Crime Prevention Unit
For Information call: (510) 667-7770

Neighborhood Watch: A crime prevention program which enlists the active participation of community members in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their neighborhood. Each neighborhood elects a "Block Captain" who coordinates information in their neighborhood and acts as a liaison with the police. The program encourages neighbors to get to know each other and to protect themselves from criminal activity.

Business Watch: A program designed to educate businesses, both large and small, on how to deter and detect business crimes. Businesses learn how to protect their employees against violent crimes, how to detect shoplifters and incidents of fraud, receive security tips, and are encouraged to report suspicious incidents or persons to the Sheriff s Office.

Operation Identification: The marking of personal property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and theft. This number also helps the police identify your property if it is lost or stolen. Individuals may borrow an engraver from the ALCO Crime Prevention unit. Call us at (510) 667-7770 to check on its availability.

Personal Safety: Information on how to be safer in public, at the office, in a parking lot or elevator, and in your vehicle. Videos and pamphlets are available. How to report suspicious activity and what to do if a crime does occur are discussed. The program offers the opportunity to become actively involved in your own protection.

Home Security Surveys: Does your landscaping offer burglars a place to hide? Can your porch be seen from the street? Are your windows and door locks secure? A member of the Crime Prevention Unit will inspect your home and offer suggestions to improve your home security.

Child Safety: Latchkey situations are discussed. Does your child know what to do if someone comes to your door? Do they answer it, or just pretend they aren't home? The Crime Prevention Unit can help you answer these questions.

Stranger Danger: Who is a stranger and what does he or she look like? Children will provide a variety of answers to this question. Most children don't understand the meaning of the word "stranger." During this program children are given information on situations they may encounter as they mature and are given responsibility.

Robbery Awareness: Robbery is a difficult crime to prevent. But you can survive the situation if you are prepared and have an idea of what to do when it happens to you. Information on what to expect and suggestions on how to handle the robbery situation are discussed after viewing a short video.

Rape Awareness: This program discusses the myths associated with rape and sexual assault.  Defense options and steps to take to avoid becoming a victim are discussed. Getting help and what to expect if you are attacked.

Videos: The Crime Prevention unit has an extensive video library covering all aspects of crime prevention and personal safety. Video tapes are available for loan at no charge.

D.A.R.E. Program: Drug Abuse Resistance Education, D.A.R.E., is a joint project of the Sheriff s Office, the community, and the Castro Valley and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts. The program's emphasis is to help students recognize and resist the many subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol and drugs. The program's strategies also focus on feelings relating to self esteem, interpersonal and communication skills, decision making and positive alternatives to alcohol and drug abuse behavior and situations

[ Back to Top ]