As spring swings into full bloom, homeowners are turning to more than just gardening gloves and hedge clippers to tidy up their yards. Based on principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), authorities are encouraging folks to wield their spring cleaning tools as weapons against crime. The City of Blaine Police Department has touted this strategy, posting on their official Facebook page, how simple household maintenance can improve home security. From trimming the bushes to improve visibility to securing tools that could aid an intruder, residents are in a position to put a dent in local crime rates. 

Clear sightlines by trimming vegetation and investing in outdoor lighting to eliminate dark corners are a starting point. Upgrading locks on windows and doors is another no-brainer. The department’s recommendations, such as decluttering outdoor spaces and being choosy with plant selection, are so basic that they're often overlooked. 

Blaine's police are doubling down on the safety-first approach, with their Community Outreach Team, which is CPTED Certified, ready to survey homes and businesses. By conducting premise surveys, the team is aiming to offer cost-effective security tips, like changing vegetation, improving lighting, and promoting natural surveillance. Folks in the Blaine area interested in beefing up their security can hit up the department at [email protected] for more details.