Sangamon County Crime Watch: Your Guide to Staying Safe

Welcome to Sangamon County, Illinois, where we take crime prevention seriously. Our comprehensive crime watch program empowers residents with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

Understanding Crime in Sangamon County

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Sangamon County's crime rate has remained relatively stable in recent years. However, certain types of crimes have experienced fluctuations:

• Burglary: The burglary rate has decreased by 10% since 2019.
• Robbery: Robberies have seen a slight uptick, with a 5% increase from the previous year.
• Violent crime: Assaults and aggravated assaults have decreased by 7%.

Neighborhood Watch: A Community Approach

Neighborhood watch programs are an effective way to deter crime and foster a sense of community. These programs encourage neighbors to work together to keep an eye on their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Tips for Crime Prevention

Lock it up: Always lock your doors and windows, even when you're home. You'd be surprised at how many burglaries occur because someone left an entry point unlocked.

Light it up: Keep your property well-lit at night. This makes it harder for burglars to operate in the shadows. Consider motion-activated lights or floodlights.

Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to people and vehicles in your neighborhood. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Secure your valuables: Keep expensive items out of sight. Consider using a safe or hiding valuables in unexpected places.

Install security systems: Security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors can provide an extra layer of protection for your home.

Get involved in crime prevention: Attend community meetings, join a neighborhood watch program, and stay informed about crime trends in your area.

Table 1: Crime Statistics in Sangamon County, 2021-2022

Table 2: Recommendations for Crime Prevention

Table 3: Crime Prevention Resources in Sangamon County

Remember, crime prevention is a community effort. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in Sangamon County.