In a recent community safety meeting, local law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of home security and awareness of scams, urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their property.

The discussion began with a focus on securing homes against break-ins. Officials highlighted the vulnerabilities of older deadbolts, recommending homeowners consider upgrading to more secure models. They stressed the importance of locking doors, garages, and vehicles, noting that many thefts occur from unlocked cars. \"Criminals are looking for easy targets,\" one officer remarked, referencing recent incidents in the Westridge neighborhood where unlocked vehicles were targeted.

Lighting was another key topic, with officers advising residents to use motion-detected lights and timers to create the illusion of occupancy when away from home. They also discussed landscaping strategies, recommending that shrubs be kept trimmed to enhance visibility and deter potential intruders.

The meeting transitioned to the issue of fraud, with officials sharing insights on common scams, including romance scams and phishing attempts. They encouraged residents to report suspicious calls and emails, emphasizing that legitimate organizations would never request personal information over the phone. \"If you receive a call that causes worry or panic, hang up,\" one officer advised.

Residents were also informed about vehicle safety, with tips on parking in well-lit areas and avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight. The importance of securing vehicles, especially during colder months when cars are often left running to warm up, was underscored.

As the meeting concluded, attendees were reminded of an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for October 17, where broader city issues will be discussed. Community engagement was encouraged, with officials expressing their commitment to working together to enhance safety and security in the area.