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“A proactive approach to preventing crime is a major focus of our department.”

- Assistant Police Chief Shon Barnes

Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it.

Your call may save a life, prevent an injury, or stop a criminal act. Many crimes occur literally “under the noses” of citizens who did not notice anything suspicious. The direct reduction of crime in Salisbury is because of you; no police department can function effectively without the earnest assistance of responsible citizens.

Crime Prevention efforts include:

Crime Stoppers | Crime Watch | Lock It, Take It Or Lose It | Safety Tips | SCAN | Residential Action Program

Report A Crime

Do you have information about a crime or wanted person? 

Tips may be sent by Facebook private message or by text. You can text 888777 with the words: TIP MYSALISBURY (your information). Visit the Nixle website for more detailed text options.

Crime Watch

The Salisbury Police Crime Watch YouTube Channel is a depository of surveillance videos of crime events within city limits.

We developed this channel as an enhanced method to identify suspects of various incidents. In the past, we have shown still surveillance images of suspects on our social media platforms or via the news media. But we’ve discovered that watching video of suspects in action — the way they walk or other physical mannerisms — may lead to an arrest more quickly. We invite you to subscribe to our Crime Watch Channel. Just click the subscribe button below to receive notifications each time a new video is uploaded.

Crime Watch Channel

Lock It, Take It Or Lose It!

Did you know that in the past year around 288 vehicles have been broken into in the City of Salisbury? In an effort to reduce theft from cars, the Salisbury Police Department (SPD) is launching a campaign to remind residents to “Lock it, Take it, or Lose it.”

If you’re running into the store for a can of Cheerwine, that’s too long to leave your vehicle unlocked and unoccupied. SPD reported that 60 percent of break-ins resulted in the vehicle being unlocked or leaving valuables where they can be easily seen. By simply locking your car doors, taking valuables with you, or storing them away in your trunk can help reduce the risk of thieves stealing from your car.


You might be wondering what items thieves typically look for? The answer is EVERYTHING, but here are some tips on how to keep your valuables safe:
  • Never leave electronics, such as cell phones, laptops, GPS devices or iPad’s in plain sight.
  • Be sure to hide all loose change.
  • Always park in well-lit areas and avoid concealment from larger vehicles.
  • Remove purses or book bags.
  • Completely close windows and sunroofs.
  • Do not leave an extra key in your car - someone could steal the key and come back for your car later.

It is encouraged to put shopping bags in the trunk when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next location. Together, we can greatly reduce the chances of your vehicle becoming a target.


What if my vehicle is broken into?

If your believe your vehicle has been broken into or a theft from your vehicle has occurred, follow these steps:

  1. Call the police at (704) 638-5333 so an officer can respond to the location and take the report.
  2. Do not touch anything, so officers can process the car, taking fingerprints and photos.
  3. Take your own photos.
  4. Make a list of everything that was stolen.
  5. Call your insurance company.
  6. Get your car repaired.
  7. Locate proof of ownership of your goods.
  8. Start replacing your stolen items.

Safety Tips

Shopping Safety

Tips for Holiday Safe Shopping

SPD Officer Rebecca Sexton shares tips on how to stay safe during Black Friday:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t just focus on shopping always look at people and cars around you.
  • There’s always safety in numbers. Take someone with you.
  • Before leaving home: Make sure all doors and windows are secured, and leave a light or two on to make it appear that someone is there.
  • Attempt to shop during the day or park in a well-lit area while shopping at night. Make sure your vehicle is free from any clutter (what might be junk to you, could be a treasure to someone else. (Loose change in a tray, blotted bags with trash, etc.).
  • Ladies: Keep purse close to your body or carry your driver’s license, cash and/or “one” credit card in your front pocket.
  • Men: Don’t have wallet visible in your back pocket, just carry driver’s license, cash and/or “one” credit card in front pocket.
  • Try to make one trip to your vehicle to store your shopping bags. A thief could be waiting in parking to see if you return into the store, and break into car while you’re gone.
  • Returning Home: Be aware of your surrounding (suspicious people walking in the neighborhood).

Home Security Safety

An important step in preventing home burglary and other crimes is to make sure that a residence is as secure as possible. A careful inspection by someone trained to observe security precautions can indicate features which would make entry easy – or difficult – for a prospective burglar.

The Salisbury Police Department appreciates the opportunity to be of assistance to you in our community’s fight against crime. We urge you not only to take steps to make your own residence safer, but also to become active in your Neighborhood Watch program for the benefit of your entire community. This guide will assist you in your efforts to keep your home safe.

The Salisbury Police Department is not liable for any burglary to your home. These are simple suggestions that may be helpful to you in preventing crime to your residence. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to secure their home and belongings.

Print Version of Checklist

Front Entrance

  • □ Are all exterior doors of metal or solid wood construction?
  • □ Are all door frames strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading?
  • □ Are door hinges protected from removal from outside?
  • □ Are exterior doors free of windows or other openings (mail slot, pet door) within 40 inches of the lock?
  • □ Is door secured by a deadbolt lock with a minimum 1-inch throw?
  • □ Are strikes and strike plates adequate and properly installed with 3-inch screw?
  • □ If there are no windows in door, is there a wide-angle viewer or voice intercom device?
  • □ Are all screen or storm doors secured with adequate locks?
  • □ Are all entries well-lighted?
  • □ Can front entrance be observed from street or public areas?
  • □ Are porch and landscaping free of concealment from street or public view?
  • □ Is shrubbery trimmed for visibility?
  • □ Are address numbers a minimum of 4 inches in height?
  • □ Are address numbers clearly visible from the street and well-lit for visibility at night?
  • □ Are all door locks adequate and in good working order?
  • □ Is your mailbox securable with a locking mechanism so that strangers cannot remove your mail?

Side or Rear Entrance

  • □ Are all exterior doors of metal or solid wood construction?
  • □ Are all door frames strong enough and tight enough to prevent forcing or spreading?
  • □ Are door hinges protected from removal from outside?
  • □ Are exterior doors free of windows or other openings (mail slot, pet door) within 40 inches of the lock?
  • □ Is door secured by a deadbolt lock with a minimum 1-inch throw?
  • □ Are strikes and strike plates adequate and properly installed with 3-inch screw?
  • □ Is the exterior of the doorway well-lighted?
  • □ Are all doorways clear of obstruction from street or neighbors view (i.e. porch, fence, or landscaping)?
  • □ Does doorway have screen or storm door with adequate lock?
  • □ If door is sliding glass, is the sliding panel secured from being lifted out of the track?
  • □ Is a “charley-bar” or key-operated locked used on sliding door?
  • □ If your house has an alley, are address numbers posted facing the alley, at a minimum of 4-inches in height?

Ground Floor Windows

  • □ Do all windows have adequate locks in operating condition?
  • □ Do windows have screens or storm windows that lock from the inside?
  • □ Are all windows clear of areas that offer special risk to burglary?
  • □ If not, do these windows have security screens or grills?
  • □ Are exterior areas of windows free from concealing structure or landscaping?
  • □ Is exterior adequately lighted at all window areas?
  • □ Can your front windows be seen from the street?

Upper Floor Windows

  • □ Are all upper floor windows far away from porch or garage roofs, or roofs of adjoining buildings, to prevent access?
  • □ If so, are they secured as adequately as if they were at ground level?
  • □ Are trees and shrubbery kept trimmed back from upper floor windows?
  • □ Are all ladders stored securely so they are not accessible?

Inside the House

  • □ Are timers used to simulate normal activities in the house?
  • □ Have you engraved or photographed your personal property?
  • □ Is the circuit box locked or secured?

Garage

  • □ Is the automobile-entrance door to the garage equipped with an adequate locking device?
  • □ Is garage door kept closed and locked at all times?
  • □ Are all garage windows secured adequately?
  • □ Is outside utility entrance to garage as secure as required for any ground floor entrance?
  • □ Are all garage entrances well-lighted on the outside?
  • □ Are all entrances to living quarters from garage of metal or solid wood construction?
  • □ Does the door from the garage to inside the house have adequate locks?

Home alarm

  • □ Do you have an alarm system?
  • □ Are all doors and windows alarmed?
  • □ Is there a motion sensor inside the house?
  • □ Are alarm system warning signs and stickers displayed? (Even if there is no alarm system)
  • □ Does the police department have current emergency contact information?
  • □ Do you keep your hide-a-key in a lockbox?

Gates

  • □ Are all gate latches 40 inches below the top of the gate and secured with through bolts with rounded edges and with high-security padlocks?

ATM Safety

Because of the variety of ATMs, the unique characteristics of each installation, and crime considerations at each location, no single formula can guarantee the security of ATM customers. Therefore, it is necessary for ATM customers to consider the environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining safe when using an ATM.

Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared. Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can have a tremendous effect on potential assailants. There are a number of things you can do to increase your personal security and reduce your risk of becoming an ATM crime victim.

The following crime prevention tips can help make the use of ATM’s safer for everyone:

  • Walk purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings.
  • Be aware of your environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor.
  • Perform mental exercises and plan out what you would do in different crime or personal security situations.
  • Follow your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember that your personal safety is the top priority.

ATM Selection Considerations:

The law sets minimum standards for ATM lighting, procedures for evaluating the safety of ATM's and requires notices to ATM users outlining basic safety precautions for using ATM's. Although ATM environmental design issues are covered in the law, there are other considerations that an ATM customer needs to consider prior to selecting and using an ATM, for example:

  • Select an ATM that is in a wall-lit, well-traveled location.
  • Whenever possible, select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled by a security officer.

Considerations Prior to/During Transactions:
  • If you notice anything strange, leave and return some other time. Even if you have already started a transaction, cancel it and leave.
  • Maintain a small supply of deposit envelopes at home, in your car or office. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM site. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the ATM
  • Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions in the area
  • Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. This is an added incentive to an assailant
  • If you get cash - put it away right immediately. Do not stand at the ATM and count it
  • Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers; ask the bank for help
  • Never lend your ATM card to anyone; treat it as if were cash or a credit card
  • If you use a drive-up ATM, ascertain your vehicle doors and windows are locked
  • During evening hours consider taking a companion along, park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area and lock your car. If the lights around the ATM are not working properly, do not use it
  • When leaving an ATM location make sure you are not being followed. If you are being followed, drive immediately to a police, sheriff or fire station, crowded area, well-lighted location or open business. Flash your lights and sound your horn to bring attention to your situation
  • If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon and demands your money or valuables, GIVE IT TO THE SUSPECT. Do not resist, property may be recovered later or replaced
Fraud Considerations:
  • Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not write it down or keep it in your wallet or purse. Do not tell anyone else your PIN NUMBER!! (including bank employees, the police, etc.)
  • Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who may be standing or parked nearby or anyone crowding you in an attempt to view your PIN and/or transaction. Use your body as a shield if necessary while you enter your access code
  • Make sure you retain your transaction receipt. Do not throw the receipt away at the ATM site
  • The National Consumers League has opened a toll-free number to provide information on ATM frauds and scams. The National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060 employs counselors who will refer consumers to the proper agency for reporting a fraud or scam
  • Immediately report any stolen or lost ATM card to the proper entities

Identity Theft Safety

Identity theft is a crime where a criminal assumes someone else's identity for profit. It is becoming increasingly common in developed countries, especially the U.S. There is a multitude of ways your identity can be stolen. A few are listed below:

  • Bank Statements
  • Discarded Credit Card & ATM Receipts
  • Falsely Obtained Credit Reports
  • Pre-approved Credit Card Applications
  • Stolen Mail
  • Theft of a Wallet or Purse, Credit Cards, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Passport
  • Internet Websites

Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft:

  • Shred sensitive documents with a personal shredder. Shredders with diamond cuts are best
  • Don’t give personal information over the phone
  • Do not routinely carry your social security card or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.
  • Disclose your social security number ONLY when absolutely necessary.
  • Change your driver’s license number to a randomly assigned “S” number.
  • Contact card carriers (such as health insurance) who use your social security number as identification and ask if they can use a different identification number.
  • Carry ONLY those credit cards you use regularly, and cancel all unused credit cards.
  • Keep an accurate list of all credit cards and bank accounts including name, mailing address and telephone number of creditor, the account number, and expiration date. Update the list regularly and keep it in a secure place.
  • Closely review all credit card statements each month to detect unusual activity or unauthorized charges.
  • Destroy pre-approved credit card solicitations, contact all three major credit-reporting bureaus in writing and “opt-out” of pre-screening lists.
  • As a Massachusetts resident, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year. Exercise this right, and check your credit report closely for accuracy.
  • Do not use your year of birth or other easily identifiable code as a password or PIN for credit cards or ATM machines. Do not allow others to closely view you as you enter your password or PIN.
  • Destroy all credit card and ATM receipts, do not discard them in banks or retail establishments.
  • If you suspect that your mail is being stolen or tampered with, contact your local post office or postal inspector.
  • Never give your PIN number out to someone over the telephone, even if they say that they work for the bank or financial company in question.
  • Use encryption software when transferring personal identifying information over the Internet.
  • Be very cautious about sending personal identifying information over the Internet.

Other Key Resources

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
  • Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: Recovering from Identity Theft
  • Cambridge Consumer's Council

General Inquiries about Identity Theft & Cyber Crimes (see below when reporting a crime):

Contact the Cambridge Police Electronic Crimes Task Force:
Sergeant Joseph Murphy (617) 349-3339
Detective Brian O'Connor (617) 349-9307

If You Have Been a Victim of Identity Theft, File a Police Report:

Report a crime or provide information via 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or call (617) 349-3300.
You can also file a report in person by visiting the Cambridge Police Department, which is located at 125 6th Street in Cambridge.

Security Camera Action Network

Residents and business owners can “deputize their cameras."

The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) soon will debut its Salisbury Camera Action Network (SCAN) program in which residents and business owners can register their cameras, such as Nest or Ring, with SPD to help solve crimes in their area.

Home and business owners can register their cameras through an online form at salisburync.gov/SCAN. In addition to general information fields, like address, email and telephone number, the form includes the ability to upload specific camera angles and locations to their registration.

Only authorized members of SPD will have access to the information. Relevant information is reserved for official use by SPD and will not be released to any member of the general public or media. In the event of a crime, authorized SPDofficers will contact the camera owner directly, using the information provided to request the appropriate video surveillance footage.

“The SCAN program is yet another tool in our toolbox that we can use to deter crime in Salisbury,” said Police Chief Jerry Stokes. “This is an opportunity for participants to become even more empowered in the public safety of our community. I’ve always said that fighting crime is a partnership between the police and residents. Now residents can make an immediate difference through the SCAN program.”

Registrants are not considered as agents and/or employees of the Salisbury Police Department through the SCAN program. SPD will not utilize any information obtained to view recorded footage/live feeds directly from cameras owned by registrant without the owner’s consent.

Residential Action Program

What is the Residential Action Program (RAP)?

The Rental Property Remedial Action Program (RAP) is an ordinance adopted by the City of Salisbury. RAP is for residential rental property owners whose rental property demonstrates an unacceptable level of disorder and/or criminal activity occurring on or in the property as in NC General Statute 160A-424.

Who drafted the Ordinance?

Do I have to participate?

This voluntary registration process will allow the City of Salisbury to provide timely email notification to keep property owners and managers aware of situations/disorder activity on their property.

How do I participate?

To participate an owner, who is defined as the person, persons or legal entity that holds legal title to a Residential Rental Property must provide their name, business and personal contact information (no public or private post office boxes) and an email address.

RAP Officer

Karen Barbee
kbarb@salisburync.gov
(704) 638-7586

Address:
132 N. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144


Rental Property Registration

What do I need to know?

he following outlines the appropriate owner and contact information required for multiple owners or LLC owners of rental properties located within the City limits of Salisbury.

  • Multiple owners: the person who has the legal authority to act on behalf of the other owners
  • Corporation: a registered agent and/or officer who has the authority to act on behalf of the corporation
  • Partnership: the managing partner and one alternative who have the legal authority to act on behalf of the partnership
  • Unincorporated association or other entity: a person who has the legal authority to act on behalf of the association or entity
If a property management company is responsible for managing the property, list the company name, address, telephone number, email address and name of contact person.

 

How do I register?

Fill out the online form at www.salisburync.gov/RAP-Registration.

If you have questions, contact us during regular business hours.

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