This guide provides practical advice and resources to help you protect your home and enhance the safety of your neighborhood. By taking a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Community First
Building strong relationships with your neighbors is one of the most effective crime deterrents. When you know the people on your street, you create a natural neighborhood watch. Exchange contact information and agree to look out for each other’s homes. A simple wave or chat goes a long way in making your community safer.
You can also get involved in local initiatives like the Public Safety Action Committee (PSAC). This committee meets on the third Thursday of every month and invites the community to connect with the local precinct commander for a discussion about public safety. Joining these meetings, either remotely or in person, is a great way to stay informed and engaged.
Home Security and Prevention
The concept of “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” is all about making your home a less appealing target for criminals. By making some simple changes, you can send a clear message that your property is well-protected.
Deterrent Strategies
Security Systems and Cameras: Installing a security system or cameras is a highly effective way to monitor your property and deter criminals. With affordable options available, home security is more accessible than ever.
Effective Lighting: An illuminated home is a less appealing target. Leave your porch lights on, set outdoor lighting on a schedule, or install motion-activated floodlights. This eliminates dark hiding spots and makes your home more visible.
Smart Landscaping: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential hiding spots. While a high fence can offer privacy, a lower one can actually improve visibility and make your home a less appealing target.
Visible Deterrents: Make it clear that your home is not an easy target. Install security system signs and place your cameras where they can be easily seen from the street.
Securing Your Property
Reinforce Access Points: Strengthen your home’s defenses by installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. For sliding glass doors, use a channel lock or a simple wooden dowel in the track. You can also add window alarms for extra protection.
Don’t Leave Windows Ajar: Be sure to close and lock all windows when you’re not home, even those on upper floors, as they can be accessed with a ladder.
Protect Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight of windows. Store tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent a burglar from using your own equipment to break in. Consider installing gate locks and water spigot locks.
Creating the Illusion of Occupancy
Additional Technology: Use timers on your interior and exterior lights, as well as on radios and TVs. The changing light and sound patterns can make it seem like someone is home, protecting your property while you’re away.
When You Travel: Prevent your home from looking vacant while you’re away by stopping your mail and newspaper delivery, or by asking a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you. This eliminates a key sign that a home is unoccupied.
Online Safety
Your social media activity can be a valuable tool for criminals if you’re not careful. Be mindful of what you post to keep your home safe.
Be Cautious Online: Avoid posting about new purchases or upcoming vacations.
Check Your Privacy Settings: Make sure your privacy settings are secure so only your trusted friends can view your posts. This makes it much harder for a burglar to use your profile to case your home.
Staying aware of your digital footprint is just as important as securing your physical property.
Resources
If you do not wish to engage with law enforcement but have been the victim of a crime there is support through the Lutheran Community Services Northwest. (All contact is confidential, no religious affiliation.) 971-888-7830 https://lcsnw.org/program/crime-victim-service-center/
If you are an immigrant that has experienced a crime there is support through the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition or if you are a community member that has witnessed ICE detain someone 888-622-1510 https://pircoregon.org/
- 911 for emergencies
- 911 to request Portland Street Response for Mental or Behavioral Health Crises
- 503-823-3333 for non-emergency situations
- 311 for questions about City of Portland or Multnomah County programs or services or to report a non-emergency issue within Multnomah County
- Report a crime online: https://www.portland.gov/police/cor
- Report graffiti: https://www.portland.gov/bps/graffiti/report-graffiti
- Sign up for PSAC meeting invites and news: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v4i3t6
- Request outreach at a campsite (not related to removal): https://www.portland.gov/sscc/homelessoutreach
Information:
- Chief Day statement: https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2025/1/28/ppb-chief-addresses-immigration-enforcement-community-letter spanish – https://www.portland.gov/police/documents/letter-bob-day-spanish-version/download
- Sanctuary City statement: https://www.portland.gov/federal/sanctuary-city
- FAQ on Immigration Enforcement: https://www.portland.gov/police/documents/immigration-faq/download spanish – https://www.portland.gov/police/documents/immigration-faq-spanish-version/download
- NEW Release as of 9/12/25: https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2025/1/28/ppb-releases-videos-addressing-communitys-immigration-concerns (Spanish translation available)