 Working Together to Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe & Secure
As part of the annual National Night Out Campaign, this year's Project 365 theme is Aware & Prepared, focused on keeping community partnerships strong through encouraging residents to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure. Each month throughout the year, the Neighborhood Services Department centralizes its efforts on focus areas to expand upon the Project 365 theme. August 2025 features Burglary of Motor Vehicle (BMV) Prevention and 9 p.m. Routine.
 Understanding Burglary of Motor Vehicles & Prevention Tips
Burglary of Motor Vehicle (BMV) is unauthorized entry into a vehicle with intent to commit theft or another crime. Common targets include unlocked vehicles and vehicles with valuables left in plain sight. Burglary locations can include parking lots, residential streets and even your driveway. Criminals usually operate with a quick “smash and grab” strategy, so cars parked in poorly lit or secluded areas with unlocked doors or open windows are ideal targets. Here are a few common tips to prevent BMV’s in your neighborhood:
- Secure your vehicle – Lock doors, roll up windows and use anti-theft devices (i.e. alarms or steering wheel locks).
- Remove valuables – Electronics, wallets, and purses should be removed. Avoid leaving visible items, even if they appear non-valuable.
- Park smart – Choose well-lit, busy areas. Avoid secluded or poorly lit spots.
- Be vigilant – Report suspicious activity in parking lots or neighborhoods. Use home security cameras and communicate with your neighbors through the Neighborhood Watch program to deter crime.
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Adopt the 9 p.m. routine – A daily habit to secure your home and vehicle each evening. It encourages residents to set an alarm or reminder to perform the following safety steps:
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Remove valuables
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Lock doors
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Turn on lights
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Close garage doors
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Activate security system
Creating a consistent habit to ensure homes and vehicles are secured can help prevent theft opportunities.
 Support our Local Heroes
Give back in a meaningful way and also honor first responders! The month of August offers two (2) blood drives:
Click the links above to reserve your spot. To view the complete schedule of blood drives, visit the link below and click “Blood Drives.”
 Celebrate Community Spirit & Public Safety Partnerships
National Night Out is part of a nationwide initiative and The Woodlands has made it uniquely its own with strong participation from residents, law enforcement, The Woodlands Fire Department and Township staff. These events promote police-community partnerships, raise crime prevention awareness, and encourage neighbors to know one another – a key factor in maintaining a safe and connected community.
Each year, residents of The Woodlands are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend an evening outside with neighbors. Neighbor knowing neighbor is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime. Local law enforcement and The Woodlands Fire Department will briefly visit with residents of many of the neighborhoods that register their parties with the Township. This year’s National Night Out celebration will take place on Sunday, October 5. Early-bird party registration ends on Friday, September 5! Be sure to register by then to have your name entered in a drawing to win free pizza and other prizes for your National Night Out Party!
 Recognizing Community Commitment
The Texas Crime Prevention Association (TCPA) presents awards annually to members, agencies and volunteers who have made substantial contributions and achievements in the field of crime prevention. At the 2025 TCPA Annual Conference, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the following in its population category:
- Outstanding Crime Prevention Agency – Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit
- Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist – Deputy Carlos Tavarez
The Crime Prevention Unit works closely with the Neighborhood Services Department to deliver public safety programming and resources specifically geared to residents and their neighborhoods on a consistent basis. Congratulations to Deputy Tavarez and the rest of the Crime Prevention Unit!
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