The Forest Hills Neighborhood Association

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Burglary Prevention

  1. If you are going to be away from your residence for an extended period of time (vacation, out of town, etc.), please call our front desk at 803-545-3500 and place your residence on property watch so that police may look after it while you are away.
  2. If you have the ability to do so, take a couple of minutes to walk around your residence and try to find a way to gain entry to your own residence. If you find a way, so will the burglar.
  3. Another way to make certain that your house is completely secured when you are away for the day or for an extended period of time is simply by checking all your windows and doors in your residence. Make sure all window and doors are locked. Although we hope no one would break into our residence, we should always be prepared to make it as hard as possible for the burglar to leave with your belongings. One way to prepare is by putting away all your loose electronics (laptops, Ipads, cell phones, etc.) and any identification items away from view.
  4. The #1 burglary prevention advice is still having an alarm system. Having an alarm system will notify our dispatch of an alarm and we can be en route to your residence and possibly track a suspect after they have left your residence. We may even catch them inside. If someone breaks into your house and you have an alarm with sensors, when the alarm goes off, the alarm itself may prevent the suspect from going into your residence.
  5. The Columbia Police Department has a unit that specializes in Crime Prevention. The Crime Prevention Unit can come out offer you a home survey. The home survey helps identify weak points in your residence that the subject can use to his advantage. Once those points are found, they can advise you what you need to do to fortify them so you can prevent burglaries. The number for this unit is 803-545-3555.

Watch your neighbor’s back!

Vandals look for opportunity, including signs of vacancy.  If you are traveling during the upcoming weeks, make sure you have someone pick up your mail, newspaper, and other delivered items daily.  If you've ordered something, consider using the Fedex or UPS alternate delivery features to hold the package or send it elsewhere. Look out for each other. It's the very best protection. Or get a big dog. For more tips, visit our security page.

Meet your Forest Hills officers, area representatives & committee leaders

If you have questions about various aspects of the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association officers and area representatives click here. Your committee leaders are listed here.

Great resource for pet owners!

If you have lost or found a pet, a great place to report this is on the Chasing the Tails Pet Patrol Facebook page. They have great success in reuniting pets and owners.

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