Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention is defined as the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to remove or reduce the crime through public education.

The Taliaferro County Sheriff’s Office is committed to improving relationships and building trust in our county and its communities. By educating the public on crime prevention techniques, and by getting our residents involved in crime prevention activities such as neighborhood watch, we can reduce the number of crimes in Taliaferro County and improve our quality of life

This section of our website is dedicated to that process. Here you will find crime prevention tips, suggestions for businesses and information for helping you protect your apartment, home, business or office. You will also find our TCSO Kids Page and a wealth of information and activities for your children.

Crime Prevention Starts With You!

Here are a few simple things you can do to help prevent becoming a crime victim:

• If you have an attached garage, don't forget to close your garage door at night. Leaving it open is an invitation for thieves to help themselves. Make sure all exterior doors are locked securely.
• Lock up your vehicle if it is left outside. Don't make it easy for the thieves! While it is true they can (and likely will) break a window to gain entry to your car, breaking glass makes noise and the shattered remnants might draw the attention of a patrolling Deputy. If you hear breaking glass and you call 911 immediately, we have a greater chance of apprehending the suspect(s).
• Do not leave keys in your vehicle.
• Maintain a list of all electronic and expensive items you own. The list should include the Make, Model, and Serial number of each item. Keep the list current and store it in a safe place. Consider etching your social security number into expensive items so we can quickly identify your property should it be stolen. Download a property list form (PDF)
• If you own an ATV, never leave it outside or unsecured. Keep it locked up and out of sight to passing motorists who drive by your residence. Consider chaining it to another solid object.

The most important thing residents of Taliaferro County can do to prevent crime and assist law enforcement is to report suspicious activity immediately. When you see something that “just doesn't seem right,” call us and let us check it out. We would much rather check into a suspicious situation and find that everything is all right than miss the opportunity to catch a criminal because no one reported suspicious activity.

Be prepared to answer several questions including suspect and suspect vehicle descriptions, license plate number if available, and a direction of travel if the suspect leaves the area. Do not alert the suspicious subject you are watching or have called the sheriff because he or she will likely attempt to flee (for example: do not suddenly turn on all of your outside lights). Remain on the phone with the Sheriff's dispatcher until a Deputy arrives to investigate the situation.