Crime Prevention Tips - Summer Safety
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
The Community-Oriented Policing Unit of the Munster Police Department would like to offer the following crime prevention and safety tips for residents in regards to Summer Safety. Please take the time to read over this information and educate your family members on what is applicable to them.
-
Talk to your children about strangers, and about what to do if they are approached by one. Let them know that strangers will attempt to trick them into going with them by using gifts and fake promises. When approached by a stranger, advise them to say "no", to run away as fast as possible, and to tell a trusted adult immediately.
-
Do not let your children play alone. Abductions often occur while children are as close as the front or back yard. Sometimes a fence isn't all the security that you will need. Supervise your children or have a trusted adult stay with your child if necessary when they are outside playing or riding their bicycle. Remember that strangers will look for easy targets. Do not allow your child to be one. Teach them to be smart and alert at all times and not to trust people that they do not know.
-
Do not leave your garage door open. Although it may become hot inside your garage, by leaving it open you allow perpetrators to hide and wait for you to come home. If your garage is attached to the residence, it allows them easy access to your home.
-
When walking out to your car, remain alert at all times. Walk out with a friend if necessary. Have your keys ready to unlock the car door.
-
Before getting into your car, always look in the back seat to make sure that no one is hiding in the back seat before you get in.
-
When leaving your place of work at night, if you do not feel comfortable walking into a dark parking lot have a friend accompany you or contact the police for an escort to your vehicle.
-
Encourage your neighbors to look out for one another and to report suspicious subjects and vehicles that do not appear to belong in the area. By looking out for your neighbors, you are helping the police to make your neighborhood even safer.
-
Do not leave valuables such as purses, wallets, etc. in unlocked vehicles while paying for gas or when running quick errands such as going inside the post office. Lately we have had a number of thefts from vehicles parked at gas pumps while their owners are away from the vehicle.
-
If you come home to an open door or broken glass on one of the windows, do not enter your home. Go to a trusted neighbor's home immediately and contact the police. By going inside to look for lost items or damage your may be exposing yourself to more danger if the perpetrator is still inside the house. The police will come and make sure that the home is safe to enter.
-
Remember that pepper spray is not a solve-all to any problem or incident. Although pepper spray (when used correctly) can be very effective against an attack, some human beings are immune to its effects and some are effected more than others. Common sense and being alert are the best weapons you can use to avoid an attack.
-
When at home alone or with your children, keep the doors to the home locked so that perpetrators cannot sneak in undetected. Just because you are home does not mean that someone will not attempt to come inside.
-
If you leave your residence to do yardwork, lock the door behind you. A criminal can sneak in while you are distracted. Bring your house keys with you out into the yard.
-
Keep an eye on all of your valuables while shopping or when attending area festivals and carnivals this summer. Pickpockets live for this time of year, and for people who are not paying attention to their purse or wallet.
-
"Gypsy scams" also go on the rise during the warmer months. "Gypsy scams" usually involve the distraction of the homeowner while an accomplice either steals from the residence or when the criminal obtains vital information used later for identity theft. Do not release personal information to someone who shows up at your door or who calls you stating that they are from various utility companies. If the person is suspicious, contact the police immediately.
-
Keep in mind that some solicitors could be illigitimate and they may be casing the neighborhood. Report any suspicious solicitors immediately. Do not open the front door if you are not comfortable, and never let someone you don't know into the house, especially if you are at home alone or with your children. Some solicitors are from legitimate businesses, however, if you do not feel comfortable or if something does not feel right contact the police immediately.
-
While visiting places such as Community Park and the Munster Community Pool, do not leave your children or valuables unattended. Allowing your child to use a playground out of the view of you or a designated adult is potentially dangerous.
-
At the Community Pool, criminals know that patrons will either leave valuables such as wallets or purses inside their vehicles or wrapped up in towels. When visiting the pool, it is a good idea to only bring what is necessary in a small bag (small amount of cash, water bottle, identification, pool pass, etc).
-
The Munster Police Department often runs bike patrols in the park areas throughout the summer. If you observe an individual or vehicle that is acting suspiciously, contact the Munster Police Department immediately or notify a passing bike patrol officer.
-
The Munster Police Department can be reached on their non-emergency line at (219) 836-6600 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
For more information on safety during the summer months, please contact Officer James Ghrist at 219-836-6639 or jghrist@munster.org.
Copyright © 2025