Experts Say This Is What Criminals Look for in Your Neighborhood – Learn How to Stop Them!
Learn the shocking things criminals look for in your neighborhood and how you can protect your home with simple steps! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Safety #HomeSafety
ST. PAUL, MN – Crime doesn’t just happen in big cities anymore. I grew up in Minneapolis and lived there most of my life, but a few years ago my hubby Jack and I moved to Winona to escape some of the crime. There are still low-lifes around here, but it’s not as bad as what we experienced in the Twin Cities. Even in a smaller town, you can’t afford to be careless. That’s why it’s so important to know what criminals are looking for in a neighborhood. And more importantly, how you can stop them.
Unsecured Homes and Cars: The Easy Targets
It’s shocking how many break-ins happen simply because a door or window was left unlocked. Criminals are on the lookout for easy targets, and nothing screams “easy” like an open invitation. Whether it’s a back door left ajar or a car parked in the driveway with the keys inside, thieves are counting on us to forget the basics.
How to Stop Them
Make sure your doors and windows are always locked, even if you’re just popping out for a quick errand. Invest in sturdy deadbolts for your exterior doors, and if you want extra peace of mind, consider smart locks or home security systems that alert you if something’s amiss. And never leave your car unlocked, even in your driveway—criminals often test door handles to find their next target.
Lack of Lighting: The Perfect Cover for Criminals
A dark yard or alley is a criminal’s best friend. They can sneak around without being seen, taking their time to scope out homes without drawing attention. Criminals tend to avoid well-lit areas because it increases the risk of being spotted by a neighbor or security camera.
How to Stop Them
Make sure your property is well-lit. Motion-sensor lights are great for catching thieves off-guard, and keeping outdoor areas lit up discourages criminals from lurking around. You can also trim overgrown bushes and trees near windows or entrances to reduce hiding spots. The brighter, the better!
Signs of Absence: When Your Home Looks Empty
Criminals know when a house is empty. Mail piled up in the mailbox, packages left on the porch, or a dark home for days on end are sure signs no one’s around. Homes that look vacant are prime targets because the thieves know they won’t be interrupted.
How to Stop Them
If you’re going out of town, take a few precautions. Set your lights on timers or use smart plugs to make it look like someone’s home. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and keep an eye on your place. Installing a security camera can also be a strong deterrent—nothing spooks a thief like the possibility of being caught on video.
Neighborhood Disengagement: A Criminal’s Playground
When neighbors don’t know each other, it’s easier for criminals to slip in unnoticed. Neighborhoods where people keep to themselves and don’t communicate are often more vulnerable to crime. Criminals can easily roam around without being questioned, and no one is paying attention to what’s happening.
How to Stop Them
Getting to know your neighbors is one of the most effective ways to keep your area safe. Consider starting a neighborhood watch program or using local apps like Nextdoor to stay connected with others nearby. The more eyes watching, the less appealing your neighborhood will be to criminals. Building a sense of community can make a big difference.
Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
Criminals are always on the lookout for easy opportunities. But by securing your home, keeping it well-lit, and staying engaged with your neighbors, you can make your neighborhood less attractive to them.
Take action today—whether it’s locking your doors or talking to a neighbor about starting a watch program. A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your community safe.
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I read your posts often because they come in my email feed. Please don’t refer to Winona as a small town. It isn’t. It is a small city. Goodview, St. Charles, Eyota, Pickwick, Lanesboro, Rushford – small towns. Winona, by all definitions is a small city. Yes, Winona has crime. Even small towns like St. Charles or Goodview have crime.
Good morning, Candy! Thanks for being a repeat reader – we appreciate that so much 🙂 A lot of our readers are from BIG cities (like New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles) so we choose to use the phrase “small town” as a way for them to conceptualize both the geography and size of Winona in relation to their own experience. My hubby Jack typically walks the entire length of Winona every day – and you can’t do that in Phoenix! LOL. But yes, we agree, it’s a small city. I like to think of Winona as “a small city – with small town charm”. Hope you have a GREAT week! 🙂 – Kitty