Protecting Our Neighborhood: Simple Steps to Deter Break-Ins

 

Recent reports from neighbors confirm what many of us have suspected: we're experiencing a wave of residential break-ins, with thieves targeting items that can be quickly pawned for cash. While we can't eliminate all risk, we can make our homes less appealing targets and help watch out for one another.

See Something, Say Something

This isn't just a slogan—it's our first line of defense. If you notice unfamiliar vehicles cruising slowly through the neighborhood, people checking door handles, or anyone who seems to be casing homes, trust your instincts. Call the Springfield Police Department's non-emergency line at (417) 864-1810, or 911 if the situation seems urgent. Don't assume someone else will report it.

If You Experience a Break-In

First and foremost, contact the Springfield Police Department immediately to file a report. This creates an official record and helps police identify patterns across the area.

After you've dealt with the immediate situation and filed your police report, please also reach out to the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association. We track incidents in our area to help identify patterns and keep neighbors informed. You can contact us at:

• Email: SeminoleHolland@gmail.com
• Phone: (417) 942-1446
• Contact form: www.SeminoleHolland.org

Your report helps us understand what's happening in our neighborhood and allows us to alert other residents to be extra vigilant.

Lock It Up

Every unlocked door or window is an invitation. Make it a habit to secure all entry points, even when you're home. Don't forget:

• Garage doors and windows
• Sliding glass doors (add a security bar or dowel in the track)
• Windows on all floors
• Sheds and outbuildings where tools and equipment are stored

Light It Up

Darkness is a burglar's best friend. Motion-activated lighting around entry points, walkways, and dark corners of your property can startle would-be intruders and alert you to activity. Consider keeping front porch lights on overnight as well.

Secure Your Backyard

Adding locks to gates makes sense—yes, it's slightly less convenient for you, but that same inconvenience makes your property a less attractive target. Criminals prefer quick, easy access and fast escape routes. A locked gate forces them to reconsider.

Additional Protective Measures

Create the Appearance of Activity - Use timers on interior lights and radios when you're away. An occupied-looking home is far less appealing than one that's obviously empty.

Trim Your Landscaping - Overgrown shrubs and trees near windows and doors provide perfect hiding spots. Keep vegetation trimmed so there's clear visibility from the street.

Secure Valuables Out of Sight - Don't leave laptops, purses, jewelry, tools, or electronics visible through windows. Close your curtains or blinds, especially at night.

Get to Know Your Neighbors - The best security system is a connected community. Exchange phone numbers with neighbors on either side and across the street. We can watch each other's homes and report suspicious activity.

Install a Doorbell Camera - Even an inexpensive video doorbell can be a powerful deterrent and provide valuable evidence if something does happen.

Engrave or Mark Your Property - Use an engraving tool to mark serial numbers on electronics and valuable items. It makes them harder to pawn and easier to recover.

Don't Advertise Your Absence - Avoid posting vacation plans on social media, let the post office hold your mail, and ask a neighbor to move trash cans in and out on collection days.

Join the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association

Membership is open to all residents in our area. An annual donation of any amount grants you membership and helps support neighborhood initiatives that make our community stronger and safer.

Stay connected through our private Facebook group: Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association Group. It's a great way to share information quickly, get to know your neighbors, and stay informed about what's happening in our area.

We're Stronger Together

Break-ins can leave us feeling violated and vulnerable, but we have power in community vigilance. The more we look out for one another and make our properties less appealing targets, the more likely criminals will move on to easier opportunities elsewhere.

Together, we can keep our neighborhood safe.

Last Call: Fall 2025 Neighborhood Watch Training in Southeast Springfield

 Mark Your Calendars for October 28th

If you live in southeast Springfield and have been thinking about getting more involved in your community's safety, now's your chance. Officer Brandan Locke from the Springfield Police Department is issuing a final reminder about the fall 2025 Neighborhood Watch training happening this Tuesday.

Event Details

When: Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: South District Police Station
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in becoming part of their neighborhood watch program

Why Join Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch programs are the backbone of community policing in Springfield. These volunteer-based initiatives bring neighbors together to:

• Create safer, more connected communities
• Learn how to recognize and report suspicious activity
• Build relationships with local law enforcement
• Develop emergency preparedness skills
• Foster a sense of collective responsibility for neighborhood safety

The training session will equip participants with the knowledge and tools they need to be effective watch members while working collaboratively with the Springfield Police Department.

How to Register

This is a last call for registration, so don't delay. If you're interested in attending:

Email Officer Brandan Locke directly at: blocke@springfieldmo.gov

Space may be limited, so reach out as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Get Involved

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, Neighborhood Watch training offers an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors and take an active role in keeping southeast Springfield safe. The commitment you make on Tuesday evening could have lasting positive impacts on your community.

For questions about the training or the Neighborhood Watch program in general, contact Officer Locke at 417-864-1140 or via email.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference in your neighborhood. See you Tuesday!

Neighborhood Watch Workshop

Are you interested in Neighborhood Watch? 

The Springfield MO Police Department will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch Workshop on March 5, 2024, 6:00-8:30 pm at the Missouri Job Center (2900 E Sunshine St). 

Email Officer John Van Gorden at jvangorden@springfieldmo.gov to reserve your spot. Send your full name, address, and phone number. 

Neighborhood Crime Prevention

Living in a neighborhood with any crime can be stressful and unsettling. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to make our neighborhood a safer place to live. In this post, we will discuss some of the things you can do to address crime in our neighborhood.

• Get Involved: One of the best ways to combat crime in our neighborhood is to get involved in community activities. Attend neighborhood meetings and get to know your neighbors. Participation is needed to create a successful neighborhood watch program. A powerful sense of community can deter crime and make the neighborhood a safer place to live.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any suspicious activity in the neighborhood, report it to the police. It is important to remember you can report suspicious activity anonymously if you are concerned about retaliation.
• Improve Lighting: Good lighting can deter criminal activity. If there are areas of our neighborhood that are poorly lit, let the neighborhood association know so they can work with the city to improve street lighting. At your residence, make sure all outside lighting is functioning correctly and consider adding extra lighting.
• Install Security Cameras: Installing security cameras can help deter crime and capture evidence if a crime occurs. 
• Keep Your Property Secure: Make sure that your home and property are secure. Lock your doors and windows and keep valuable items out of sight. If you have a security system, make sure that it is in good working order and use it.
• Clean Up the Neighborhood: Keep the neighborhood clean and tidy. Report and/or remove graffiti, pick up trash, and maintain the landscaping. Store trash receptacles away from the curb. Avoid front yard parking. Take advantage of neighborhood cleanups to dispose of unwanted items. A clean and well-maintained neighborhood is less likely to attract criminal activity.

In conclusion, there are many things that you can do to combat crime in our neighborhood. Getting involved in community activities, reporting suspicious activity, improving lighting, installing security cameras, keeping your property secure, and cleaning up the neighborhood are all steps that you can take to make our neighborhood a safer place to live. Remember that making our neighborhood safer is a collective effort and requires everyone to do their part. By working together, you can help create a safer and more vibrant community.

National Night Out on August 1st at Meador Park

 

The Police Are Coming on April 13!

Hey neighbors! Exciting news! Our local Police Area Representative, Officer John Van Gorden is coming to our neighborhood to make a special presentation on community safety! Join us on April 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole St to learn more about the work our police do to keep our neighborhood safe and how we can work together to make our community even better. Bring your questions and concerns, and let's have an open and constructive discussion with our local law enforcement. Let's work together with our police to build a safer and stronger neighborhood for everyone. The meeting is open to the public.

Citizen Resource Center - Reporting Neighborhood Complaints

Even in the best neighborhoods, there can be challenges. If you experience issues such as illegal parking, tall grass, drug issues, speeding complaints, or other annoyance issues, please contact the Citizen Resource Center online at https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5566/Report-a-Concern or call 417-864-1010. The Citizen Resource Center also has Apple and Android apps.

Feb 1 General Membership Event Announced

Police Area Representative (PAR) Office John Van Gorden will be our guest speaker at a General Membership event on February 1, 2023. The event will begin at 6:30 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church, 925 E Seminole St. Come on out, meet some neighbors, and ask your questions about preventing crime in our neighborhood.

October is National Crime Prevention Month

 

P O R C H - P I R A T E S

Package thefts are occurring in our neighborhood. Recent thefts have been reported in the Sunshine and Dollison area. If you see something say something. Call 911.