This page is intended to provide information from the City of Sugar Land regarding safety, upcoming events and meetings of interest, the status of projects such as road improvements and other communications from our Council Representative Don Olson or our Crime Prevention Officer. Our Crime Prevention officer is Harris Johnston. You will find important and useful information on the City of Sugar Land web site.

SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS

The Sugar Land Police Department wants you to have a crime-free holiday season and provides the following shopping tips: 

Before You Leave Home …
Plan your shopping trips carefully. Know where you are going and what routes you will take. Tell someone your shopping plans and when you expect to return.  
If possible, arrange for a companion to go with you. There is safety in numbers.

When You Are Driving …
Keep your doors locked. Choose a well-lit and well-traveled route, even if you believe it is out of your way.  
Don’t allow your fuel tank to become less than half full.  
Never pick up hitchhikers.  
Do not stop to help strangers. Call the police to assist them.  
Avoid confrontations with strangers or with others who might seek to follow you to continue the confrontation.

When You Park Your Car …
Park in a well-lit area.  
If you are parking during the day and returning to your car after dark, check for street and building lights.  
ALWAYS lock your doors. 
Remove all electronic items, such as cell phones, radar detectors, and all packages from your car. Place them in the trunk or glove compartment, out of sight.  
Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas.  
Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before you get out of your car.
Avoid carrying large handbags. Carry only what is necessary.  
Shop in groups whenever possible. Use the “buddy system”.  
Don’t get out of your car until you are ready. If you don’t feel safe, stay in the car and drive away.

When You Return to Your Car …
Never leave the store with your arms full of packages. Use a courtesy cart.  
Have your car key in hand, ready to unlock your door.  
Check the parking lot for suspicious people by looking around before you exit the store.  
If you feel unsafe, always ask the store security to assist you to your car.  
If you are parked next to a van or other vehicle with a covered cargo area, it is a good idea to return to the store and ask a security officer to accompany you.  
Check your car before you enter it. 
Place all packages out of sight.


When You Are Returning Home …
Frequently check your rearview mirror to see if you are being followed. If you feel like you are being followed, DO NOT go home. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station or other place of safety.
Use your cellular telephone, if you have one, to call the police. Try to obtain a license plate number, how many people are in the car and a good description of the car you believe is following you.

If Your Car Breaks Down …
If you are off the roadway, raise the hood of your vehicle then get back into your car and lock the doors.
If you have a cellular telephone, call for help. If a stranger stops, slightly lower the window to request they contact the police for you. REFUSE ALL OTHER HELP.

If someone tries to force their way into your car, blink your headlights and blow your horn at the same time to attract attention.


Also …
Avoid carrying cash.


If you have questions, please contact the Sugar Land Police Department’s Crime Prevention Office at 281-275-2591.

Fire Starters Program Offered by Sugar Land Fire Department

The Sugar Land Fire Department advises if you have a child who consistently plays with and is fascinated with fire, you and your child may want to participate in the “Fire Stoppers” program, a fire safety class designed to prevent juvenile arson.

“It’s normal for children to have a curiosity about fire at an age as young as three years old,” said Capt. Mike McLemore, fire public education specialist. “If your child exhibits an unusual interest in fire or starts a fire, do not ignore the potential issue. Many times parents regard this behavior as part of growing up.”

Compared to all other crimes, arson has the highest rate of juvenile involvement. According to the United States Fire Administration, 55% of all arson arrests involve children who are younger than 18 years old and of those children more than 5% are younger than 10 years old. Juvenile arson causes each year more than 300 deaths, 2,000 injuries and $300 million of property damage.

The Texas Fire Marshal’s Office recommends families take advantage of the “Fire Stoppers” program. Participation in the program is strictly confidential. A certified professional interviews the child and parents, age appropriate activities are discussed and video-based education is provided. The Houston Fire Department offers the program.

“The Sugar Land Fire Department had two participants in the Fire Stoppers program last year,” said McLemore. “Fire in the hands of children destroys, regardless of a child’s age or motivation.”

If you have a concern about your child’s fire behavior, please contact the Sugar Land fire public education office at 281-275-2859. For more information about the “Fire Stoppers” program, contact the Houston Fire Department at 713-495-7927 or by clicking here.

RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE COURSE

The Sugar Land Police Department periodically offers a 15-hour Personal Safety and Empowerment Education Program for Women.

The program, “Rape Aggression Defense” is a program taught by certified instructors representing law enforcement, women’s assistance centers and college and universities throughout the United States and Canada. Lead instructors, RAD Texas State Director Jim Baylor and Sugar Land Citizens Police Academy Alumni member Sandra Baylor, have instructed over 1500 women ages 11 – 71 in the RAD Systems Basic Physical Defense Course. This is truly a program for all females regardless of age*, fitness level or any physical restriction. At the conclusion of classroom training, the students will be able to apply their skills in simulated confrontations with aggressors. (*Students must be 11 years old to attend.)

Attendees will be introduced to the theories of Risk Avoidance, Risk Recognition, Risk Awareness, and Risk Reduction to help them stay safe in their everyday environments. In addition, basic self-defense techniques and strategies to avoid abductive or aggressive acting out person(s) will be taught to provide options of self- defense so they may become viable considerations to the woman who may be attacked.

The dates and times for the next training are:

Contact Officer Amy Cummins at 281-275-2575 to determine dates and times this course will be offered.

Training Costs are $25.00 per person. (Payable at the first class. Sugar Land PD will not collect fees in advance. Fee covers manual and cost of equipment.)

Please apply online by clicking here.

Sugar Land PD
Crime Prevention Unit

DISCOUNTS ON HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AVAILABLE AFTER SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Now is the time to ensure your landscaping, and exterior lighting is adequate.  Shrubs need to be kept trimmed within 18 inches of the ground to minimize hiding places.  Exterior lighting should illuminate the front of your home, thereby preventing an intruder from hiding in the shadows.  Please be mindful of your neighbors when upgrading your lighting. 

A Crime Prevention Officer can perform a free home security inspection, and qualifying residents can reduce their homeowner's insurance by up to 20%.

Sugar Land PD - Crime Prevention Unit
281-275-2580