Keyport Police Department - Community Safety Tips

The Keyport Police Department provides essential safety tips to help safeguard you, your loved ones, and your property. By staying vigilant and following basic safety practices, you can greatly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime or injury.

Personal Safety

ATM Safety Tips

Stay aware of your surroundings: Be especially alert during evening or early morning hours. If something seems off (e.g., broken lights or suspicious people nearby), choose a different ATM, preferably one inside a well-lit, busy store.
Avoid using ATMs alone at night: If possible, bring someone with you for added safety.
Park close to the ATM: Choose a well-lit area and park as close as possible.
At drive-through ATMs: Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up.
Put away cash immediately: After withdrawing money, count it in a private, secure location.
Secure your ATM card and receipt: Never leave your receipt behind, and always store your card securely.
Protect your PIN:
- Never write it down or share it with anyone you don’t fully trust.
- Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
Vary your routine: Avoid using the same ATM at the same time every week to reduce predictability and avoid potential targeting by thieves.

Vehicle Security
General Vehicle Security Tips

Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas: Always choose locations that are visible and close to your destination.
Avoid parking near large objects: Stay clear of areas with vans, dumpsters, or trucks that block visibility.
Use secured parking: Opt for secure parking lots or garages that do not require you to leave your keys.
Lock your car, even for a quick stop: Always turn off your engine, roll up the windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you, even if you’ll be gone for just a minute.
Never leave valuables visible: Store phones, bags, and electronics out of sight, or take them with you.
Lock the trunk and hood: Ensure all compartments are secured before leaving your vehicle.
Never leave spare keys in your vehicle: Keep them in your wallet or on your person.

Anti-Theft Devices & Prevention

Install GPS tracking: A GPS tracker can help recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.
Use steering wheel or brake pedal locks: These visible deterrents make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car.
Consider a car alarm system: Choose an alarm with motion sensors, tilting sensors, or unauthorized access triggers. Always arm it when leaving your vehicle.
Etch your VIN on windows: Having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched on all windows can help law enforcement identify and recover your car if it’s stolen.

To Prevent Theft of the Vehicle Itself

Turn your wheels toward the curb: This makes towing more difficult if your car is left on the street.
Use visible anti-theft devices: Steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and other visible devices can deter thieves.
Install fuel or power cut-off switches: These add an extra layer of security by preventing the vehicle from starting.
Choose a vehicle with a locking ignition: A vehicle with a locking steering column or ignition is harder to steal.

To Prevent Theft of Property From a Vehicle

Store valuables out of sight: Never leave electronics, purses, or bags in plain view. If you can’t take it with you, store it in the trunk.
Lock your vehicle: Even if you’re only stepping away for a few moments, always lock your doors and windows.
Use locking devices for valuables: Secure expensive items like batteries, wheels, and audio equipment with locking mechanisms.

Injury Prevention

Car Seat & Seat Belt Safety

Always wear your seat belt: Ensure all children are properly restrained according to their age, weight, and height.
Unrestrained driving is dangerous: Riding unrestrained is one of the leading risk factors for serious injury or death in motor vehicle crashes.
Children’s safety: Approximately 70% of children under 13 who died in motor vehicle crashes were not properly restrained. Be sure to use the correct car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.

Preventing Hot Car Deaths

Never leave a child unattended: Even for a minute, never leave a child or pet in a vehicle.
Check the back seat: Always look in the back seat before locking your car and walking away.
Use reminders: Place a personal item like your phone or bag in the back seat as a reminder.
Teach children car safety: Educate kids not to play in or around parked vehicles.
If you see a child alone in a car, call 911 immediately.

Motor Vehicle Safety

Drive defensively: Practice safe driving by staying alert and following all traffic laws.
Teen drivers: Parents should ensure their teen drivers complete a Defensive Driving Course and understand road safety guidelines.
Road safety: Always be aware of road hazards, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Bicycle Safety

Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted, CPSC-certified helmet.
Use reflective gear and bike lights: At dawn, dusk, or night, wear bright clothing and use bike lights to improve visibility.
Stay alert: Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards.
Follow traffic rules: Ride predictably, obey traffic signals, and avoid sudden movements.

Fire Safety & Prevention

Fire Escape Plan

Know the plan: Create and practice a fire escape plan with at least two routes from every room.
Ensure windows and doors open easily: Regularly check windows and doors to make sure they can be opened during an emergency.
Meeting point: Choose a safe meeting place outside your home for everyone to gather.
Practice regularly: Review the fire escape plan at least twice a year with all family members.

Fire Prevention Tips

Replace smoke detectors: Test alarms monthly, and replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Install carbon monoxide detectors as well.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Store fire-starting tools safely away from children.
Store flammable liquids outside: Never store gasoline or other volatile liquids in your home.
Smoking safety: Never smoke in bed, and always use large, sturdy ashtrays. Dispose of cigarette butts safely outside.
Never leave children unsupervised around open flames: This includes candles and fireplaces.

Secondhand Smoke

Protect children from secondhand smoke: Keyport has passed legislation prohibiting smoking in vehicles when children under 17 are present.

Water-Related Injury Prevention

Supervise children around water: Drownings remain a leading cause of death in children. Always supervise children near water.
Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can help in emergency situations.
Secure pools and spas: Install barriers or gates around pools and spas to prevent unsupervised access.

Fireworks Injury Prevention

Follow local laws: Always use fireworks in accordance with local ordinances.
Professional displays: Consider attending professional fireworks displays rather than using them yourself.
Safety tips: Never relight a "dud" firework, keep a bucket of water nearby, and follow all manufacturer instructions.

Violence Prevention

Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Resources

Awareness and prevention: Violence within homes and communities can be prevented with awareness, education, and resources. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are resources available to help.
Contact the NJ Department of Children and Families for information on support services, shelters, and hotlines.

Helpful Links

If you have any questions, need assistance, or wish to report a safety concern, please don’t hesitate to contact the Keyport Police Department. We’re here to help keep our community safe.

Keyport Police Department
70 West Front Street
Keyport, NJ 07735

Phone: 732-264-0706
Fax: 732-739-0610

For emergencies, always dial 911.

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