Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

Many people are victims of crime. Often times, there are steps that people can take to protect themselves to reduce the risk of becoming victimized. The following are crime prevention tips the Black Mountain Police Department encourages residents to adopt to protect themselves and their property from theft or damage.

If you have been the victim of a crime please contact us to file a report.

Street Safety

Protect yourself and your belongings with these street safety tips.

Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention

Tips to prevent thefts of motor vehicles, specifically GPS units.

Internet and Online Safety

Stay safe while surfing the web and shopping online.

Please consider using our SafeTrade station when completing in person internet transactions with persons you do not know.

ATM Safety

Protect yourself and your money when using ATMs

Residential Safety

Residential safety tips to protect homes and belongings.

Larceny Prevention

Protect your belongings from theft.

Craigslist Rental Scams

Protect yourself from Craigslist rental scams.

Identity Theft Prevention

Protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.

How to Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicine

Prescription medications are responsible for most overdose deaths in the United States. In order to help mitigate medication drug overdoses, the Black Mountain Police Department offers a free drug disposal drop box which is located at the Police Department. Citizens may bring their unused prescription medications and safely dispose of them into the drop box. Please make sure the medications are in a sealed bag (ziploc ect.) before placing inside the drop box. The FDA has published recommendations for disposal of unused medicines as well as a guide for drug disposal questions and answers.

There are many treatment options available for substance abuse within Buncombe County. If you or a loved one are in need of drug or alcohol counseling please seek assistance.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is also known as driver’s fatigue, and it occurs when an individual is too tired to operate a motor vehicle. Due to this, the driver puts himself and others at risk. Some of the most common causes of drowsy driving are inadequate sleep, untreated sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea, shift work, driving without making regular breaks and the use of sedatives, hypnotics and other medications that may negatively affect your alertness and induce sleepiness. Visit Counting Sheep to view additional safety tips and information.

Pet Safety Tips

The weather can be unpredictable in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and we would like to remind our citizens to keep in mind some additional pet safety tips to keep your critter safe.