Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Police Department

Safety and Crime Prevention - Residential Security

Through crime prevention efforts, you and other concerned citizens can take control of your property and your lives, strengthen the bonds in our community and help police make your neighborhood a safe place to live.

• Most intruders seek easy targets. The more difficult you make it for them, the lower your risk of becoming a victim.
• Effective security measures need not be costly. Common sense and a bit of prevention can go a very long way.

 Click Here to watch a City Minutes interview on Metal Theft

Install crime-resistant locks.

• Deadbolts on all outside entrances (make sure they meet local building and fire codes).
• Reinforce or replace key-in-the knob locks with cylinder dead-bolts or horizontal bolts.
• Secure sliding glass doors.
• Install locks made specifically to prevent sliding or lifting.
• Drill a hole through the inside frame and insert a nail to prevent sliding.
• Place a strong piece of wood or a steel rod in the track (a sturdy broomstick, for example).

Prevent window entry.

• Use window key locks (keep keys in locks for quick exit in case of emergency or fire.
• For double hung windows, drill holes (at a downward angle) through the top corners of the inside sash and the bottom corners of the outside sash. Insert nails, pins or bolts.
• Consider placing grates on basement and first floor windows. Be SURE to check local fire codes first.
• Look into an alarm system. (Check company references before you buy.)

Crime-proof outside areas.

• Keep yard, porch and entrances well-lit at night. Look into motion detection lighting.
• Store tools, toys, etc., after each use.
• Never hide keys outside your home.
• Get a guard dog (or at least post "Beware of Dog" signs in highly visible areas).

Get to know your neighbors.

• Get to know each other’s schedules so you can be aware when something is not a normal pattern.
• Cooperate in keeping an eye on neighborhood homes. (Do you have a neighborhood watch program?)

Use preventative measures when traveling away from home.

• Inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans.
• Have someone collect your mail, newspapers and other deliveries while you’re away.
• Don’t share your plans with strangers.
• Leave shades and blinds in their normal positions to give the appearance that someone is at home.
• Use timing devices on lighting (two or more areas of the home).
• For extended absences, consider hiring a trusted housesitter.

Protect your valuable personal belongings.

• Engrave jewelry, watches, appliances, computers, stereo equipment with your driver’s license number or other identifiable label. (We do NOT recommend using your social security number.)
• Rent a safe-deposit box for valuables and extra cash.
• Consult your home insurance provider for suggestions to aid in recovering the value of stolen articles. (Some companies require that you follow specific procedures in protecting your valuables.)

If you install a security alarm please registration is required. Please complete the Alarm Registration Form.