Houston police are offering actionable tips to help residents enhance personal safety, including advice for women living alone in apartment complexes.
In light of recent incidents, personal safety at home is a priority, especially for women living alone or in apartment complexes.
Officer Tram Loc of the Houston Police Department’s Community Affairs Division shared essential tips during a discussion with KPRC 2’s Amy Davis and Haley Hernandez.
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Here’s what residents need to know to enhance their security and feel safer in their living spaces.
Officer Loc highlighted the importance of selecting apartments certified under HPD’s Blue Star Program, which promotes safety through environmental design.
Key features to look for include adequate lighting, trimmed hedges, peepholes on doors, functional gates, and visible security cameras. A walk-through of the property can also reveal if it feels safe and well-maintained.
“Ask if the apartment is Blue Star certified and take note of your surroundings,” Officer Loc advised. “Check if walkway doors are locked, gates are monitored, and there’s a sense of community with kids playing outside.”
For those already settled, there are practical ways to boost security. Officer Loc recommended the use of dogs and affordable security devices like Ring doorbells or other cameras.
These systems not only deter potential intruders but also provide recordings and live notifications.
However, Loc cautioned against revealing your absence when speaking through these devices.
“Never tell someone at your door that you’re not home. It can encourage criminals to break in knowing the apartment is empty.”
If someone claiming to be maintenance staff arrives unannounced, Officer Loc urged residents to verify their identity.
“Call your apartment office to confirm if someone was sent. If you’re unsure, reschedule or avoid opening the door entirely,” he said.
HPD also hosts monthly community meetings to inform residents about local crime trends and safety tips.
