Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office

  Crime Prevention Unit

Safety Alert!

Car & Home Burglary Prevention Tips

Car:

Lock your car door & close your windows when parked. This simple act is proven to keep thieves out. Most of the car burglaries in Santa Rosa County are from people simply not locking up .

Remove 'pull-out' style radio face plates (if equipped).

Park in well lit areas, when possible.

Park where your car will be easily & frequently viewed (natural surveillance)

Park in your garage if you have one.

Use a car alarm. It will alert anyone nearby.

Keep all valuables out of sight. Do not leave your personal belongings in plain sight in your vehicle. Items in your car such as shopping bags, purse, wallet, GPS , CD's, jewelry and/or other valuables should be removed or placed in the trunk, when parked, especially overnight. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle! Car thefts in Santa Rosa County have occurred because people left their car keys in the car.

Check items in your vehicle. Do not have your home address saved as “Home” in your GPS . If you do, you have now given criminals “Turn by Turn” directions to your home. Also, leaving your garage door opener in your unlocked vehicle gives criminals access to most homes.

Home:

Use your home alarm system.

If you plan to travel for the holidays, call the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office 850-983-1100 and have a watch order placed on your home.

Also, you can ask a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

Keep all doors and windows locked.

Make sure all bushes and trees are cut back. Follow the 3 foot/6 foot rule, make sure all bushes are all less than 3 foot and trees are above 6 foot in foliage.

If someone unknown knocks on the door and seems suspicious, do not open the door! Call law enforcement!!