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.
