WISE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME PREVENTION
IMPORTANT 911 INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS
In the Town of Wise, our police telecommunications dispatch calls for police, fire and
medical emergencies. When calling 911 for help, please tell the dispatcher exactly what
type of emergency you have. If you live in a condominium or apartment building, the
911
call should be made from the apartment where help is needed. Very often the dispatcher can
provide life-saving information over the phone until the arrival of emergency personnel.
Please remember, dial 911 immediately. You can lose valuable time if you call the
doorman or security office first. If someone outside the apartment makes the 911 call,
instruct that person to give detailed information about where help is needed. It is not
enough to give the name and address of the building. Police officers and fire/ rescue
personnel must know exactly where to respond.
SECURITY BASICS
1.Check to see who is at the door before opening it to strangers. A wide angle viewer (or
peephole) is inexpensive and easy to install. Do not rely on door chains, which offer
virtually no security. Report suspicious persons or activities to the Wise Police
Department immediately by dialing 328-9369.
2.Don't be careless with your keys and don't give keys to service workers unless you are
absolutely certain you can trust them.
3.Never leave notes on your door that can inform a burglar that your apartment is
unoccupied. Lock all doors whenever you leave your apartment - even if you will be gone
only a few minutes.
4.As a second line of defense, consider a security closet for storage of valuables inside
your apartment. This closet should be equipped with a solid wood core door, with hinges
with non-removable pins and with a good quality deadbolt lock.
5.Exterior doors should be constructed of solid core wood or metal, at least 1 3/4 inches
thick. They should be equipped with a deadbolt lock constructed of case hardened metal
with a minimum of a one-inch throw and a good quality strike plate.
Sliding Glass Doors
These can be secured in the following ways:
1.Installing auxiliary locks, including a "Charlie Bar," or other device to jam
the door. 2.Installing a keyed lock or removable pin that bolts the doors to each other or
to the frame. 3.installation of metal screws in the space above the door to prevent
lifting the door from the tracks.
Windows
If glass is within 40 inches of the inside latch, glass can be broken and the latch can be
reached. To prevent this, install a double cylinder deadbolt, or cover the glass with
special security coating or glazing, or add decorative security grillwork. Caution -
double cylinder deadbolt locks can be dangerous for older residents, especially in case of
a fire.
Jalousie Windows are virtually impossible to secure without adding protective security
grillwork. If Jalousie windows are to remain closed, the individual glass panels can be
secured using "superglue" or a similar product. If possible, Jalousie windows
should be replaced with another type of window.
Awning type windows can be secured by removing the handle. Removal of the handle makes it
impossible for an intruder to reach inside and open the window.
Double or single hung windows should be fitted with auxiliary locks or pins.
PERSONAL SECURITY
When Driving - Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight. Keep your windows rolled
up and your doors locked at all times. Don't stop to help the driver of a disabled
vehicle. Use your car phone or use the telephone when you reach your destination, to
notify the police. If you have car trouble, raise the hood and then stay inside your
vehicle with the doors locked. If strangers stop to help, ask them to report your
situation to the police or the nearest service station. Always park in well lighted areas.
Lock valuables in trunk before you park your car. Always lock all doors and check when you
return to make sure no one is hiding in your vehicle.
When Walking - Don't make yourself a likely target by walking with excessive jewelry,
walking alone on dark, deserted streets, allowing your purse to "dangle" from
your hand, or appearing frightened. Walk with confidence and a sense of purpose. Show that
you are aware of your surroundings and what is going on in front and in back of you. The
attacker is looking for someone to take by surprise - don't be that someone. Do not return
to an empty apartment if you believe you are being followed. Go to a public place and call
for help. When you return home, have your key ready to unlock the door without delay.
Leave lights on inside your home. It is much safer to return home to a well lighted area.