Crime Safety Tips | Marshfield Police Department

Crime Prevention Tips

Please call 911 or (781) 834-6655 immediately if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood!

The best tools to stop crime are your eyes!
Many burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds attempting to break into a home. Make sure every external door has sturdy, well-installed deadbolt locks.
Sliding glass doors offer easy access if not properly secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or by putting a broomstick or wooden dowel in the inside track to prevent the door from sliding.
Never hide house keys under the door mat or a rock that is near your door. Most burglars know this trick. Instead give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
When you move into a new house or apartment, have a competent locksmith re-key or replace the locks.
All outside doors to your home should be metal or solid wood.
Install a peephole in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
Don't use door chains; they break easily and don't keep intruders out.
Prune back shrubbery and trees as to not obscure windows and doors.
Install outdoor floodlights or motion-sensor lights to eliminate any areas where someone might hide on or around your property.
When you go out of town, give your house that "lived-in look" by putting a few of your lights on timers. Also, stop your mail and newspaper delivery or have a trusted neighbor pick it up for you.
While driving, lock your doors and roll up your windows. Park in a well-lit area and keep all valuables out of sight and in the trunk.
While walking, avoid isolated areas. Walk confidently and with another person if possible. Don't carry a lot of cash and avoid wearing anything that would attract unwanted attention like expensive furs or jewelry.
When answering the door, never let a stranger in for any reason.
Always ask service people for identification before letting them in your house. You may want to contact the company they represent to verify their identity.
Never, ever pick up hitchhikers.
Beware of a stranger who approaches you with a "great" business opportunity. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.
Don't leave anything, such as ladders or tools, lying around that can be used to break into your home.
If you are a female and you live alone, don't advertise it by putting "Miss Jane Doe" on your doorbell or mailbox. Just put the initial of your first name and your last name, "J. Doe".
Mark all your valuables with your license number.
Never leave your keys in your car for any reason.
Never leave your car doors unlocked.
If possible, choose a parking lot with an attendant.
Write down and report to the police license numbers on vehicles used by suspicious persons in your neighborhood.
Remove any identification from your personal key ring.
Consider installing metal grills on windows, but be sure they are easily removed from the inside in the case of a fire or other emergency.
Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away.
Be aware of your surroundings - know who's out there and what's going on.
Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes your feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave.