors. If you park outside, lock all doors and take your garage door opener inside with you. Consider installing motion-sensing floodlights that will
arrival.
Part of successfully preventing crime in your neighborhood is to report all suspicious activity immediately. Many people think that the police don’t want to be bothered with the “small” issues, but often those reports will help to solve a larger case. For example, a speeding car leaving an area might mean someone has just committed a crime and is making a getaway.
Chesterfield Police also have a
Traffic Complaint Hotline at 318-8084.
especially urgent, or if you just can’t remember that number, never feel hesitant to
call 911. You can also call Crime Solvers at 748-0660 to make an anonymous report of information that may help police solve a crime that has already occurred.
When you do call the police, have as much information ready as you can. Try to make note of the suspect’s approximate height and weight, hair color, distinguishing marks, and clothing. If a vehicle is involved, try to get the vehicle license plate number, make, model and color.
People stealing things out of vehicles has been more common all over Chesterfield County recently, and most of the thefts were entirely preventable. They say that most thefts from vehicles occurred because the cars were not locked. Other times, cars are broken into because valuable items are left inside in plain sight. Preventing these crimes is as simple as storing valuables in the trunk or glove compartment and locking all doors both day and night, even when the car is parked in your own driveway. Park your car in your garage
whenever possible. On the street or in public parking lots, always try to park in a well-lit area.
Preventing Home Break-ins Thieves looking for a house to rob usually look for the easiest target in the neighborhood. Here are some tips to help prevent you from becoming a victim. Let’s make your house unattractive to a burglar.
Always keep the exterior of your home well lit after dark.
Consider installing motion-detecting lights. Don’t let shrubbery grow big enough to conceal first-floor windows from the street where a thief could hide, and always put ladders away to prevent easy access to upper
level windows. Lock all windows and doors, close shades or curtains at night or when
you’re away, and make sure that valuables such as purses, briefcases, gifts and electronic equipment are not visible through windows and doors. Store tools, toys and sports equipment in a locked shed or garage,
keep the garage door closed when not outside, and take garage door remotes inside with you.