Crime Prevention and Community Outreach

CRIME PREVENTION

Crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming more prevalent in small communities. Thinking that it can only happen to someone else and doing nothing to prepare yourself or taking precautionary measures makes you the perfect victim criminals are looking for. Making yourself less of a target is simpler than you might think.

The San Marcos Police Department's goal is to educate the community on crime prevention techniques and get citizens involved in crime prevention activities. By doing this, we can reduce the number of crimes in San Marcos and increase the quality of life for its citizens. Feel free to contact the department at (512) 753-2108 and ask to speak to the Community Services Division in reference to Crime Prevention tips and training.

Report a Crime

In case of emergency, call 911 to report crime.

Home Safety Tips

Here are some tips to keep your home safe during the holidays, a vacation or whenever you are not at home.

  • Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open.
  • Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
  • Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
  • Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
  • Create the illusion that you are home. by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.
  • Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.
  • Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.
  • Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.
  • Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.
  • Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

  • Community Outreach is a goal of not only the Uniform Patrol Division, but the Community Services Officers as well.
  • The Division hosts multiple events throughout the year to foster the interaction of the Police and the Community, from the highly successful Coffee with a Cop events, to the unique Burgers with a Cop where officers meet up in local community parks and engage with the neighborhood, while cooking up hamburgers and sharing a meal with the citizens.
  • San Marcos Police hosts a Citizen's Police Academy, a ten (10) week program that meets once a week on Thursday nights and on some weekends for special training (driving, firearms range etc.)
  • Various classes are taught throughout the year, including CRASE or Civilian Response to Active Shooter addressing techniques on reacting to workplace violence.
  • Blue Santa program is a year around collection for Holiday Gifts for children that culminates with distribution and delivery of the gifts by officers and volunteer's during Christmas time. San Marcos' Blue Santa provides gifts to more families per capita then departments of a similar size in the Central Texas Area. The success of the this program is a testament to the hard work and generosity of our citizens.
  • In addition, the department works with SMCISD daily through the School Resource Officer Program and is involved in Cub/Boy scout troops and Youth Centered Organizations.
  • Planning a neighborhood event and would like to have an Officer stop by? Give us a call (512) 753-2108.