Neighborhood and Business Checks Help Reduce Crime

The Southlake Police Department continues to focus its efforts on reducing crime in Southlake neighborhoods and near local businesses. This is accomplished by police officers that perform approximately sixty-to-seventy neighborhood and business checks each day and night.

In 2015, the Southlake Police Department performed 33,783 business checks and 27,091 neighborhood checks. As the City of Southlake continues to grow, the pace for these checks is already showing a slight increase in numbers: 6,808 for business checks and 5,603 neighborhood checks since January 1, 2016.

Southlake Police Officers have been able to deter criminal activity due to their high visibility, but the public can also help by reporting any suspicious or unusual behavior in their neighborhood. Patrol Lieutenant Randy Thomas says, “I tell homeowners that they are the best experts on their block. They know who is supposed to be in the neighborhood and who is not.” If a strange vehicle, person or anything seems out of place; Thomas advises that you don’t hesitate to contact police. “We would rather you call us to check something out and be safe rather than sorry”, Thomas added.

An example of suspicious behavior might be: If you see a car with an out-of-town license plate driving slowly up and down your street and you believe the driver is acting suspicious, call the non-emergency dispatch number at (817) 743-4522. An officer will be dispatched as soon as possible to check out the situation. If you feel you are in any immediate danger dial 9-1-1.

The Police Department would also like to remind residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times; especially, when parking their vehicle at a local business or even in the driveway of their home. Take an extra moment to look around, then Hide your things, Lock your car, and Take your keys. Thwarting crime can be as easy as following these Hide, Lock, and Take guidelines.

We want our citizens to have peace of mind and to know that we are here to serve and protect them. We also encourage residents to get to know your neighborhood police sergeant. He or she can easily be found by going to the City of Southlake’s website and typing in “District Sergeant” in the search box or you can click here.

Together we can make our neighborhoods and businesses less attractive to burglars and thieves. If you have any questions or would like to have an officer come talk to your Homeowners Association (HOA) please contact your District Sergeant, found in the link above, and they will be happy to arrange a meeting with your HOA.

Watch this Southlake Police Department message to help remind you to protect your valuables following the Hide, Lock and Take guidelines.