Crime Tips


Tips for Citizens

The Salt Lake City Police Department works to protect the citizens and businesses of our community from crime, but nothing promotes a crime-free environment as well as an active and aware public.

On these pages, we offer tips that may help you prevent crime, and, in doing so, you will help your police department to do a better job, as well.

**THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE ACT YOU CAN PERFORM IS THAT OF CALLING THE POLICE TO REPORT CRIMES OR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES**.

When law enforcement is unaware of problems, they cannot help resolve them. Although most of these tips are for homeowners and other private citizens, businesses can be a significant part of the anti-crime effort too. Many of these suggestions can be adapted to the business world with only slight modification (Call Crime Prevention for more information). Your customers and employees will benefit from a crime free environment.

Protect Your Home and Neighborhood

  • Install good Deadbolt Locks and use them.
  • Use timers to turn lights on and off in a normal schedule when away from home.
  • Adequately secure all windows with secondary locking devices.
  • Lock garage doors and windows.
  • Leave exterior lights on all night.
  • Do not advertise that you are away from home.
  • Be neighborly, but be suspicious of strangers in the area.
  • Record serial numbers and maintain a record of your property in a safe place, other than your home.
  • Mark your property with your Permanent Utah Driver License.
  • Organize into a Neighborhood Watch Program. Call 799-3440 for information.
  • Call the police to report all crimes and suspicious activity.

Protect Yourself

  • Stay alert; be aware of your surroundings.
  • Show you are calm, confident and know where you are going.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, leave.
  • Carry your purse firmly and close to your body.
  • Keep your wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket.
  • Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach the door.
  • Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return. Be sure to lock your car doors.
  • If you jog, do not jog alone in isolated areas.
  • Do not hitchhike. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
  • Do not accept rides from strangers.
  • Women living alone should list only their last name and first initial in the phone book and on mail boxes. Ask the phone company to not list your address in the book.
  • If you are concerned about crime and must go out, find a friend to walk, jog or shop with.

If you are attacked or robbed:

  • Remain calm.
  • Try not to panic or show any signs of anger or confusion.
  • If the attacker is after your property, don't resist.
  • Don't escalate this crime into a violent encounter.
  • Make a conscious effort to get an accurate description of your attacker: age, race, complexion, body build, height, weight, type and color of clothing.
  • Call the police immediately, identifying yourself and giving your location.

If your home is broken into:

  • If a door or window has been forced or broken while you are absent.. Do not enter or call out! Someone may still be inside.
  • Use a neighbor's phone immediately to call the police, and wait there until they arrive.

When You Call the Police Try to remain calm. Use 911 for medical emergencies, fires and crimes in progress. Someone should respond within a few minutes on a call of this type. In many situations, an officer may be dispatched while you are still providing information to the Complaint Taker.

(801) 799-3000 is Salt Lake City Police Dispatch. Use this number to report burglaries, thefts, vandalism, prowlers, suspicious or disruptive activities. You will be asked several questions.

  • Be ready to provide the following information: Your Address, Name and Phone Number.
  • What Happened? Describe the event in as brief manner as possible.
  • When Did it Happen? Tell if the crime is in progress or when it occurred.
  • Who Did It? Name or describe the suspect or vehicle, if there is one.
  • Where Did They Go? Which way and how did they leave?

Wait for the officer to arrive or to call you back. The time it takes for an officer to arrive will depend on many factors. The officer may ask you questions similar to those asked earlier. Please be patient so the officer can help you.

In many situations it is unnecessary for an officer to come to you. Nearly 15% of all police cases are handled over the telephone. Keep track of the case number given you by the officer. It will be needed by your insurance company if you file a claim. All future police activity related to that event will be linked to that number. If there is enough information, the case will be passed on to a follow-up detective. It will be a few days before you are contacted.

If you have new information you would like to give to the detective, be sure to use the case number given you by the first officer.

If you need to contact an officer with information on a follow-up investigation, call the following numbers:

  • Homicide, Assault or Checks 799-3720
  • Robbery or Burglary 799-3720
  • Larceny/Theft 799-3450 Auto Theft 799-3720
  • Youth or Sex Crimes 799-3420
  • Other Cases or Problems 799-3000

**Get involved in Neighborhood Crime Prevention. Take time to learn how to avoid being a victim, and learn your rights as a victim of crime.**

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF CRIME PREVENTION INFORMATION AND SERVICES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL CRIME PREVENTION AT 799-3440 AND GET INVOLVED.

Additional Crime Tips:

Bicycle Safety
Being Home Alone
Creating Safer Schools
Residential Security
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