The City of Aventura Police Department provides many crime prevention programs to our community. From our monthly Police briefings, National Night Out to RADKIDS, we need your participation to make crime prevention work. We are proud to offer the following Crime Prevention Tips to help you get started:Charitable Giving:
You can check to verify a charity to see if it's registered with the State of Florida. Call 1-800-435-7352 or go online to the Department of Agriculture web site to do the same search. You can also file a complaint and see if complaints have already been filed against the organization you are checking.
Motor Vehicle Theft:
- Install and use Anti-Theft devices
- Attend a VIN-etching event to have your car marked in case of theft
- Park only in well lighted areas
- When parking, make certain to lock your car and close all windows completely
- Keep items, such as phones and compact disc players out of sight and NEVER leave your purse in the vehicle
Home Burglary :
- When leaving your home, always lock all doors and windows
- Make certain that any valuable items are not within window view
- Do not keep valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash in your home
- When going away from home for an extended period of time, use a timer for lighting during sporadic times during the day/evening hours; and notify your local police department of your departure
- Engrave valuables with your drivers license number. In case of theft, they will be more easily traceable
- Install a security system in your home
Child Safety:
- Teach your child never to speak to strangers
- Teach your child the "buddy" system when walking or playing outdoors
- Teach your child a special password that only you and your child know as a precaution against "stranger pick-up"
Pickpockets:
How to Recognize a Pickpocket
Pickpockets travel in small groups. They appear to be normal shoppers. Beware of anyone who appears to be following you, crowds around you, bumps you or creates a distraction to draw your attention away from what you are doing.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
- Never leave your valuables on a counter, a table or in a shopping cart
- Never show or handle large amounts of cash
- Keep your cash separate from your wallet
- Carry purses and other belongings in front of you, not to the side or behind you
- Stay alert!
How to Get Help
If you see suspicious activity or if something is stolen ask any store clerk to call security. They will also call the police department. If you discover something stolen after you get home report it to the police immediately.
