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SECURITY
HANDBOOK
CRIME PREVENTION UNIT
420 JACKSON STREET
920–236-5742
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The Oshkosh Police Department provides community based Team Policing with a primary goal of
building a safe and strong community. The operational philosophy of our organization is to be
community based, problem resolution focused and data driven. Our crime prevention strategies are
designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our community.
Crime occurs when there is a motivated offender willing to victimize another person or entity at a
certain place or location. Crime can be reduced or eliminated if one of those elements is removed or
prevented from occurring. Police officers are dedicated in their effort to prevent crime and hold those
that do commit crimes accountable for their actions. We are most effective when we work together
in partnership with our community stakeholders.
This handbook was developed to assist you in taking action to prevent or reduce the likelihood of
being a victim of crime. You can become less of a target of burglary or theft if you follow the recom-
mendations for securing your home, business, or vehicle. You can reduce the likelihood of
victimization by following the recommendations on personal protection as outlined in this handbook.
Consider joining the Neighborhood Association in the area that you live or work. Get to know the
Team Officers in your area and don’t be hesitant on reporting any suspicious activity. Together, we
can work as a team to promote public safety and enhance the quality of life in our community
through innovative policing and community partnerships.
For further assistance…call your Team Officer, visit us on the internet at www.oshkoshpd.com, or
contact our Crime Prevention Officer at (920) 236-5742.
Dean M. Smith
Chief of Police
Oshkosh Police Department
City of Oshkosh
Police Department
420 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901 Tel:
920-236-5700
Dean M. Smith
Chief of Police
PROFESSIONALISM ● PRIDE ● INTEGRITY ● TEAMWORK
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FOREWORD
The Oshkosh Police Department’s has focused its at-
tention to Team Policing. This concept is new to the
Oshkosh Police Department, but not a new concept in
policing. This policing concept places an officer into
one specific area for a year, thereby giving the officer
the opportunity to learn about the area’s needs, crime
patterns, and gives the officer a sense of oneness to the
area.
Sir Robert Peel, the founder of the modern day police
force, had nine policing strategies. One of his nine
strategies was this: The Public are the Police; the
Police are the Public. Very simply stated, we are all in
this together when fighting crime. Neighborhood
Associations are an excellent opportunity for
neighbors to unite and work together to prevent and
report crimes. Study after study throughout the world
shows that a neighborhood that has a watch has a
reduction in crime, especially burglary.
The Crime Prevention Unit is working hard to develop
a lasting partnership with the neighborhoods of the
city in preventing crime and in improving the quality
of life for the citizens of Oshkosh. The Crime Preven-
tion Unit works with a variety of organizations to
identify problems in various areas and help to alleviate
the problems.
A criminal is always looking for an OPPORTUNITY
to commit a crime. Do not give the criminal the op-
portunity to commit a crime. Safeguard your home,
family, and neighborhood and see your area flourish in
quality of life issues. Report all suspicious activity,
persons, and vehicles in and around your home to the
police and to your neighbors. The person with the
greatest power to prevent crime in your neighborhood
is YOU!
INTRODUCTION
Over the years, many millions of dollars have been
stolen from homes and businesses in Oshkosh by
criminals. In order to stop this trend, citizens and po-
lice must stand together to prevent crime in Oshkosh.
Each of us feels the impact of burglary or theft, direct-
ly or indirectly, through the fact that your home may
have been burglarized or your property in your vehicle
was stolen, the constant reports of these crimes, or the
increased insurance premiums or depreciation and de-
cline of the neighborhoods.
Burglary and theft continue to be one of the most com-
mon types of crimes, yet these crimes are one of the
most preventable.
After reading this handbook and implementing some
of the suggested techniques in securing your home,
your family, or other property, pass it on to your
neighbors, family or friends.
With you providing the best defense to crime preven-
tion for your home and neighborhood, you and your
family will enjoy a better quality of life, as well as
your neighborhood.
The Oshkosh Police Department thanks you for read-
ing this handbook and participating in a campaign in
stopping crime in our neighborhoods.
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An important step in preventing home burglary and other crime is to make sure
that a residence is as secure as possible. Chances are that home security can be
improved. Take a look at entry points in your residence and determine what steps
can reduce vulnerability.
A security inspection begins at the front door and goes on to include side and
rear doors, windows, locks, lighting, and landscaping. This checklist will
indicate security weaknesses or hazards that require attention.
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HOME SECURITY SURVEY
Before reading this book, you should conduct a security survey of your home. To do this, you will need to use
this checklist to point out weaknesses to your home’s security. Mark the question with a Yes or No or N/A.
Recommendations are included to enhance the security of your home. DO NOT GIVE THE THIEF OR BUR-
GLAR THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE YOU A VICTIM OF CRIME!
DOORS Y N RECOMMENDATIONS
ARE DOORS MADE OF DOORS MADE OF SOLID CORE
SOLID CORE MATERIAL? PROVIDE BETTER SECURITY
DO YOU HAVE THE PROPER DEADBOLTS ON ALL ENTRY DOORS
LOCKS INSTALLED? (DEADBOLT) DEADBOLT AT LEAST 1” MIN THROW
USE OF A KEY SYSTEM ADVISED
3” SCREWS TO SECURE STRIKE PLATE
SECURITY LIGHT BY ALL ENTRY/ MINIMUM 60 WATT BULB BY ENTRANCES
EXIT DOORS?
DO YOU LOCK ALL YOUR DOORS LOCK ALL YOUR DAYS, DAY OR NIGHT
AT NIGHT OR WHEN YOU ARE NOT WHETHER YOU ARE PRESENT OR NOT
HOME? (HOUSE AND GARAGE)
DO YOU KEEP A SPARE KEY OUTSIDE? DO NOT LEAVE A KEY OUTSIDE OR HIDDEN
KEEP A KEY AT YOUR NEIGHBORS HOME
ARE ALL OF YOUR PATIO DOORS OR SECURE ALL POSSIBLE ENTRANCES TO
OTHER ENTRANCES EQUIPPED WITH LOCKS YOUR HOME WITH PROPER LOCKS OR
OR A WAY OF SECURING THEM? USE A SECURITY BAR ON PATIO DOOR
DOORS SWINGING OUT HAVE HINGES PINNED YOUR EXTERIOR DOORS SHOULD BE
OR HAVE NON REMOVABLE PINS? HINGED ON THE INSIDE. IF NOT, CORRECT
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SECURITY SURVEY (CONT)
Y N RECOMMENDATIONS
IS THE GARAGE DOOR SECURED INSTALL LOCKS ON ENTRANCE
PROPERLY? DOOR AND GARAGE DOORS
WINDOWS
DO ALL OF YOUR WINDOWS HAVE
LOCKS?
DO YOU KEEP YOUR WINDOWS
LOCKED WHEN THEY ARE SHUT?
IF WINDOWS ARE LEFT OPEN FOR
VENTILATION, CAN THEY BE SECURED?
DO YOU HAVE SECURE LOCKS ON
INSTALL LOCKS ON ALL WINDOWS
LOCK ALL WINDOWS
SECURE WINDOWS THAT ARE LEFT
OPEN FOR VENTILATION
LOCKS ON GARAGE WINDOWS
GARAGE WINDOWS?
DO YOU HAVE CURTAINS/DRAPES WHEN OUT OF THE HOUSE, OPEN
ON WINDOWS? THE CURTAINS/DRAPES
SAFE PRACTICES
IS ALL OF YOUR VALUABLES MARKED ENGRAVE ALL YOUR VALUABLES
WITH YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER WITH YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE
AND DO YOU KEEP A LIST OF YOUR NUMBER AND KEEP A LIST OF
VALUABLES?VALUABLES IN A SAFE PLACE.
DO YOU KEEP EXCESS CASH IN THE PLACE EXTRA CASH IN A FINAN-
HOME? CIAL INSTITUTION.
DO YOU PUBLICLY DISPLAY DO NOT SHOW AND TELL YOUR
VALUBABLES? VALUABLES
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SECURITY SURVEY (CONT)
Y N RECOMMENDATIONS
ARE MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS INSTALL MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS
INSTALLED AROUND THE HOME? IN AREAS THAT ARE DARK
IS YOUR HOME ADDRESS VISIBLE FROM INSTALL HOUSE NUMBERS THAT
THE STREET? ARE CLEAR FROM THE STREET
DOES YOUR FAMILY KNOW WHAT TO DO MAKE A HOME SAFETY PLAN FOR
IN CASE OF FIRE? BURGLAR? OTHER FIRES, BURGLARS, TORNADOES,
EMERGENCY? AND OTHER EMERGENCIES AND
PRACTICE THE PLANS
VEHICLES
DO YOU LOCK YOUR CAR DOOR LOCK YOUR VEHICLE DOORS AT
AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN OR OUT ALL TIMES WHETHER YOU ARE
OF THE VEHICLE? IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE
DO YOU REMOVE ALL OF YOUR REMOVE ALL YOUR VALUABLES
VALUABLES FROM YOUR CAR OR WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN YOUR
LOCK THEM IN THE TRUNK WHEN VEHICLE
YOU ARE NOT IN THE VEHICLE?
DO YOU LEAVE VALUABLES ON THE PLACE YOUR VALUABLES ON THE
FRONT SEAT WHEN DRIVING? FLOOR OR IN THE TRUNK AND OUT
OF VIEW.
DO YOU PARK IN AN AREA THAT IS PARK YOUR VEHICLE AS CLOSE TO
CLOSE TO THE ENTRANCE/EXITS AND THE ENTRANCE/EXIT OF A
WHERE IT IS WELL LIT? BUILDING AND WHERE THERE IS
ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
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HOME SECURITY SURVEY (CONT)
Y N RECOMMENDATIONS
LANDSCAPING
ARE YOUR TREES AND SHRUBS TRIM YOUR TREES AT LEAST 6
NEATLY TRIMMED? FEET HIGH FROM THE GROUND AND
BUSHES TO A LEVEL OF 2 FEET
FROM THE GROUND AND AWAY
FROM WINDOWS
IS YOUR YARD NEATLY MAINTAINED? MOW THE LAWN, CLEAN UP THE
LEAVES, GARBAGE FROM AROUND
THE YARD.
IS YOUR FENCE SEE THROUGH OR SOLID? FENCES THAT ARE SEE THROUGH
PROVIDE NO COVER FOR A THEIF.
IF YOU HAVE BUSHES NEAR YOUR HOME, PLANT HOSTILE VEGETATION
ARE THEY A HAVEN FOR CRIMINALS TO
THAT HAS LOW
HIDE? GROWTH SUCH AS ROSES,
BARBERRY, ETC TO ELIMINATE
HIDING PLACES
VACATION
WHEN PLANNING A TRIP, DO YOU
ARRANGE FOR THE MAIL, PAPER, AND
CALL THE NEWSPAPER/MAIL
OTHER DELIVERIES TO STOP? TEMPORARILY PLACE A HOLD
DO YOU NOTIFY YOUR NEIGHBOR,
FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO WATCH
ASK NEIGHBOR TO WATCH HOME
THE HOUSE?
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HOME SECURITY SURVEY (CONT)
Y N RECOMMENDATIONS
DO YOU MAKE YOUR HOME LOOKED LIVED IN ASK SOMEONE TO CUT YOUR LAWN,
BY USING A TIMER FOR LIGHTS, HAVING SOMEONE USE TIMERS FOR LIGHTS, AND ASK YOUR
CUT THE GRASS, AND USE YOUR DRIVEWAY? NEIGHBOR TO USE YOUR DRIVEWAY
IS YOUR HOME NUMBER OF SUFFICIENT SIZE MAKE SURE THAT PER ORDINANCE, YOUR
SO THAT IT CAN BE SEEN BY EMERGENCY HOUSE NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED
PERSONNEL IF THEY NEED TO RESPOND TO PROPERLY ON THE FRONT OF YOUR
YOUR HOME? HOME
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
ARE ALL YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS PROPERLY SECURE ALL YOUR MEDICATIONS
PROPERLY SECURED AND ACCOUNTED FOR?IN ORDER TO KEEP THEM SAFE FROM CHILDREN
AND TO KEEP THEM SAFE FROM THEFT. THE
NEW DRUG PROBLEM IS PRESCRIPTION
MEDICATIONS. LOCK THEM UP AND KEEP COUNT
OF ALL YOU MEDICATIONS
WHEN YOUR MEDICATIONS OR PRESCRIPTIONS DO NOT DISCARD YOUR OLD MEDICATIONS OR
ARE NO LONGER USED OR EXPIRED, DO YOU PRESCRIPTIONS IN THE GARBAGE OR DOWN THE
THROW THEM IN THE GARBAGE OR DOWN THE DRAIN. YOU MAY BE CONTAMINATING THE
DRAIN? WATER SUPPLIES. DISCARD ALL UNUSED OR
EXPIRED MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS AT
AN APPROVED DRUG DISPOSAL COLLECTION BIN
OR WHEN A LOCAL MEDICAL FACILITY HAS A
COLLECTION DAY.
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CONCEPTS OF BURGLARY PREVENTION
Prevention involves five concepts: Deter, Deny, Delay, Detect, and Deceive. Our crime pre-
vention program is based upon appropriate action to implement these five concepts. This
example demonstrates these concepts.
The home owner went to considerable expense to install the finest windows and door locks,
thereby implementing one step to address the concept of Delay. The resident, secure in the
knowledge that their residence was now safe, departed on a short vacation without letting his
family, friends or neighbors know that they were leaving.
He returned to find a burglar had simply broken a window to gain entry. The window was
concealed from public view and was in a dark area where no lights were installed. The burglar
took many expensive items that had no identifying marks. The resident concluded that crime
prevention was a failure.
In this example, the homeowner concentrated on only one concept, Denial. When all 5
concepts are applied, it can improve the chances of preventing crime. The other concepts for
this example could look like:
Deterrence: Placing valuables in a secure location such as a wall safe, financial institution, etc.
Delaying: Installing locking mechanisms on the windows.
Detecting: Installing an alarm system in the home and notifying neighbors of the vacation
Deceiving: Placing timers on lights, had neighbors pick up mail and keeping the yard look
tidy.
These five preventative steps can also aid in apprehension of a criminal. The longer the time
for a burglar or a thief is denied entry into a home, garage, or car, the greater the chances are
that a neighbor may observe or hear the subject and call the police.
You cannot make your home completely burglar or theft proof; but you can make entry into
your personal property so difficult that a criminal will go elsewhere to find an easier target.
The more crime prevention steps you take, the greater your security.
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PROTECTING THE HOME’S INTERIOR
MARKING AND RECORDING YOUR PROPERTY—OPERATION I.D.
Marking your valuables and keeping a record of your possessions is one way you can reduce
the risk of burglary in Oshkosh. This program is known as Operation I.D.
Using an Operation I. D. marking pen or an engraver, you place your driver ’s license on your
valuables. Inscribe your driver ’s license number preceded by the letters “WI” on all your valu-
ables such as appliances, guns, cameras, lawn equipment, and anything else you consider valu-
able. These numbers can be placed on the base or rear portion of the item without marring the
appearance of the item. Some items that are too small, such as jewelry, that cannot be marked,
should be photographed. Extremely valuable jewelry should be appraised and the photo and
description should be recorded.
Once you have marked your valuables, you should record these items in the back of this hand-
book and place a copy of the record in a safe, secure place. Save your receipts and serial num-
bers from your more valuable items and keep them with the inventory list. If you lose an item
or items due to a criminal act, act of nature, or any other type of loss you may encounter, you
will have a record of these items that will ensure proper recovery and/or replacement. Update
your inventory list at least once a year to make sure newly bought items are listed.
REMOVE EXCESS CASH FROM HOME
If, despite all precautions, your home is still burglarized, do not give the burglar a bonus by
keeping excess cash or expensive jewelry in the home. Place your excess cash in a financial
institution or a safe deposit box along with your jewelry.
INSTALL A SAFE OR SECURITY CLOSET FOR VALUABLES
A secondary barrier, such as a safe or security closet can be created to place valuables such as
jewelry, cash, cameras, or other valuables in. For a security closet, the door should be solid
core equipped with a cylinder deadbolt lock. The hinges of the door should be pinned.
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INSURE AGAINST THEFT
All homeowner’s policies provide basic economic protection against burglary and other types
of theft, regardless if you own a house or rent an apartment. Special policies designed for
mobile home owner’s and condominium unit owners serve the same purpose. If you don’t
already have a policy, purchase one without delay.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND VACATIONS—DON’T GIVE IT AWAY THAT YOU ARE NOT
HOME!
When you are on vacation, share your vacation photos and memories after you get home.
Posting photos and memories of your vacation when you are away from home is inviting a
criminal to your home. Many have experienced the unfortunate burglary or theft when return-
ing home as a criminal was watching what you were doing on social media sites such as Face
Book or Instagram.
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PROTECTION AGAINST ENTRY
Did you know that over 75% of the burglaries occur to the rear door or other rear entrance to a residence? So
why do we put the best locks on the front door and leave the back door vulnerable? Make sure that you have
the best locks that you can afford on ALL your doors and not just the one you enter and exit from most of the
time. Burglars normally do not use the front doors or windows to a residence. Burglars use doors that are out
of view from the street and from your neighbors. Use the following to protect your home from burglary and
theft. You will find that many of the measures described in this section are inexpensive and can be accom-
plished by yourself. There may be some steps that require a professional to come into your home to assist in
installing a project for you.
KEY CONTROL
True security begins with key control. If you are moving into a new home or apartment, always have the locks
changed or re-keyed. You don’t want the previous owners or renters or someone else getting into your home
with the previous keys.
Do not leave an “emergency” key under the door mat, on top of the door, or any other place where someone
may easily have access to your home. Never leave your name on your keys as they will be a welcome invite to
a burglar if they should happed to find your keys.
DOORS
Make sure outside doors and door frames are solid, made of 1 3/4” metal or hardwood. All exterior doors
should have good locks and a deadbolt with a minimum 1” throw. Use the locks at all times, even when your
are leaving for just a few minutes. Make sure that if there is a window in the door, the window is at least 40”
from the position of the lock on the inside in case the burglar smashes the window to try and reach the lock. If
there is a window within 40”, a double cylinder lock is recommended, so that a key is used from either side of
the door.
SINGLE CYLINDER DOUBLE CYLINDER
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GLASS DOORS
Secure patio doors with sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks or put a wooden dowel
or metal bar in the track portion of the sliding door to secure. Sliding glass doors present a major security
problem if they do not have proper locks and if special steps are not taken to prevent the removal of the door.
A sliding glass door is lifted into position when installed and must be lifted in the same way to remove it. To
prevent the door from being removed after installation, it is recommended that a 1 1/4” pan head screw be used
and installed into the top of the door frame at both ends and in the middle. These screws should be adjusted so
that the door barely clears them when it is operated.
WINDOWS-DOUBLE HUNG
Make sure all your windows have good locks, with special attention to the windows at ground level. Lock a
double hung window by sliding a small headed bolt or nail through a hole drilled at a slight angle in a top cor-
ner of the inside sash and partway into the outside sash. The most effective protection for double hung win-
dows is a key-locking security sash lock. If possible, mount the lock with two-inch wood screws.
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BASEMENT WINDOWS
Make sure that basement windows are visible from the outside of the home and not covered by any bushes,
trees, or other plantings. Burglar’s use the plantings for concealment and have an ideal place to work unob-
served. Bars may be placed on windows and caution must be used to assure that the bars are not placed to cre-
ate a fire hazard. If bars are placed on windows, they should have a quick release mechanism in case of fires
or other emergency.
WINDOWS-CASEMENT
Casement windows are more secure than double hung windows. Casement widows are usually smaller and
harder to climb through then double hung windows. A burglar usually has to smash this type of window to
gain access due to the locking latch on the window. There are locks that can be purchased from the local hard-
ware store to secure the casement window even further.
GARAGE DOORS
The interior door leading to the home from an attached garage should be considered an exterior door and
should be dead bolted, solid core, and as secure as the front door. Make sure that your garage door is closed
and locked at all times, even if you are going away for a few minutes. Criminal’s look for opportunities at all
times and will enter the garage and take anything in just those few minutes that you are gone. Garage doors
that do not have door openers should be secured by a good quality padlock. The most common type of assault
on a padlock is with a large bolt cutter. A padlock with 9/32nd inch shackle and stainless steel offers the best
in security. If there is an entry door to the garage, make sure that it is made of steel and has a proper deadbolt
to it. Window’s in the garage should also be secured by means previously described in this section.
Garage door openers have a new technology that changes the code each and every time it is used. Of the bil-
lions of codes that could be used to open a garage door, it would be virtually impossible for a burglar to figure
out the code to enter. If your garage door does not have this technology, consider replacing it or change the
code on your garage door.
Never leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. As stated many times before, a burglar is looking for an
opportunity to enter your home or property. A garage door opener is a quick way of getting inside of your
home to commit a crime.
ALARMS
There are many home security systems on the market today. The alarms come in many different packages and
price ranges. Do not depend solely on an alarm system to prevent crimes from happening to you and your
home. Be sure to use the proper locking devices and other security measures in this handbook to add to your
personal and home security.
DOGS
There is controversy on the value of a dog to warn of a prowler. While a dog may or may not bark at an in-
truder, the very presence of a dog may discourage the intruder to find another target. Under no circumstances
should a dog be the only security defense that you have. Police have seen burglars walk into a home with dogs
and the dogs did not defend the home or confront the burglar. Secure your home so that the burglar will look
for an easier target and you will not have to depend on your pet to protect your property.
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PROTECTING THE HOME’S EXTERIOR
Maintaining an appearance of occupancy, even when your home is vacant, is necessary to deter burglary at-
tempts.
LIGHTS
Exterior lighting is an excellent burglar deterrent. Lights with motion sensors and lights at each entry/exit
door on the house and garage keep areas lit so that burglar’s cannot hide in the dark. Make sure that these
lights are properly positioned so that they are at the most advantageous to keep dark spots lit. There are maxi-
mums when it comes to lighting in the City of Oshkosh. Please refer to the city ordinances before installing
lights that may interfere with your neighbors privacy.
LANDSCAPING
In the Crime Prevention Program, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or CPTED, it is suggest-
ed that all bushes and flowers be trimmed to a height of no more than two (2) feet and trees be trimmed to no
lower than at least six (6) feet. This trimming plan is advantageous for the home owner, neighbors, and police
for observation of a potential prowler and to eliminate the ambush areas around the home.
Trees and other plants should be planted or cut away from windows and doors that obstruct a view from the
street. Burglar’s look for a place to hide and do their work such as overgrown vegetation.
If you decide to plant a tree’s bushes, or flowers next to a house, garage, or fence, it is suggested that you plant
a hostile plant variety so that it would be uncomfortable for a burglar or prowler to be next to such plantings.
Suggestions of these plants are roses, barberry, or other plantings with thorns to make hiding in them almost
impossible.
FENCES
CPTED also suggests that instead of a privacy fence or one that you cannot see clearly through, you install a
decorative fence made of aluminum or wrought iron. Not only is the fence more aesthetically pleasing, it also
benefits the homeowner so that you can observe who is on the outside looking in and as neighbors or the po-
lice drive by, they can see who may be on the inside.
GRAFFITI
One of the ongoing problems in the City of Oshkosh is graffiti. The Oshkosh Police Department takes graffiti
very seriously and if you are a victim of graffiti, you should also take it seriously. Prompt reporting and re-
moval of the graffiti is paramount in keeping our city graffiti free. Graffiti that is not removed only breeds
other graffiti occurrences. If you recognize graffiti at your home or in your neighborhood, contact the police
department immediately and report it. Oshkosh has a graffiti ordinance and the graffiti must be removed with-
in 15 days after reporting it to the police. Failure to remove the graffiti within the specified time may result in
a fine and the hiring of a professional cleaning agency to remove the graffiti, all which would be paid for by
the home owner.
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PERSONAL PROTECTION
Although many of us may never experience the reality of an assault, it is never too late to be prepared for one.
Preparation is the key. Stay alert at all times when either at home, place of business, or on vacation. Common
sense and alertness are the best weapons in these situations.
VEHICLES
Lock your vehicle at ALL times. Not just when the vehicle is parked, but when you are driving in your vehicle
as well. This will prevent a car thief from attempting to gain access to your vehicle while it is stopped at a red
light, stop sign, etc.
Remove all valuables from the vehicle at all times. If you cannot carry the item, place it in the trunk of the ve-
hicle. A thief is looking for an easy target and in as fast as a few seconds, a thief can look in your vehicle, see
your valuables, break the window, grab your property, and leave.
When driving, do not leave your property such as purses, laptops, or other valuable on the passenger seats of
your vehicle. Once again, in as fast as a few seconds, a thief can smash and grab your property. Place your
valuable on the front passenger floor or on the back floor.
If you are parking your vehicle in a lot, park as close to the building as possible and nearest an entrance/exit.
Also, park under a light or as close to one as possible. This way if night comes, you will be able to see if any-
one is around your vehicle.
When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in hand prior to leaving the building, and walk quickly to your
vehicle in the middle of the lane. This is to avoid someone grabbing you if you are walking too close to a
parked vehicle. Assaults have occurred while the perpetrator is hiding behind a vehicle. Some vehicles have a
security feature with the automatic doors locks that once you press the button, the lights inside the vehicle turn
on. Make a quick visual check inside the vehicle before entering. Once inside the vehicle, lock your doors
again and leave the lot as soon as possible.
Do not take the same route home each day and at the same time. Vary your route and the times that you may
leave. Criminals look for patterns and once they know your routine and schedule, you become an easier target.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Keep your car in good working condition to avoid breakdowns.
Always carry an emergency kit that includes a first aid kit, blankets, flashlight, and a 72 hour supply of food
and water.
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PERSONAL PROTECTION (CONT)
WALKING/RUNNING
Walking and running are great ways to keep in shape. Although this is your intent, someone else may be tar-
geting you as you are exercising.
Choose busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or deserted sites. At night, stick to a well lit area or
walk/run with someone.
Know the neighborhoods where you will be walking/running.
If walking to or from work, the store, or some other place, carry your belongings (i.e. purse, etc.) close to your
body and keep a firm grip on it. Do not place the strap of a purse across your body or you may be injured
more severely if you are pulled down by someone grabbing the strap. Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
Don’t overload your arms and hands with items and avoid wearing shoes that are restrictive.
Carry an alarm type device in case of an emergency.
HOME
All homeowners should have a way of seeing who may be at the door. Whether it is a window or a door view-
er, you should know who it is before answering the door.
DO NOT ALLOW STRANGERS IN YOUR HOME.
Many crimes take place in the victim’s home. Bur-glar’s, robbers, and rapists enter a home in just this
manner. If you did not call for a repair person and some-one claim’s to be a repair person, ask to see
identification and ask what their business is. You do not need to let them in even after they show ID.
If you have the slightest doubt, ask for a number or call the police and report a suspicious person.
If there is a claim from someone that there is an emergency and they want to use a phone, tell the person to
wait outside while you call from inside your home.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Make sure that all family members know the emergency numbers and when it is ok to call 911 in an actual
emergency.
If you have a babysitter, let them know what your address is in case they need to call for emergency services
and the address and phone number where you will be if there is an emergency at home.
BURGLAR IN THE HOME
If there is a burglar in the home, do not go looking for a confrontation. If you discover a door or window that
is open or broken, call 911 immediately and wait at a neighbor’s house.
Despite all precautions that you may have taken to secure your home, a burglar may gain entry while you are
in the house. If this occurs, expect the burglar to be in a frightened state of mind, perhaps desperate. Stay
calm.
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If you have not seen the burglar face to face, go to a room in the house that has a door lock and lock the door
of the room that you are in and place something heavy in front of the door. Call 911 if you have a phone. If
not, begin making noise by moving things around or yell out for the police. This may scare the prowler out of
the home. If you can safely escape this room, do so via the window, go to a neighbors and call the police.
If you do come face to face with a burglar, try to remain calm and speak in a normal voice. A frightened bur-
glar may become aggressive with you if you are armed with a weapon. If you have a chance to escape, do so
and yell for the police. If you do not have time to escape, never struggle with a burglar unless you are clearly
in danger of physical harm. If you are forced to defend yourself, do whatever is necessary to stop the attack or
assault.
You may also make one room in the home a “panic room.” This room would have solid core doors, a dead-
bolt, and a phone to call police. You should be safe in this room until the police arrive.
***Remember to never struggle with a burglar unless it is as a last resort to protect yourself or another person
in the home. It is at that time that you may use any force necessary to stop the threat against you another per-
son.
VACATIONS
When you go on vacation, do you think about a crime happening to you when you reach your destination? If
not, now is the time to think about it and take some useful steps to have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
As stated before, let someone who you trust know where you are going, for how long and someone that will
look after your place.
In the airport, do not leave your luggage unattended. Keep an eye on the luggage at all times.
If you are not alone, go with someone when you are exploring the airport or to use the restroom.
When arriving at a hotel, check where the nearest exit or safe areas are in case of an emergency and make sure
that all in your party know the evacuation plans and they know where to meet.
Ask the hotel about proper securement of your valuables such as an in-room safe. Do not leave money or oth-
er valuables in your hotel room.
When exploring your vacation destination, do not go it alone. Have someone with you at all times. Kids
should always be under the watch of an adult. It is best to go in a large group where you have safety in num-
bers. If you need to split your group up, designate a meeting place and time. If you have cell phones, make
sure that they are charged and can be used while on vacation.
Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, video recorders, etc. while walking around. This is an open invita-
tion to the criminal. Try not to look as a tourist.
Remember, a criminal is looking for that one opportunity to commit their crime. Your vacation should be fun
and stress free. Use common sense and practice the personal security steps above and you will have a enjoya-
ble vacation.
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PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
One of the up and coming crimes in the area is the theft and sale of prescription medications. Although it is
not a new criminal concept, it is one of the most prevalent that is being observed and investigated.
Prescription medications are readily available to the thief who will take these medications and can sell them on
the street or to their family/friends and make a profit. The thief is usually known to the prescription holder,
such as a friend or relative.
The prescription holder should maintain security of the medication at all times and know the amount of the
medication that is remaining. The prescription holder should keep track of the medication that is used and
periodically count the medicine remaining. If someone was to notice medication missing from them, they
should report it to the police immediately. The prescription should be kept in a place that is secure, such as a
lock box or medicine chest that can be accessed only by the prescription holder.
To make sure that you are secure when your prescription is either completely used, not in use, or expired,
follow these steps:
Remove all identifiable information from the pill bottle before discarding.
Do not discard the medication in the toilet or the trash. The medication can actually contaminate the
drinking water.
Save the unused or expired medication and drop it in the prescription medication drop box located at
the Oshkosh Police Department
*Do not dispose of prescription medications in the toilet, down the drain or in the garbage. 80% of waterways
in the United States have traces of prescription medications. Wildlife in these areas are also exposed to the
prescription medications while taking in water. Use the drug drop box.
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OPERATION I.D.
Complete this section by placing a description of the valuable and placing the serial number and model number
in the proper area. Remember to mark your item by using your drivers license number (i.e. for Wisconsin DL
numbers WI XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XX.) If you do not have a Wisconsin DL or another state DL, do not use
your social security number. Use a unique number only known to you or obtain a Wisconsin I. D. card.
ITEM DESCRIPTION SERIAL #/MODEL #
1._____________________________________________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________________________________________
3._____________________________________________________________________________________
4._____________________________________________________________________________________
5._____________________________________________________________________________________
6._____________________________________________________________________________________
7._____________________________________________________________________________________
8._____________________________________________________________________________________
9._____________________________________________________________________________________
10.____________________________________________________________________________________
11.____________________________________________________________________________________
12.____________________________________________________________________________________
13.____________________________________________________________________________________
14.____________________________________________________________________________________
15.____________________________________________________________________________________
16.____________________________________________________________________________________
17.____________________________________________________________________________________
18.____________________________________________________________________________________
19.____________________________________________________________________________________
20.____________________________________________________________________________________
21.____________________________________________________________________________________