Soulard Star Directory 2027

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2027 22 continued from page 22 Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will conduct security surveys, free of charge to all city residents.The officer will give you pointers on proper locks, landscaping and lighting to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Contact crimeprevention@slmpd.org . WINDOW SECURITY  • Most windows can be pinned for security. Drill a 3/16-inch hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame - place a nail/pin in the hole to secure the window • Sliding glass doors/windows can be lifted out of their tracks with relative ease. Install self-tapping screws in the upper track that allow the door/window to slide into place. Place a piece of wood snugly into the bottom track - this will resist lateral forcing DOOR SECURITY  • Locks with keyholes in the knob are NOT reliable - they can easily be forced • Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outward • Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors • Chain locks are poor security - install a wide-angle peephole or an internet-connected exterior camera • Padlocks should be ‘heel-and-toe’ locking • Change your locks if you lose your key or when you move GOING ON VACATION  • Inform a neighbor or several neighbors of your departure and return dates • Where possible, cancel all deliveries, or arrange for someone to pick up mail or newspapers • Arrange to have the lawn cut and walkways cleared • Use clock timers to activate lights/radios at various intervals • Store small valuables in a safe deposit box • Ensure all entry points are secured, including mail chutes, milk chutes, garage doors and upstairs windows • DO NOT leave notes indicating you are not at home HELPFUL HINTS  • Keep a record of your valuables • Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark - proper identification makes it easier for the police to return your property.When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant • The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item • Be a good neighbor and report any suspicious activity IF A CRIME HAS OCCURRED  • Call the police • DO NOT enter your home if you think a crime has occurred - the criminal may still be inside • DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence • Note the license number of any suspicious vehicle.Try to take a picture of the plate. • Note the description of any suspicious person(s).Try to take a picture of the person.