Did you know that about two thirds of car "break-ins" in Jefferson County happen to cars that are left unlocked? Meaning there's no "break-in" at all. Last year, 885 car trespasses were reported in Jeffco. Of those, 575 were unforced. Criminals usually take the path of least resistance.

Unfortunately, minor crimes like car trespasses often involve the theft of identifying materials like credit cards, licenses or registrations - allowing thieves to commit much bigger identity theft crimes soon after.

Since criminals usually look for the lowest-hanging fruit, prevention methods are effective in keeping crime rates low. Yes, there will always be unpredictable and unpreventable crimes. But we know today that many of the crimes in our county can in fact be prevented.

The Sheriff's Office has a dedicated team of three certified crime prevention deputies whose sole purpose is to work with citizens to prevent crime. Through on-site visits, phone calls, special events, child safety activities and other opportunities, these deputies share vital information with the public on how to keep crime at bay. Here are some ways you can take advantage of the services they provide.

Speaking Engagements
Our crime prevention team hits the road to speak at businesses, association meetings, service clubs and even scout meetings. They address bank employees on what to do in a robbery, construction companies on preventing copper theft, and school groups on responsible reporting. They are available to speak to your organization on a variety of public safety topics.

Special Events
Crime prevention deputies attend dozens of community events throughout the year, bringing literature on topics from sex offenders to problem barking. They're on hand to answer questions and share information about crime and quality-of-life issues in Jeffco. Some of the events where you'll find us include: the West Metro Fire Muster, the Elk Creek Safety Fair, Touch-a-Truck and the Evergreen Rodeo.

Home Security Surveys
One of the services that our team provides is an on-site security survey. A deputy will evaluate your house's strengths and weaknesses, including locks, lighting and landscaping. He can then recommend changes that can make the building more burglary-proof. The process takes about an hour and is also available to businesses and places of worship.

Neighborhood Watch
The crime prevention deputies administer the Neighborhood Watch program throughout the county. There are currently 70 active Neighborhood Watch groups in our county - each has vigilant residents who work with law enforcement to identify, prevent and solve crime close to home.

Child Safety
Our crime prevention deputies are trained and certified in the Safety Kids Inc. child safety curriculum. They work closely with our child safety ambassador Joyce Nelson, traveling to area day care centers, schools and scout groups to deliver a fun and interactive child safety presentation featuring Charlie Check-First.

National Night Out
National Night Out is a series of local celebrations held on the first Tuesday in August each year, nationwide. NNO gives neighbors an opportunity to get together in a setting close to home. Of the many crime prevention strategies out there, communication among neighbors ranks among the most effective. NNO is also an opportunity for deputies to interact with residents in a positive, relaxed and informal way. To plan an NNO event in your neighborhood, contact your precinct crime prevention deputy.

Contact Us
Taking steps to help prevent crime in your neighborhood is a smart way to protect yourself and your family. But it's also an investment in your community and your quality of life. To learn more about crime prevention services, contact your area crime prevention deputy.

Crime Prevention Deputy - North Jeffco: 303-271-5363
Crime Prevention Deputy - South Jeffco: 720-377-2002
Crime Prevention Deputy - Jeffco Mountains: 720-497-7860
Child Safety Programs: 303-271-5665