The best way to stay safe is to learn how. The links below provide excellent information on how to protect yourself and your property. If you believe you are a victim of one of these types of crime, please contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department for assistance at 805-781-7312.

Cyber Crime Prevention
Identity Theft Prevention
Elder Fraud Prevention
Protecting Your Home & Property

Check out the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov for further information on scam alerts, reporting identity theft, phone scams, online security, and more.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood watch groups provide a proactive opportunity for residents to help deter and fight crime in their respective neighborhoods. Neighborhood watch groups are self-managed with support from SLOPD and require residents to commit to being the "eyes and ears" of an area, assisting with prevention by calling SLOPD when suspicious activity is occurring. If you and your neighbors are interested in setting up a neighborhood watch, contact Christine Wallace, Police Public Affairs Manager cwallace@slocity.org. 

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Some simple actions can be taken to improve safety at your home or business. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. CPTEDs include the design, maintenance, and use of built environment to reduce the fear of crime as well as the incidents of crime. The CPTED principles used to deter and reduce crime are:

Natural Surveillance - improving or maximizing visibility of entrances, streets, sidewalks which will limit the opportunity for crime while increasing opportunities for social interaction between residents or business owners

Territorial Reinforcement - defines property lines to distinguish private space from public space by using landscaping, gate areas, pavement designs, art and fencing 

Access Control - using streets, sidewalks, entrances to clearly show access routes while discouraging access to private areas

Maintenance and Management - a well maintained area is less likely to attract vandalism and unwanted activity 

Interested in a CPTED review of your home or business? Contact Christine Wallace at cwallace@slocity.org.