Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention Starts With You!
Here are a few simple things you can do to help prevent becoming a crime victim:

• If you have an attached garage, don't forget to close your garage door at night. Hundreds of Johnson County residents leave their garage doors open and unknowingly offer an open invitation for thieves to help themselves. Make sure all exterior doors are locked securely.
• Lock up your vehicle if it is left outside. Thefts from vehicles are epidemic in populated areas primarily during warmer months. Don't make it easy for the thieves! Lock up your vehicle. While it is true that they can (and likely will) just bust out a window to gain entry to your car, breaking glass makes noise and the shattered remnants will draw the attention of a patrolling Deputy. If you hear breaking glass and you call 9-1-1 immediately, we have a greater chance of apprehending the suspect(s).
• Do not leave keys inside your vehicles.
• Maintain a list of all electronic and expensive items you own. The list should include the Make, Model, and Serial number of each item. Keep the list current and store it in a safe place. Consider etching your social security number into expensive items so that we can quickly identify your property should it be stolen. Download a property list form (PDF)
• If you own an ATV, never leave it outside or unsecured. Keep it locked up and out of sight to passing motorists who drive by your residence. Consider chaining it to another solid object.

The most important thing that citizens of Johnson County can do to prevent crime and assist law enforcement is to report suspicious activity immediately. When you see something that “just doesn't seem right,” call us and let us check it out. We would much rather check into a suspicious situation and find that everything is alright than miss the opportunity to catch a criminal because no one reported suspicious activity.

Be prepared to answer a battery of questions including suspect and suspect vehicle descriptions, license plate number if available, and a direction of travel if the suspect leaves the area. Do not alert the suspicious subject that you are watching or have called police because he or she will likely attempt to flee the area. (For example: Do not suddenly turn on all of your outside lights…) Remain on the phone with the Sheriff's dispatcher until a Deputy arrives to investigate the situation.