Village of Milford

It is impossible to prevent all crime from happening, however, there are steps that people can take to safeguard themselves against some of the different types of theft. 

Vehicle Theft Prevention

1. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle (wallet, keys, laptop, phone, etc.).
2. If locking anything in your trunk, make sure you have it there BEFORE parking in a public space. Locking anything in your trunk where thieves may be watching just provides more opportunity. 
3. Always keep your doors and windows locked, even when you are inside the vehicle.
4. Park in well lit and frequently traveled areas if and when possible.
5. Use a visible theft prevention device such as a steering column collar or a steering wheel/brake pedal lock.
6. Install audible alarms.
7. Place theft deterrent decal or identification marker on vehicle.

Identity Theft Prevention

1. Be cautious about sharing personal information.
2. Keep your SSN safe. Do not carry your SS card with you and only provide your SSN to verified sources when necessary.
3. Utilize unique and complex passwords that cannot be easily guessed. Do not keep a record of those passwords in a place that can be easily accessed.
4. Regularly review bank account statements, credit statements, and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
5. Shred any expired credit cards, account statements, receipts, or anything else with personal information before throwing them away.
6. Use a virtual private network (VPN) when using public wifi.
7. Make sure to keep firewalls and security measures on your computers and devices up to date.

Home Theft

1. Keep your doors and windows locked including in your garage. Installing a strong deadbolt on exterior doors can make a significant difference in a potential intruder's ability to actually enter into your home.
2. Bright outdoor lighting can scare off intruders by making them visible even at night.
3. Install a home security system.
4. Do not hide a key outside your home, give a spare key to someone whom you trust.
5. Maintain a list of all your valuable items, including pictures, serial numbers, and descriptions, in case of burglary.
6. Regular upkeep and maintenance on your yard can further deter burglars as pruned shrubs leave windows visible and trimmed branches eliminate the opportunity for gaining access to upper-level windows.
7. Take steps when you are away from home to give the appearance that your home is not empty. This can be done by setting timers on lights, tvs, or radios. Simply leaving lights on 24/7 can provide the same hint that the occupants are away as leaving all the lights off.
8. Never leave information on answering machines, social media, or the door that indicate you are not home and for how long you will be away.

Personal Theft in Public

1. Never leave personal belongings in public space unattended.
2. When carrying valuable personal belongings such as a wallet, cash, credit cards, and/or keys, keep them in your front pockets or a pocket with a zipper/button.
3. Do not carry all of your cards and/or significant amounts of cash in your wallet all at once.
4. If shopping with a purse in a shopping cart, run the strap through it to avoid someone grabbing it and running away.
5. Stay with a group in public if possible
6. When walking in public, choose well-lit and trafficked areas, avoid dark or hidden places where it can be easy for someone to hide.
7. Be observant and aware of your surroundings, do not become too distracted by your phone or a conversation.