brought to you by the Houston Apartment Association.
We often overlook the simple steps that we can take to prevent crime. Listed here are a few tips on personal, vehicle and apartment safety. As the National Crime Prevention Council says, “Partnerships that actively involve the local community and its residents are key to preventing crime.”
General Tips
Information courtesy of
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
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For Residents
- Take the time to get to know your neighbors. It always helps to have another set of eyes and ears on your side.
- Know where local police stations, fire stations and other safe places are located. For a list of all municipalities and counties in HAA’s service, click here.
- Keep valuables concealed if possible. Wallets should be kept in front pockets.
- Walk with a purpose. Stand up straight and be aware of the people around you. If you suspect someone is following you and it makes you uneasy, make eye contact with that person very briefly. This will let him or her know that you are aware.
- Walk in well-lit areas. Avoid wooded areas, alleys or secluded places.
Downloadable Resources
Houston Police Department Robbery Prevention Brochure
Family Violence Hurts Everyone Brochure
Dater’s Bill of Rights
Vehicle Safety
information courtesy of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle
- Hide your valuables. Items in the open make your car a bigger target.
- Did you know that it’s illegal to leave your keys in the car? Take your keys and never leave a second set in your vehicle. Twenty percent of stolen vehicles had keys inside them, making the theft even easier.
- Lock your car. Almost half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
- Park in well-lit or heavily trafficked areas. Thieves do not like witnesses. Find an attended lot or garage if possible.
- Give parking attendants the ignition key only. Keep your trunk and glove box locked at all times. If possible, get separate keys for the ignition and the trunk and glove box
- Never leave your car running unattended. Cars are often stolen at convenience stores, gas stations or when an owner leaves the vehicle running to warm it up.
- Install an anti-theft device. Many insurance companies may give you a discount for certain anti-theft devices. Check with your agent for details.
For Take Lock Hide program materials, visit.
Other downloadable resources
Car Theft Fact Sheet
Preventing Car Theft Brochure
Vehicle Burglary Prevention
Apartment Safety
- Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates you will not be home.
- Leave blinds closed.
- If you are away for an extended amount of time, have someone collect your mail for you or fill out a form to have it held at the post office.
- Do not leave the key to your apartment under the mat.
- Never let your apartment appear unoccupied.
- Keep an inventory of your valuables. This will help if there is a burglary.
- The Texas Security Devices Act requires that all rental units be equipped with certain protective devices.
For Managers
Downloadable Resources
Brochure on Home Safety
Apartment Inventory Checklist
A Safety Checklist for Apartments
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