Protect Your Property

We live in a safe community! However, some people are determined to profit through taking from others rather than through legitimate means. There are several steps that you can take to protect your property.

* Lock your doors and ground level windows when you are not home. Many burglars are looking for an easy target, and nothing is more inviting to them than an open window or unlocked door. It is also a good idea to keep doors and ground level windows locked when you are home.

* Lock your vehicle and do not store valuable items in your vehicle. If you have to store something valuable in your vehicle make sure it is tucked away out of sight. Backpacks and bags are viewed as holders of valuables by a would-be thief, so do not use them as a means of concealing valuable items left in vehicles.

* Check that your exterior lighting is working at your home/business, especially near your entrances. Also, cut back large shrubbery or bushes near the entrances. A well-lit and visible entrance is not a desirable target for a criminal.

* Do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to the Summit Police Department. You are familiar with what is normal around your home and neighborhood. If something seems out of place, it very well may be.

Going on Vacation?

* Notify a trusted neighbor when you are going out of town so he or she can keep an eye on your home.

* You can complete a vacation check request at the Summit Police Department. This can be done in person or by phone. Officers will do periodic checks around your residence. Be sure to include what vehicles will be left at the residence, if lights will be on, and if anyone will be stopping by to care for animals, do service work, etc. Surprises are fun at birthday parties, but not so much fun when we mistake your contractor or loved one for a burglar.

Prescription Medication

We are experiencing an epidemic with the abuse and unlawful use of prescription medication, particularly with prescription pain killers. Children are accessing medications that are in the home or in the home of a friend or family. Follow these steps to care for prescription medication:

* Keep your prescription medication in a location that cannot be accessed by children, especially small children.

* If you think that your prescribed medication is being taken by someone else, keep it in a secure location and monitor how much is left.

* Dispose of unused medication. If you have not used your entire prescription you can dispose of the unused or expired medication by taking it to the Summit Police Department. There is a drop box in the lobby where medication can be deposited without questions. The drop box is accessible Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. The medication is then safely disposed of so it does not fall into the hands of young people or contaminate the water supply.

Find more information on how to prevent prescription pain medication abuse at http://doseofrealitywi.gov/