The holiday season is a time of celebration, generosity, and gathering with family and friends. As residents shop, decorate, and travel, it’s also a good time to take a few extra precautions to keep homes, vehicles, and packages secure. HCMUD 71 is a safe and welcoming community, but crime prevention is important everywhere. The District’s Board of Directors takes community safety seriously and partners with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to provide contracted patrol services throughout the year. These efforts help deter crime by increasing Officer presence and visibility.
When shopping in person, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Park in well-lit areas, lock your car, and keep valuables and purchases out of view. When loading or unloading gifts, take note of who’s around and avoid leaving bags visible inside your vehicle. When shopping online, packages delivered to your door are easy targets, especially during the holidays, so consider scheduling deliveries for times when someone is home, using secure drop-off locations, or asking a trusted neighbor to retrieve them. After unwrapping gifts and packages, break down boxes before placing them at the curb to avoid drawing attention to new purchases.
If you plan to travel out of town for the holidays, consider signing up for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vacation Watch Program. Also, steps should be taken to make your home appear occupied. This can be done with the use of timers for indoor lights or electronics. Avoid sharing travel plans on social media, as that information could unintentionally reach the wrong audience. Also pause newspaper deliveries and ask someone to collect mail and packages while you are away. These simple actions help prevent your home from appearing vacant and reduce the chance of becoming a target for theft.
Lock your car, remove valuables, and park in well-lit areas whenever possible. Avoid leaving garage door openers or spare keys inside your vehicle. These items can provide easy access to your home if a vehicle is broken into.
Residents are also encouraged to look out for one another. If you notice suspicious activity, report it to law enforcement. In emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency concerns, call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at (713) 221-6000.
Through its partnership with local law enforcement and ongoing patrol efforts, HCMUD 71 remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all residents.