Crime

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Shaw is still a transitional neighborhood where there are 'hot spots' and other problems that are a part of urban living. Please use general common sense and be watchful. You can take proactive stance against common crime.

Don't leave anything in your car. This includes your cell; plastic bags, even if they are empty; odd electronics; CDs; prescription medications, or anything else that may attract a would-be-thief.

Secure your property! Lock your doors when you leave for work and a night before you go to bed. At night close your blinds. Thieves and anyone else walking by can see your TV and other valuables, don't give burglars the upper hand by showing them what you have worth stealing. Don't leave valuable items outdoors unsecured. Weedwackers, kids bicycles, patio chairs have been known to disappear from yards. Get a monitored home security system, such as Brinks or ADT, if you can afford it. But the best security system is getting to know your neighbors, they may be willing to watch after your property during times of absence.

Be aware of your surroundings. Regardless of if you're a single woman or a married guy walking down the street at night, walk as if you know where you're going and walk with your head up. Try to stay along well lit paths, avoid dark alleys, and other trouble spots.

Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. Not somuch a crime issue, but related to being aware of your surroundings. When people you don't know say hello to you, say hello back. They could be just being friendly, as people can be in Shaw, or they could be testing your timidity. Don't get into the habit of being intimidated.

When taking vacation make the house look occupied. Piles of newspapers, overflowing mail, those are signs of an unoccupied house ripe for breaking into. If you're going to be away, tell at least one your neighbors and ask them to pick up the mail. If you are not comfortable with this option, hire a housesitter, or get the post office to stop your mail and inform the newspaper circulation department not to deliver the paper. Have a friend or neighbor periodically check to make sure a stray paper or other signs (UPS notice, foot tall grass, etc) of the house being empty aren't around.