Home / What's New /Weather/ Events Calendar/ Town Photo Gallery/ Broadcast News/ Contact Us

Crime Prevention Tips

Crimes against property such as damage and theft make up the majority of crimes committed in today's society. They are also the kinds of crimes that people seem the least prepared for - particularly in their own home. While you may not be able to completely safeguard yourself or your home from becoming victim of a crime, there are things that you can do that greatly reduce the chances of becoming another statistic.

. The first method of crime prevention is through your environment. Look around your home. What areas of your home may be easily accessible to someone who wants to gain entry illegally? Most crimes occur in darkness or where the act is shielded from the eye of the public. Are the windows and doors of your home covered by shrubbery or other vegetation? Are entryways sheltered by awnings or constructed in a manner that would obscure visibility? Are the areas of your property poorly lit?

While we would like our home to be beautiful, plan your landscaping so that the windows and doors of your home are not shielded from public view. At night, make sure that the areas of your property that are naturally dark are lit by some means of artificial lighting: lamp posts, porch lights, spot lights, etc. all of which can be set on timers or set by motion sensors. Criminals will not stay in areas where they can been seen.

. Secondly, is your home secure? Most people have locks on their doors and windows, but are they secure? Most of your average door locks are not that secure. They can be easily pried open with a screwdriver or credit card. Many can be broken with a good solid kick. It is recommended that all door be secured with a dead bolt lock. If you have a door that has windows, it is recommended to you use a deadbolt lock that requires a key from the inside as well as outside. However, you must remember that while you want to keep the key readily accessible - do not leave it in the door! Neither is it recommended that you hide a spare key outdoors (ie. under the door mat, under a rock or shell, etc.) While we have all locked ourselves out of the house, it is safer to keep a spare key on your person or perhaps leaving it with a friend or family member.

Also, there are a wide variety of window locks on the market. Shop around and find out which ones are the best for you. In addition to the window lock, some people may place a screw or nail into the window jamb that may be removed but, while in place, prevent the window from being fully raised.

. Finally, if your home is going to be empty for long periods of time, you may want to consider installing an alarm system. There are many different types of alarms in a wide range of prices. Again, shop around and find out what best suits your needs. Some alarm systems are connected with a central dispatching system which will notify police when the alarm is activated and some systems simply emit and audible alarm. Some systems are connected to door and/or windows and some work on motion detectors. The type you choose is dependant upon your individual needs.

Back to the Top

Crime Stoppers

The Southern Shores Police Department can always use your help.  If you have information of Criminal activity, the Southern Shores Police Department has several ways for you to get your information to the proper person. You can call (252) 261-3331 and asked to speak to the police department.   Or you can call Dare County Crime Line at (252) 473-3111 or 1-800-745-2746. You may be eligible for a reward and remember, you don't have to give your name or address . The Southern Shores Police Department will keep the source of any information given in person completely confidential.

Back to the Top

Statistics

Southern Shores Police Department

Weekly Crime Report

Yearly Report
(See Uniform Crime Report)

Back to the Top

NC Motor Vehicle Law

The "Move Over" and "Fender-Bender" Laws

The "Move over" and "Fender-Bender" laws both help ensure motorist safety by maintaining a smooth flow of traffic.

The laws state that motorists should:

• Move over to the next lane, if possible, or reduce speed for stopped emergency vehicles on the shoulder of the highway. N.C.G.S. 20-157(f) .

• Move over to the shoulder of the road if involved in a minor fender-bender where both cars are able to be driven and there are no injuries. N.C.G.S. 20-166(c)(2).

Back to the Top

Back to the Top