Updated 7/8/07

 

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR POLICE AND OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES

New Haven Police/Fire Emergency: 911

New Haven Police Non-Emergency: 946-6316

New Haven Police Community Substation: 946-7572

Department of Traffic & Parking: 946-8070

New Haven Animal Control: 946-8110/8111

Poison Control (UConn Health Center): 800-343-2722

 

SECURITY BASICS

Over the years, residents of the neighborhood have found the following security procedures to be effective in preventing crime:

Security Systems are indispensible. Locally-based companies like Pacific Security, in our experience, give better and more reliable service than national ones like ADT and Security Link.

Security systems are only useful in preventing crime if they are used. They should be activated not only when a house is unoccupied, but at night and during times (such as early morning and evening) when folks are at home.

Ideally, home security systems should include hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The are connected to system monitoring centers (who can notify the fire department if they are triggered) and, because they are hard-wired, do not require owner to change batteries.

Be sure to select "key holders" for your system. Key holders are people who police and security systems can contact if an alarm goes off and owners cannot be reached. Key holders should have keys to your house and codes for your alarm system.

Having designated key holders enables police and security system personnel to enter your house if your alarm is triggered in your absence and you cannot be reached. Without them, technical problems leading to false alarms are likely to recur ad noisium -- to the great annoyance of your neighbors.

Automobile Security: The most effective means of security for automobiles are:

1) parking off-street;

2) using a club or similar device;

3) never leaving property of any value in plain sight inside the vehicle.

 

Perimeter Safeguards: the efficacy of a security system is determined to a very great extent by taking basic precautions on the exterior of residences. These include:

1) installing motion-sensitive perimeter lighting;

2) making sure side and rear-yard fences are in good condition. Thieves frequently move through neighborhood via back yards in preference to the street (where they can be easily observed);

3) keeping bushes and shrubs trimmed so as not to obscure windows and other points of entry. Burglars are less prone to attempt entry if they are likely to be observed;

4) securing ladders! Unsecured ladders have frequently been used by theives to gain entry to houses in the neighborhood. Artisans should either remove ladders from property when not in use, or store them in ways that preclude use by unauthorized persons;

5) have packages and parcels delivered to rear entry -- or not delivered in absence of homeowner;

6) securing all valuable property -- tools, bicycles, &c.

 

When you are away: the following steps should be taken if you plan to be away from your house for more than 24 hours:

1) let neighbors and keyholders know the duration of your absence and ways of contacting you;

2) never let mail or newspapers accumulate;

3) if you anticipate a prolonged absence, retain the services of a house-sitter.

 

Common Sense:

1) never open the door to a stranger!

2) always secure windows and doors;

3) first floor windows should have drapes or shades to conceal residents and their property from prying eyes;

4) when work is being done on your house, warn artisans of crime hazards and make sure they do no leave your doors -- or their own tools and equipment -- unattended or unsecured.