COMMUNITY SAFETY

Don't leave your home vulnerable to criminals. Below are safety tips provided by the Bowie Police Department. If you are going on vacation, let the Bowie Police Know. They will provide extra security.

The Bowie Police Department offers the following safety tips to help you protect your home against break-ins.

During the day, leave drapes and shades in a normal position - the way you have them when at home.
Don’t leave easily movable valuables in sight close to windows.
At night, leave on some inside lights - bathrooms and hallways, for example.
Consider buying automatic timers that turn lamps on after dark, then off a few hours later or at dawn.
Never leave garage doors open - especially with no car in sight. This is a WELCOME sign to burglars.
Install deadbolt locks. Make sure locks are firmly screwed in solid wood - not just into a light door jamb. The longer the screws and the longer the lock bolt, the safer your home will be.
Burglars often try to find out if anyone is home by phoning. Warn family members, especially children, not to give out information over the phone.
Avoid putting your name on mailboxes or on doors.
Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know and trust.
Never keep large sums of cash around the house.
Keep valuable jewelry that you don’t often wear in a safe deposit box.
Don’t advertise your vacation plans. Let a trusted neighbor know you’re going on vacation and ask them to keep an eye on your house and pick up any mail or newspapers left at your doorstep and in your driveway.
Contact the Post Office to stop your mail.
If you’ll be away from your home for an extended time, tell the Bowie Police Department 301-575-2480.
Be a good neighbor. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ homes and ask them to do the same for you.
The Bowie Police Department offers free home security surveys. Please contact Sgt. Henderson at [email protected] to set up an appointment.