Full Notification

The 2018 Chinese New Year falls on February 16 and the festival continues until March 2, 2018. It is the grandest and the most important annual event for many members of our communities. Traditional festivities often include families reuniting together to spend time with loved ones, eat delicious meals and paying respect to their ancestors. Because many of you may be away from your homes during the celebration, this increases the likelihood of property crimes, such as residential burglary and vehicle burglary, in the community. During your travels here or overseas, it is important to consider some of the following safety tips to help you and your family enjoy the season and not become a victim of a property crime.

Secure Your Home
Take measures to security harden your homes and vehicles.　 Use the proper security devices to secure your doors and windows both upstairs and downstairs. Take the hide-a-key with you if you are traveling for an extended period of time. Do not leave it behind for someone to find and use while you are gone.

Alarms
Alarm your homes and install surveillance equipment.　 Sophisticated criminals look to defeat surveillance and alarm systems.　 Most people only alarm their downstairs doors and windows.　 Burglars will climb to an upstairs bedroom window or sliding glass balcony door and make entry into homes they have targeted. 　Consider alarming your upstairs sliding glass doors and windows as well.　 The alarms should not only detect motion, but detect breaking glass. Audible alarms are very effective at scaring off a would-be burglar. 　If you already have an alarm system, make sure it is working properly by having your alarm company test your system. When you leave, make sure you set your alarm and notify your alarm company of your absence from the residence.

Create the Illusion of Someone Being Home
Thieves are looking for easy targets, and what is easier than an unoccupied home. Have a timer on your lights to create the illusion of someone being home at night. You can also leave a television or radio on to create noise as if someone is home. Also, have someone maintain your lawns and yards. Don’t leave large amounts of cash or high valuable property in your homes.　 Take steps to secure these items where they cannot be found in your home.　

Mail
A pile of mail in your mail box or at your doorway screams unoccupied home. Make sure you have a friend pick up your mail and newspapers or place them on a hold with the Post Office until you return from vacation.

Tell a Trustworthy Friend or Neighbor
Give your vacation contact　info and a spare key to at least one friend or neighbor, that way they’ll know how to contact you in case of an emergency.

Vacation Checks
Consider notifying the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s station and request vacation checks which can be done by calling 909-595-2264 or through the web site www.walnut.diamondbar.lasd.org/

Report Suspicious Activity
Be a good neighbor, if you see something　out of place or see someone who looks suspicious and may be engaged in criminal activity call the Sheriff’s Station immediately and report your observations.　
 

Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station