COATS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crime Prevention & Safety Center
Practical safety information, crime prevention resources, and police services to help protect you, your family, and your property.
QUICK SERVICES
How Can We Help?
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Property Security Check
Going out of town? Learn about free Property Security Checks for eligible residents.
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Traffic Concern
Report recurring speeding, stop-sign violations, reckless driving, or other traffic concerns.
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Fraud & Scams
Access resources for scams, fraud, identity theft, and internet crime.
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Contact Police
Need non-emergency police assistance, have a question, or need to report a concern?
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CRIME PREVENTION
Prevention Starts With Awareness
Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Staying alert, securing your property, recognizing suspicious activity, and knowing when to contact law enforcement can help reduce opportunities for crime and contribute to a safer community.
EVERYDAY SAFETY
Personal & Family Safety
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Stay Aware
- Avoid excessive phone use when in public.
- Stay alert in parking lots, stores, and walking areas.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave the area.
- Keep your phone charged and know your location.
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Travel Safely
- Walk in well-lit areas at night.
- Avoid walking alone whenever possible.
- Let someone you trust know where you are going.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
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Child & Internet Safety
- Know where your children are and who they are with.
- Monitor online activity and social media use.
- Teach children not to share personal information online.
- Identify trusted adults children can contact for help.
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PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Home & Vehicle Security
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Home Security
- Lock doors and windows, even when you are home.
- Use deadbolts and reinforce entry points.
- Use exterior lighting around entrances and dark areas.
- Consider security cameras or a doorbell camera.
- Position cameras to capture entry points.
- Periodically confirm cameras and alarms are working.
- Keep bushes and landscaping trimmed around windows and entrances.
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When You're Away
- Use timers on interior lights.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your property.
- Hold mail or arrange for someone to collect it.
- Track expected packages and retrieve deliveries promptly.
- Avoid publicly announcing extended travel plans.
- Consider requesting a Property Security Check before leaving.
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Vehicle Security
- Lock your vehicle every time you leave it.
- Take your keys and key fob with you.
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended.
- Remove wallets, electronics, firearms, and other valuables.
- Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
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GOING OUT OF TOWN?
Property Security Checks
The Coats Police Department provides free Property Security Checks for eligible residents who will be away from their homes for an extended period, up to 30 days.
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RECOGNIZE & REPORT
Crime, Fraud & Scam Prevention
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Report Suspicious Activity
When reporting suspicious activity, provide descriptions, vehicle information, license plates, locations, and direction of travel when available. Do not place yourself in danger to obtain information.
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Know Your Neighborhood
Know your neighbors and become familiar with normal activity around your home. Good lighting, clear visibility, and communication between neighbors can help discourage criminal activity.
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Protect Your Information
Be cautious with unexpected calls, emails, and text messages. Never provide personal or financial information to an unknown person or send money because of an unexpected demand.
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Common Scam Warning Signs
- Someone claims to be law enforcement or a government agency and demands immediate payment.
- You are pressured to act immediately or threatened with arrest or other consequences.
- You are instructed to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or another unusual payment method.
- An unexpected email or text asks you to click a link or provide account information.
- A caller asks for passwords, verification codes, banking information, or other sensitive information.
ROADWAY SAFETY
Walking & Bicycle Safety
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Pedestrian Safety
- Use sidewalks whenever available.
- Cross streets at designated crosswalks when available.
- Look in all directions before entering a roadway.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Wear visible or reflective clothing at night.
- Avoid distractions while crossing a roadway.
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Bicycle Safety
- Wear an appropriate bicycle helmet.
- Follow applicable traffic laws.
- Ride with traffic rather than against it.
- Use lights and reflectors in low-light conditions.
- Stay alert for vehicles entering or leaving driveways.
- Avoid distractions while riding.
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RESPONSIBLE STORAGE
Firearm Safety
- Store firearms securely using a locked safe or appropriate locking device.
- Prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.
- Keep firearms unloaded when not in use when appropriate.
- Store ammunition securely.
- Never leave firearms unattended inside vehicles.
- Teach family members appropriate firearm safety and never allow children unsupervised access to firearms.
BE PREPARED
Emergency Preparedness
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Build a Kit
Keep water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and other essential supplies available.
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Make a Plan
Create a family emergency plan and make sure everyone knows what to do and how to communicate.
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Know Where to Go
Know evacuation routes, safe meeting locations, and available shelter locations before an emergency occurs.
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CONTACTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
When Should I Call Police?
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EMERGENCY
CALL 911
Call 911 when an immediate police, fire, or medical response is needed.
- Crime in progress
- Immediate threat to life or safety
- Serious accident or injury
- Other emergency requiring immediate assistance
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NON-EMERGENCY
910-897-5183
Use the non-emergency number when an immediate emergency response is not required.
- Past incidents
- Minor property crimes
- Suspicious activity that is not currently an emergency
- General concerns
- Questions or requests for police assistance
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TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERNS
Help Us Address Recurring Traffic Problems
For recurring speeding, stop-sign violations, reckless driving, parking problems, or other traffic safety concerns, email the Chief of Police. Please include the location, approximate time, days of the week, vehicle information if available, and a description of the concern.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Working Together for a Safer Coats
Strong relationships between officers and the community are an important part of public safety. We encourage residents to report concerns, look out for their neighbors, participate in community events, and communicate with the Coats Police Department.
See Something Suspicious?
Contact law enforcement when something does not look right. For an emergency or crime in progress, call 911. For non-emergency police assistance, contact the Coats Police Department.
COATS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Professional Service • Community Commitment • Public Safety
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