Living in High Crime Areas: Safety Tips and Best Practices

While the ideal scenario is to reside in a safe and secure neighborhood, unfortunately, not all communities are free from crime. Living in high-crime areas can create anxiety and stress, but taking proactive steps to bolster your home security and adopting smart safety practices can significantly reduce your risk and enhance your peace of mind.

The Reality of High-Crime Areas: A Look at the Statistics

The unfortunate reality is that certain crimes are more prevalent in high-crime areas across the U.S. Understanding these statistics can help residents be more aware and take necessary precautions.

Violent Crimes: According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, aggravated assaults are among the most common violent crimes reported in high-crime areas, followed by robberies and homicides.

Property Crimes: Property crimes, such as theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, also tend to be more frequent in these areas. The presence of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality can contribute to higher rates of property crime.

Home Security Tips

Secure your home: Make sure all doors and windows have sturdy locks and are kept locked, even when you're at home. Consider reinforcing doors with deadbolts and installing window bars or security film on vulnerable windows.

Invest in a home security system: A comprehensive home security system with features like alarms, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras can deter criminals and alert you to potential threats. The Kangaroo Home Security system is an affordable and easy-to-install option that can provide comprehensive protection for your home.

Outdoor lighting: Keep your property well-lit at night, especially around entrances and walkways. Motion-sensor lights can be particularly effective in deterring intruders.

Secure valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight and consider using a safe for important documents and jewelry.

Be cautious about sharing personal information: Avoid sharing details about your schedule or valuables on social media or with strangers.

Get to know your neighbors: Build relationships with your neighbors and establish a neighborhood watch program to look out for each other.

Home Safety Checklist

In addition to home security, it's important to create a safe living environment inside your home to prevent accidents and injuries. Here's a quick safety checklist:

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly.
Prevent falls: Secure loose rugs and carpets, install handrails on stairs, and use non-slip mats in the bathroom.
Kitchen safety: Keep sharp objects and cleaning supplies out of reach of children, never leave the stove unattended, and use caution when handling hot items.
Bathroom safety: Install grab bars in the shower and tub, and keep medications and other potentially harmful substances out of reach.
Fire safety: Have a fire extinguisher readily available and create a fire escape plan with your family.
Childproofing: If you have young children, take steps to childproof your home, such as covering electrical outlets and securing cabinets and drawers.
Medication safety: Keep medications in their original containers and out of reach of children. Never leave medications unattended.
Space heater safety: Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Garage safety: Store chemicals and tools properly, and ensure adequate ventilation when using gas-powered equipment.
Poison prevention: Keep all poisonous substances, including cleaning products and medications, out of reach of children and pets. Have the number for Poison Control readily available.

Additional Safety Tips for Specific Groups

Older adults: Be mindful of fall risks and take steps to make your home more accessible, such as installing grab bars and improving lighting.
People living alone: Consider getting a pet or installing a medical alert system for added security and peace of mind.

Enhance Your Security with Kangaroo

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Kangaroo offers a range of affordable and easy-to-install home security devices that can further enhance your safety and peace of mind in a high-crime area.

Kangaroo Motion Sensor: Receive instant alerts on your phone when unexpected motion is detected in your home.
Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Camera: Monitor your property 24/7 with this versatile camera, equipped with features like motion detection, sound detection, two-way talk, and night vision.
Kangaroo Video Doorbell: See, hear, and speak to visitors at your door from anywhere, deterring potential intruders and providing a sense of security.
Kangaroo Photo Doorbell: Capture images of visitors at your door, even if you miss the notification. This helps you keep track of who's been by, even when you're not available to answer.
Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor: Protect your home from water damage and other environmental threats with this smart sensor. Receive alerts for leaks, humidity changes, and temperature fluctuations, allowing you to take action before minor issues turn into major problems.
Kangaroo Siren + Keypad: This device acts as the central hub of your Kangaroo security system, sounding a loud siren to deter intruders and allowing you to arm/disarm the system with a simple keypad.

Kangaroo Device	What For	Best to place at
Motion Sensor	Detects unexpected motion and sends alerts	Entryways, hallways, or any area where you want to be notified of activity
Indoor + Outdoor Camera	Monitors your property 24/7 with motion detection, two-way talk, and night vision	Front door, porch, backyard, or any indoor/outdoor area you want to keep an eye on
Video Doorbell	See, hear, and speak to visitors at your door from anywhere	Front door
Photo Doorbell	Captures images of visitors at your door	Front door
Water + Climate Sensor	Monitors for water leaks, humidity changes, and temperature fluctuations	Basement, near appliances, or any area prone to water damage

Hear from Satisfied Kangaroo Users

"I live in an apartment complex and there's no security at all... with this camera (Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Camera) will help me see my packages being delivered... Also for security since there isn't any and literally anybody could walk in and out." - Lydiatrujillo, Amazon Verified Purchase
"I am so happy with this camera and doorbell (Kangaroo Doorbell Camera). The doorbell is just perfect as I can't hear if someone knocks on my door and the camera is exactly what I needed. Have video now of my neighbor stealing my Merry Christmas sign off my door this week (ugh!)." - J Boyd, Amazon Verified Purchase
"it was easy to install and gives me peace of mind, picture quality is good and it captures movement as well as my daughter coming in from her bus stop. inexpensive yet great quality, definitely worth it!!" - Monie Spurlock, Amazon Verified Purchase
"We love our new Kangaroo motion sensor. The design is a real stand-out -- so clean and simple with an adorable logo... Especially given my experience with catching a robber in the act during a past break-in, having my Kangaroo sensor helps me feel much more secure." - Todd S., Amazon Verified Purchase

Kangaroo Protect Plans: Add an Extra Layer of Protection

Cam Protect: Safeguard your Kangaroo devices with theft and damage coverage, plus unlock premium features like Person Detection and Full Event Capture.
Complete Protect: Enjoy comprehensive whole-home coverage, including 24/7 professional monitoring, up to $1,000 reimbursement for theft or damage due to fire, water, or smoke, and potential homeowners insurance discounts.

Coverage Type	Cam Protect	Complete Protect	Possible Reimbursement Scenarios
Package Theft (with Kangaroo Doorbell)	✓ (Includes 365-day cloud storage)	✓	Porch pirate steals a package captured on your Kangaroo Doorbell Camera
Package Theft (without Kangaroo Doorbell)	Requires evidence from another source or Police Report	Requires evidence from another source or Police Report	Theft captured on another security camera or witnessed by a neighbor
Theft + Damage (due to break-in)	✓ (In area monitored by Kangaroo device, police report required)	✓ (In area monitored by Kangaroo device, police report required)	Burglary resulting in stolen or damaged items, vandalism captured on camera, theft/damages originating from inside the home (domestic violence, etc)
Water Damage (from internal leak)	-	✓ (In area monitored by Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor)	A leaky pipe, overflowing appliance like washing machine, or other internal water leak detected by the sensor i.e. bathroom, faucet, or run-off drain overflow.
Smoke & Fire Damage	-	✓ (Within and originating from area with Kangaroo Siren + Keypad)	Fire or smoke damage caused by an incident within the monitored area

Plans That Pay You Back

Conclusion

Living in a high-crime area can be challenging, but by prioritizing home security and following safety best practices, you can create a safe and secure living environment. Implementing these tips and staying informed about your surroundings will help you navigate the challenges and focus on enjoying your home and community. Consider bolstering your security with Kangaroo's easy-to-use and affordable home security solutions, and gain additional peace of mind with their Protect Plans.

FAQs

Staying Safe in High-Crime Areas

- Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings, especially when walking alone or at night. If something or someone seems suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. If you notice any unusual activity or potential threats, report them to the police immediately.
- Avoid walking alone at night: If possible, travel with a companion or use well-lit and populated routes. If you must walk alone, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. Consider carrying a personal alarm or pepper spray for added protection.
- Secure your home: Make sure all doors and windows have sturdy locks and are kept locked, even when you're at home. Consider reinforcing doors with deadbolts and installing window bars or security film on vulnerable windows. The Kangaroo Home Security system can provide an added layer of protection with its motion sensors, alarms, and cameras.
- Be cautious about sharing personal information: Avoid sharing details about your schedule or valuables on social media or with strangers.
- Reinforce doors and windows: Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and consider adding security film to windows to make them harder to break.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Don't leave valuables visible from windows or doors. Store them in a home safe if possible.
- Install outdoor lighting: Well-lit areas can deter criminals. Consider motion-sensor lights for added security around entrances, walkways, and potential hiding spots.
- Maintain your property: Trim bushes and shrubs to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders. A well-maintained property can also give the impression of occupancy and deter criminals.
- Consider additional security measures: Depending on the level of crime in your area, you may want to consider additional security measures, such as installing a security gate, reinforcing your garage door, or getting a guard dog.
- Travel in groups when possible: There's safety in numbers. Avoid walking or traveling alone, especially at night.
- Stay in well-lit and populated areas: Stick to main streets and avoid dark alleys or deserted areas.
- Be mindful of your belongings: Keep your purse or backpack close to your body and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a particular situation, leave immediately and seek help if necessary.
- Vary your routes and routines: Avoid being predictable, as criminals may target individuals with predictable patterns.
- Call 911 immediately: If you're in immediate danger or witness a crime in progress, call 911.
- Report the crime to the police: Even if the crime seems minor, it's important to report it to the police. This helps them track crime patterns and allocate resources effectively.
- Seek medical attention if needed: If you've been injured, seek medical attention right away.
- Reach out for support: If you're feeling traumatized or overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.
- Deterrence: The visible presence of Kangaroo security devices, such as cameras and motion sensors, can deter potential criminals.
- Real-time alerts: Receive instant notifications on your phone if any suspicious activity is detected, allowing you to take action or contact the police.
- Evidence collection: Kangaroo cameras can capture footage of any incidents, providing valuable evidence for police investigations and insurance claims.
- Remote monitoring: Keep an eye on your home even when you're away, providing peace of mind and the ability to respond to potential threats remotely.
- Financial protection: Kangaroo's Protect Plans offer reimbursement for theft and damage, helping you recover financially in case of a break-in or other covered incident.
- Secure loose rugs and carpets: Use non-slip pads or double-sided tape to prevent rugs and carpets from sliding or bunching up, creating trip hazards.
- Install handrails on stairs: Handrails provide stability and support, especially for older adults or those with mobility challenges. Ensure they are securely fastened and extend the full length of the stairs.
- Keep floors clean and clutter-free: Regularly clean up spills and remove any objects from walkways to prevent slips and falls. Pay extra attention to areas with high traffic, such as hallways and doorways.
- Improve lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in all areas of your home, especially stairways and hallways. Install nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms for nighttime navigation.
- Install smoke alarms on every level: Smoke alarms are crucial for early fire detection and can provide precious time to escape in an emergency. Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home and test them regularly.
- Keep doors and windows locked at all times: Even when you're home, it's important to keep all doors and windows locked to prevent unauthorized entry. Consider using deadbolts or additional locks for added security.
- Have a fire escape plan: Create a fire escape plan with your family and practice it regularly. Make sure everyone knows the