Crime Prevention Programs

One of the Middleton Police Departments areas of Focus is on educating and involving the citizens in the policing of the community. This is accomplished through a number of individuals who are trained as Crime Prevention Officers.

What do Crime Prevention Officers do?

Security surveys for businesses and residential buildings
Crime Prevention presentations for businesses or local groups
Consultants on any topic to assist in the prevention of crime

If you would like to speak with a Crime Prevention Officer please call the Middleton Police Department at 608-824-7300.

Commercial Security Checks

An officer trained in crime prevention will inspect a commercial building and explain crime prevention techniques to the person responsible for the building. This is done when requested by the business or when patrol officers point out deficiencies at a business to the crime prevention officer.

Home Security Checks

An officer trained in crime prevention will inspect a person's home to point out areas in need of improvement in the area of crime prevention. Citizens may request this or officers may make note of deficiencies while taking crime reports and suggest that the resident consider having a security check done.

Senior Citizen Crime Prevention Program

An officer trained in crime prevention gives presentations to senior citizen groups about crimes that target that age group and steps that they can take to lessen their vulnerability.

Good Neighbor Watch

A crime prevention officer gives a presentation to neighborhood groups at their request on how to set up a program for Neighborhood Watch. The program is set up by an neighborhood volunteer who hosts the program at their residence.

National Night Out

On a designated night during the last month of summer an open house of the police, fire and EMS departments is done in conjunction with a media release that encourages neighbors to visit each other and make a show of unity for a safe neighborhood.

Firearms Safety Program

An officer trained as a range officer presents a program to juvenile groups such as Cub and Boy Scouts on the topic of safely handling firearms both in the home and while in the field. The aim of this program is to reduce the chances of accidental discharges that could possibly result in injury.

Vacation Watch / Vacant Property Registry

In an effort for the community to enjoy their stays away from their homes, whether it be for a vacation, hospitalization, or death in the family, they can do so with a sense of confidence with the implementation of the VACATION WATCH PROGRAM. This service is provided to the people of the City of Middleton, so that no matter how long they are gone their time is more enjoyable and less worrisome as to the security of their homes.

Click here to register your property for the vacation watch program

Protection from Identity Theft & Fraud

Limit the amount of confidential or personal information you carry in your wallet or purse. Do not carry bank account number, personal identification numbers (PINs), passports, birth certificates or Social Security cards.
Avoid carrying more blank checks than you actually need. A criminal can fraudulently use the sensitive information often pre-printed on your checks (address, bank account number, and telephone number). Do not have your Social Security number pre-printed on your checks.
Keep good backup information about your accounts in case your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
Never provide personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, address, etc.) over the telephone unless you initiate the call and are familiar or acquainted with the business.
Destroy – preferably shred – credit card applications you receive in the mail and don’t use.
Review your credit card bills and your checking account statements as soon as they are received to ensure that no fraudulent activity has taken place. Obtain a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for errors.

The law allows you to order one free copy of your report from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies every 12 months. To order, visit annualcreditreport.com, call 1-877-322-8228. Or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Do not contact the three nationwide credit reporting companies individually. They are providing free annual credit reports only through annualcreditreport.com website, calling 1-877-322-8228 or mailing to Annual Credit Report Request Service.

Be careful at ATM’s and using phone cards, “Shoulder Surfers” can obtain your “PIN Number” and get access to your accounts.

For more information please review the following web sites (NOTE: The Middleton Police Department does not recommend or endorse any particular product or brand. These links are solely listed as resources for citizens.)

Crime Prevention Programs