There are many steps you can take to help protect yourself, your neighbors, and your property. By reporting suspicious activity and making small changes in your daily habits, you can help prevent crimes such as auto larcenies, burglaries, package thefts, thefts from vehicles and identity theft.
Below are several simple steps you can take to assist the Old Brookville Police Department and enhance your personal safety:
Home Security
- Lock your doors when leaving the house.
- If you have an alarm system, ensure it is in good working order and use it—even when you are home. Place signs around your property to let others know your home is protected.
- If you will be away for an extended period, stop all deliveries or ask a neighbor or friend to collect them.
- Use automatic light timers to give the appearance that someone is home.
- Before going on vacation, notify the Old Brookville Police Department. Patrol officers will be aware of your absence and monitor your property periodically for any unusual activity.
- Avoid hiding spare keys in obvious places such as under a doormat. Use a coded lockbox or entrust a key to a reliable friend or neighbor.
Vehicle Safety
- Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables in plain view.
- Never leave your key fob in your vehicle.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
- If you notice a suspicious vehicle, try to obtain a description and—when possible—the license plate number. With the implementation of LPR cameras around the village, it has become much easier for police to identify the movements of specific vehicles if we have a good description.
- Report any unusual noises in your neighborhood, such as glass breaking or loud banging.
- If your vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking, be sure you know how to use it and it is in good working order.
Package Theft
- If you are expecting a delivery, sign up for email notifications to track the delivery progress and bring your packages inside in a timely manner.
- If you know you won’t be home, have the package delivered to work or have the Post Office hold the package until you can pick it up.
Identity Theft
- Guard your Social Security Number (SSN): Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet, write it on checks, or provide it to unsolicited callers, emailers, or businesses unless necessary (e.g., for employment or tax purposes).
- Secure physical documents: Store financial records, statements, and other documents with personal information in a safe place at home. Shred them before disposal to prevent “dumpster diving”.
- Manage your mail: Secure your mailbox and retrieve mail promptly. Place a hold on your mail when you are away.
- Be cautious with credit card info: Do not leave receipts at gas pumps or in hotel rooms. When making purchases, ensure you get your card back and retain all carbon copies/receipts to check against billing statements.
- Do not respond to unsolicited requests for personal information by phone, mail or online.
- Create complex passwords for all your computers and change them regularly. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication whenever possible. The same goes for any online banking accounts.
- Beware of “phishing”: Do not click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
- Monitor your accounts regularly for unfamiliar charges/withdrawals.
- Review your credit reports. Check them for inaccuracies or accounts you did not open.
Do not hesitate to call the police if something seems suspicious. You can remain anonymous if it makes you feel more comfortable.
We are here to help, and time is critical during a true emergency.
Contact Information
For general business: 516-626-1302
For emergencies: Dial 911
I cannot stress enough the importance of using your alarm system. By keeping your home illuminated and alarmed, you assist the Old Brookville Police Department in deterring criminal activity. Your cooperation is vital to keeping our community safe.
In closing, please remember that the Old Brookville Police Department is here to protect and serve the community. With your assistance, we can ensure that Old Brookville remains a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.
Respectfully,
Mike Coen
Chief of Police
