Community Safety
The safety of our community is the responsibility of all residents, business owners and the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Department. Placitas and Sundance Mesa have a very low crime rate because of the vigilance of our citizens and law enforcement. Our residents often hire outside help for home care, lawn care, and other property maintenance services. Most businesses have vehicles with clear identification, and many provide uniforms for their workers. Any suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the Sheriff’s department either by calling 911 for an emergency or the Sheriff’s Office at 505-867-7526
Most Burglary is a Crime of Opportunity, here are some Prevention Tips:
Prevent Home Burglary by:
Locking your windows and doors. Be sure your doors have a deadbolt. 65% of home burglary happens because of unlocked windows and doors. Activate your alarm system. If you don’t have one, consider having one installed and monitored.
If you are out of town let your immediate neighbors know. One of them should have your contact information. Stop your newspapers.
Do Not leave packages that arrive by any carrier unattended and visible from the street. If you are out of town have a neighbor collect the package or have it held for you for a later pick up. Thieves drive neighborhoods looking for any opportunity to conduct an easy robbery. Don’t make yourself, your home and your neighborhood a target.
It is a good idea for a trusted neighbor to have a key to your home. Water pipes can break, alarms can malfunction, and if there is a sign of trouble police can enter without breaking windows or doors.
Leave some lights on in your home or put lights on timers.
Do not leave a voice recording on your phone saying you are out of town. Do not post your travels on social media until your return. Nothing says we are not home like “Greetings from London on Facebook.”
Prevent Auto Burglary by:
Any article left in plain view inside a car is a risk. Most property is stolen because a vehicle has been left unattended or unlocked. Lock your car and activate its alarm. Never leave your car running and unoccupied.
The property most targeted is cash or loose change that is visible inside the vehicle. Thieves also like garage door openers, wallets, purses, cell phones, radar detectors, radios, and speakers.
Most auto burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the victim’s residence. Park your car in the garage. Take your valuables with you when you leave your car.
Prevent Mail Theft by:
Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your outgoing mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
Pick up your mail daily. Do not leave it in your mailbox overnight. Our cluster mail boxes are targets for thieves.
Do not send cash in the mail.
When leaving town put your mail on hold with the USPS. You can do this on line at the USPS Hold Mail Service Website.