Virginia Home Security and Safety Resources

Emergencies, crime incidents (like burglaries), and other worrisome events don’t usually come with a lot of warning. That's why we encourage everyone to be proactive about safety and security—at home and in your community. To help you stay safe in Virginia, we’ve put together this list of local and statewide resources to make sure you know where to turn before the unexpected happens.

Crime prevention

Virginia Crime Prevention

Virginia Crime Stoppers Association

Virginia Judicial System

FBI: Richmond

City crime prevention

Virginia Beach Police Department

Norfolk Police Department

Chesapeake Crime Prevention Council Inc.

Crime Stoppers of Metro Richmond

Virginia Beach Crime Solvers

Neighborhood Watch

Virgina Dept. of Emergency Management

Richmond Police Department

Norfolk Division of Public Safety

Chesapeake Police Department

Emergency preparedness

Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management

Virginia Disaster Relief Fund

Ready Virginia

Virginia Easy Access Emergency Preparedness

Virginia Emergency Management Assoc.

Fire safety

Virginia Department of Fire Programs

Virginia Fire and Life Safety Coalition

Richmond Fire and Emergency Services

General safety

Office of the Secretary of Public Safety

Virgina Department of Emergency Management

Safe Kids Virginia

Virginia Public Safety Foundation

Child abuse prevention

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia

Support Child Abuse Prevention

Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads

Children’s Safety Network

Domestic violence

Doorways for Women and Families

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Center For Children and Families

Virginia Department of Social Services

See the Safest Cities in Virginia report for more information on crime statistics across the state.

In the United States, homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. Burglars want to get in and out with minimum hassle—why risk getting caught by a security system when they could just move onto the next house? Security systems send a message to burglars that your home is not to be trifled with.

With the smart home features available today, it’s easy to monitor the happenings in your home whether you’re sitting on your sofa or out running errands. Look into handy features like remote activation of your security system, control of your lighting and appliances, and live video streaming to your phone.

Don’t forget to take care of the obvious. Always lock your doors, and leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor (instead of under a flower pot or doormat). Don’t forget to close your windows at night or when you’re out. Trim bushes lining your home to eliminate hiding places, and invest in outdoor lighting to keep dark spots near your home entrances visible.

Strengthening the security of your neighborhood can start with getting to know your neighbors. You might find friends who can watch your place when you’re away, look out for a lost pet, help solve package theft mysteries, or aid in an emergency. And you can work together to build safety resources your community needs.

Avoid announcing specific vacation plans on social media or making it clear that the house is empty. To maintain a lived-in appearance, stop the mail and newspapers before you leave, and set indoor lights on variable timers. Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be gone; consider asking them to park their car in your driveway or make footprints in the snow (if it’s winter).

• The State of Safety in the United States
• Best Home Security Systems
• How to Choose a Security System
• The Beginner’s Guide to Security Cameras
• Home Safety and Security Checklist
• 20 Things You’ll Need for Your First Home