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Some believe crime pays. Sadly those who steal from us, damage our property, rob our stores, or sell drugs to our friends, all believe it's worth violating a stranger for some material or emotional gain.  It causes us to be scared, tentative, violated and unsure of ourselves and our surroundings.  As I look back at some of the crimes solved this year because of Silent Observer tipsters, it appears some of these crimes could have been prevented. So I want to use this column to remind readers of a few basic crime prevention tips that might save you from someone with criminal intent.

1. Lock your doors and close your garage, especially at night and when you are away.  The man allegedly charged with setting nine fires in a southeast neighborhood in the middle of the night only went into open garages. If we remember to make it hard for strangers to gain entry into our home, they will go on their way to find an easier target.  Also perpetrators don't want to be seen or heard so using your outside lights at night is paramount.
2. If you have a remote for your vehicle with an alarm function, sleep with it nearby.  That way if you hear someone trying to break in, simply hit the alarm button, which will surely wake up your neighbors and scare the perpetrator away.
3. Lock your car and hide your valuables. Don't tempt someone by leaving your GPS on your dashboard or your phone, wallet and laptop on your seat.  Put them away either in your trunk or cover them with a blanket so they aren't in full view.  
4. Get to know your neighbors. That way, you will know when something looks suspicious in your neighborhood like people, cars and sounds that don't belong.  Our neighborhoods are much safer when people decide to pick up the phone and report suspicious situations to police. Take action by carefully observing, recording what you see and reporting it immediately, not tomorrow, but immediately to police.  Remember, the police would rather be called and not needed, than needed and not be called. 
5. In the spirit of the season, be neighborly. Shovel the snow off of a neighbor's driveway and walkway and offer to pick up the mail and newspaper for those on vacation. Help them make their home looked lived-in while away. 
6. There is a great tool that will keep Grand Rapids residents up-to-date as to crimes occurring in your neighborhood.  Simply go to www.crimemapping.com to sign up to receive daily email alerts on crimes that may affect your area.

 Here's to a happy and safe holiday season.  Blessings to you all!