The Vandalia Division of Police is actively involved in programs, which educate our community on crime prevention. These programs include Citizens Police Academy, Residential and Business Security Surveys and various Safety Talks.
The Division has issued over 300 free gun locks at various events and to people who came to the police department requesting the locks. Locks are issued at the National Night Out event and during the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce Community Business Expo.
The Vandalia Division of Police hosts a "National Night Out Against Crime" in August. National Night Out offers an opportunity for police and citizens to unite against crime. Some of the activities during National Night Out include children's activities, bicycle rodeo and static display of public safety emergency vehicles and equipment.
The Crime Prevention Officer strongly encourages the citizens of Vandalia to mark their valuable items and keep a complete and accurate inventory of the items. The inventory should include the value, brand name, model number, serial number and a photograph if possible.
We recommend that you mark your valuable items with an electric engraver. The Vandalia Division of Police Crime Prevention Officer will loan an electric engraver to any City of Vandalia resident who requests one. If you would like to borrow an engraver please contact Officer Andy Wehner, Crime Prevention Officer.
If you are worried about the security of your home or business the Crime Prevention Officer can help you. The Crime Prevention Officer can come to your home or business and perform a security survey. These surveys usually last between a half-hour to an hour.
The survey will provide you with a starting point to making your home or business more secure. The security surveys evaluate windows and doors, locking devices, lighting, exterior landscaping, and surveillance systems. The officer will make recommendations about how to improve security at your home or office.
The Crime Prevention Officer works closely with other city departments, to ensure that the homeowner or businesses are receiving the best possible information.