Thwart break-ins during the holidays and all year long

Tips from the St. Charles Police Department

Make sure your home or car is not on a criminal's shopping list. Prevent break-ins during the holidays and all year long with these tips:

1. Keep the doors and windows of both your home and car locked at all times. Engage additional security measures such as a deadbolt for your home or an alarm for your car if you have them.

2. Light the exterior of your home around doors, windows and driveway.

3. Trim hedges, bushes and trees around doors and windows, making it harder for criminals to break in undetected.

4. Place packages and purses out of sight in your home or car. Schedule package deliveries for when you are home or have a neighbor accept them for you.

5. If you will be out of town, put one or two lights on timers and stop mail and newspaper deliveries.

"It's always a good idea to let your neighbors know when you will be gone or are expecting a package," said St. Charles Police Chief Jim Keegan. "We rely on residents to be additional 'eyes and ears' for us. If you see something out of the ordinary, call 911 immediately. Our officers also can perform a check on your home if you will be away for an extended period."

For more information, contact the Police Department at (630) 377-4435 or police@stcharlesil.gov.

About the City of St. Charles

Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the "150 Great Places in Illinois," by the AIA Illinois; and one of the "Top 10 Towns To Live In" by West Suburban Living magazine. Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.