Full Notification

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has a few crime prevention tips as you prepare for the Holiday Season. Practice safety around your home, while you are shopping, and while you travel.

Residential Safety Tips:

• Do not display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or door. Put away gifts before you go away on a holiday trip.
• When leaving your house, make sure to lock doors and windows.
• Turn on lights and a radio or television to make your residence appear occupied.
• If you travel for the holidays, have a trusted friend or family member watch your house.
• Have your mail and newspapers picked up and have your snow removed from your driveway and sidewalks.
• Mark your valuable items with an identifying mark. Document with photos or write down the make, model, and serial number of valuables as well.
• Avoid leaving boxes from recent purchases (especially TV’s, computer products, IPod’s/IPad’s, etc.) visibly out at the curb for trash pickup.
• Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations. If you choose to make a donation, consider giving to local reputable groups or organizations that you have had contact with in the past or of those you are able to ask questions of.
• Be aware of people posing as city employees or from utility companies needing to check your service. Ask to see worker credentials, and contact the proper company to verify why they are at your resident. Think to yourself: if you didn’t call for their assistance, why are they at your residence. Contact the police if you are alarmed.
• Test your smoke detectors and do not leave Christmas lights on while you are away or sleeping.

Residents residing in unincorporated McHenry County can contact the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office at (815)338-2144 to request a Vacation House Watch during the time you are away. Sheriff Keith Nygren and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.