search

Keeping you and your neighborhood safe: tips from Aurora Police

January 28th, 2021

Read the article by the City of Aurora Newsletter here
While being a victim of crime is still a rare occurrence in Aurora, one of the most frequent questions posed to the Aurora Police Department is what can people do to help minimize the risk. Here are a few safety tips from our police department to help prevent incidents at home, on the road or in other situations.
Around home:
  • Install brighter bulbs in your porch lights that better illuminate the front of your house.
  • Leave your porch lights on all night.
  • Create a nighttime routine that incorporates locking any vehicles parked outside, turning on lights, making sure your garage door is closed, and locking your doors/windows.
  • Consider installing surveillance cameras or video doorbells.
With your vehicles:
  • Lock your doors! Leaving car doors unlocked is a quick and easy way for a criminal to gain access and steal your belongings.
  • Do not leave anything of value inside of your vehicle. If you must leave something inside your car, remember, “Stow it, don’t show it.”
  • Never leave your car running unattended. A remote start is OK, but leaving your car running is a quick and easy way for it to be stolen.
Personal safety:
  • Plan ahead and become familiar with the area that you are traveling to if you have never been before.
  • If visiting somewhere for the first time, make sure you have a full charge on your cellphone in case you need to use GPS or make an emergency call.
  • If someone produces a gun or demands property, don’t put up a fight; it’s never worth risking your life. Property can be replaced; your life can’t.
  • If meeting someone to conduct an online merchandise exchange (Facebook Marketplace, Letgo, etc.), meet in a public place and try to do it during the day. If meeting at night, consider somewhere that is well-lit and has cameras. A police station is always a good place.
Walking back and forth to your car, your home or even the park can seem like a normal, everyday thing. Here are some things to watch out for:
  • If walking somewhere at night, try to have a flashlight with you.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid unfamiliar places.
  • Make sure your cell phone is charged in case of an emergency.
PAR officers at work for you
Neighborhoods in Aurora are assigned Police Area Representatives, or PAR officers, who educate residents and stakeholders in that area about crime prevention, direct crime prevention initiatives and perform problem-solving techniques to address quality of life issues.
Each PAR officer works closely with residents and businesses in their assigned area. They attend Neighborhood Watch meetings, and offer help with problems that may have a detrimental impact on the quality of life in neighborhoods.
To view the PAR area map and find out your assigned officer, visit AuroraGov.org and search for PAR Officer.