The Clayton Police Department encourages residents to take simple steps to make their homes and neighborhoods safer. Crime prevention works best when neighbors stay alert, report concerns, and look out for one another.

Secure Your Home

Your doors and windows are your first line of defense.

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even when you are home.
• Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors.
• Consider installing alarm sensors on windows and doors.
• Use peepholes, video doorbells, or security cameras to see who is outside before opening the door.
• Place a rod or dowel in sliding door tracks for extra protection.
• Check window locks regularly and security film for ground-floor windows.
• Never hide spare keys under mats, flowerpots, or other obvious places.
• Do not leave notes on your door saying you are away.
• Ask delivery workers or service providers for identification before letting them inside.
• Never let strangers into your home.

Make Your Home Look Occupied

A home that appears occupied is less likely to be targeted.

• Keep your home well-lit inside and outside at night.
• Close blinds and curtains after dark to protect your privacy.
• Use timers to turn lights, televisions, or radios on and off while you are away.
• Hold your mail and packages or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them.
• Avoid leaving packages unattended outside your home.
• Contact the Clayton Police Department to schedule vacation checks of your property while you're out of town.

Protect Your Valuables

Keeping valuables secure can reduce the risk of theft.

• Store jewelry, important documents, and valuables in a fireproof safe.
• Keep expensive items out of sight from windows and entryways.
• Lock your vehicle and remove or hide valuables before leaving it.
• Never leave your car unattended while the engine is running.

Stay Aware in Shared Communities

Apartment and condominium safety depends on everyone working together.

• Do not allow strangers to follow you into secured buildings or garages.
• Never prop open exterior or fire doors.
• Report broken locks, lights, gates, or cameras right away.
• Stay alert in parking garages, elevators, laundry rooms, and storage areas.
• Avoid entering isolated areas alone late at night.
• Report suspicious behavior to building management or the police department.
• Replace lost keys, key fobs, or garage remotes immediately.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

A connected community is a safer community.

• Introduce yourself to neighbors and learn who belongs in the area.
• Watch out for one another and report suspicious activity.
• Attend neighborhood, tenant, or condo association meetings when possible.

Fire and Emergency Safety

Being prepared can save lives during an emergency.

• Learn your building’s evacuation routes and emergency plans.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month.
• Replace alarm batteries every six months.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it.
• Never use an elevator during a fire.
• Close doors behind you during an evacuation.

Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong, take it seriously.

• Call 911 in an emergency.
• Contact police or building security if you feel unsafe.
• Be ready to provide clear details about suspicious activity, including who, what, where, and when.
• If you arrive home to find an open door or signs of a burglary, do not enter. Call 911 immediately.

Working together helps reduce opportunities for crime and keeps Clayton a safe community for everyone.