Burglary Prevention
Like many communities nationwide, Champaign has seen an increase in vehicle and residential burglaries. Police are taking several measures to address these incidents, including conducting street patrols, burglary details and forming a Burglary Reduction Pilot Unit that focuses on identifying and arresting property crime suspects.
Among the efforts, we’d like to also count on the partnership of citizens like you to combat these crimes of opportunity. Here’s a few simple ways in which our community can benefit from your help:
- See Something, Say Something. The majority of arrests for burglary are a result of alert citizens. Call Police if you see a crime or suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
- Lock it-Hide it- Keep it. Always keep your home and car doors locked whether you’re away or at home. Remove valuables from your car and do not leave anything of value outside your home for someone to walk away with.
- Neighborhood Watch Program. Consider becoming a part of a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area to help in the fight against crime and to get to know your neighbors through acts of service. Contact the City’s Neighborhood Services Department at 217-403-7070 or [email protected].
The below safety tips are encouraged to help in burglary prevention efforts. Please review them with your household and as a support in your neighborhood.
- Lock your vehicle doors and take your keys with you when not in use—even in your driveway.
- Do not leave your vehicle running unoccupied—it only takes a moment for someone to jump in and take off.
- Do not leave unattended personal belongings in plain sight inside your vehicle, no matter where it is parked.
- Don’t leave mail in vehicle with the address label visible.
- Mount electronic equipment so that you can easily remove it. When leaving your vehicle, remove GPS, Bluetooth, and other equipment from plain view and lock it in your trunk or take it with you.
- Consider installing alarms and/or “kill switch” devices in vehicles to help prevent break-ins.
- Do not leave spare keys in your car, even if you keep your door locked.
- Always lock exterior doors when you’re at home.
- Always lock exterior doors and close all windows when you are leaving your home.
- Do not leave your property unattended outside of your home—a bike or power tools, for example, are easy for thieves to pick up and walk-off with.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked. Even if going inside for a couple of minutes, take the time to close your garage if items of value are inside.
- Consider installing deadbolts, double key locks or additional locks for windows and patio doors.
- Secure any sliding doors by placing a steel rod, broomstick, or dowel inside the door channel.
- Make sure the exterior of your house is well-lit at night to discourage would-be burglars. Help light your block by keeping a light on at night or consider a motion-activated light that comes on at the onset of a presence on your property.
- Keep records of serial numbers for valuables stored in a safe space or in an electronic database. You may also consider a home engraving kit to mark your property.
- Consider a burglar alarm system that fits your family’s needs.
- Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed so that you have clear view of your property.
- Instead of leaving a hidden key on property, keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor or a nearby friend or family member.
- During an in-progress emergency, call 9-1-1
- For non-emergency incidents, or to submit a police report, call 217-333-8911
- If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers at: 217-373-TIPS (8477); online at 373tips.com; or via the free “P3 Tips” mobile app
Contact Us
Champaign Police Department
82 E. University Ave.
Champaign, IL 61820
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergency: 217-333-8911
Front Desk: 217-351-4545
217-403-6904 (fax)
