by Lane Roberts

Castle Pines North (CPN) continues to have a low crime rate which can often lead to complacency, especially during the summer months.

Last summer, there was a brief rash of vehicle break-ins throughout CPN, and several residents lost wallets, purses, computers, and other valuable items. To help keep the community safe, please follow these simple crime-prevention tips:

• Always lock vehicles.
  
• Do not leave keys in vehicles.
  
• Remove ALL valuables from vehicles including cell phones, briefcases, laptop computers, purses or wallets, golf clubs, cameras, and all types of bags.
  
• Whenever possible, park vehicles inside the garage.
  
• Do not leave garage door openers in a vehicle parked outside. Items can be stolen from the garage.
  
• Keep the garage door closed at all times.
  
• Watch out for neighbors. Call a friend who has left a garage door open.
  
• If a break-in is suspected on the property, call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office immediately.

For information and non-emergencies, contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7500 or 303-660-7505. For emergency situations always dial 911. To volunteer to be on CPN’s Safety Committee, contact Janet Conner at 303-482-3078 or e-mail safety@cpnhoa.org.