ONA

Doors and windows that are out of sight from the street should be "extra" secure using big locks and window locks. The unbreakable glass that Dan Hack mentions is also not a bad idea... I have a friend in Mount Vernon who has that type of glass which was broken but because it doesn't shatter, the home was not burglarized.

Make sure any suspicious people pass the sniff test. If you are suspicious, just call the police. They tell us they don't know how many times people see something they felt they should call the cops about and didn't because they tried not to think anything of it...

Suspicious is as suspicious does: Race or age is not necessarily suspicious. Actions are, though... We've got winding streets here and when people get lost traipsing through they repeat and see who's looking. Feel free to look'em over say hi and get a description.

Let someone else know... You are part of the security force if you keep your cell phone on you dog-walkers and power-walkers alike...

For security purposes, don't inform people you don't know what's in your home. Why? Have you seen the Ocean's series 11, 12 and 13 there is always an "inside man" who gets intel on people. His job is to be nice and unassuming and get information on what you got. Then people know what to get. Just don't do it. As a matter of fact, only accept contractors that YOU call out to your home all the way from the leaf rakers to the security guy.

Sign up for the Safety Section of the messageboard. Get connected with the safety communications center that allows detailed information about burglaries, COP tour dates, etc. to people who are specifically interested in the subject. Email safety@originalnorthwood.org for details on seeing the secure level.

ONA will be securing an engraver to allow residents to mark their valuables. These recommendations are the first thing that police and insurance companies need to find items. Any pawn shop that's taking items that are engraved will be in violation. I'd also like for us to get the engraver soon offering engraving to ONA members free and charging non-members $40.

I'd like to get each person to know the phone number/email address of the person living next to them two or three doors each way. If they are going to be out of town, let someone know and they can "look out" for you in addition to alarms, etc. Encourage the use of house sitters, etc.

Develop your safety plan. Along with an fire escape plan, develop a plan to deal with security threats and issues. The secret service always has an escape route. There's no reason that you as neighbors and we, as a board, shouldn't take the same concerns with respect to individual safety.

Two words: window locks

Sign up for "alerts@originalnorthwood.org" for people to sign up to for alerts to email warnings for people's information needs...

Encourage safety audits of your home... lighting, bushes, etc. so that you can be aware of and address safety issues.

Obtain your neighbors' phone number (at least two on each side of you.) Often all we need is someone to look out to make us feel safe when coming home late.

Get a Crime Watch number. Send an email to safety@originalnorthwood.org and we'll email you the form.

Being followed? A little worried about your surroundings? Walk up to the closest house and act like you either own it or your friends live there.