Keeping North Oaks Safe This Summer: Simple Ways to Deter, Detect & Deny Crime
(Featuring, Snowbird Home Watch Owner Ana Cantell in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Safety Video)
As the warm weather settles in and summer activities ramp up across North Oaks, it’s the perfect time to revisit some simple but powerful ways we can all help keep our community safe. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office recently released a public safety video — and we’re proud to share that our owner, Ana Cantell, is featured in it as a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain.
Summer is a wonderful season for families, outdoor gatherings, evening walks, and travel. But it’s also the time of year when crimes of opportunity tend to increase. Unlocked doors, open garages, and busy routines can create easy openings for would-be criminals.
The good news? A few consistent habits can dramatically reduce the likelihood of crime in our neighborhood.
Understanding the Crime Triangle
Crime prevention experts often refer to the “Crime Triangle,” which highlights three factors typically present when a crime occurs:
Ability
Desire
Opportunity
While community members can’t control a suspect’s ability or intent, we can reduce the opportunity — and that’s where our daily habits matter most.
The Three Principles: Deter • Detect • Deny
These simple principles, recommended by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office crime-prevention team, form the foundation of safer communities.
1. Deter
Make your home and property less appealing to criminals.
Keep entryways and outdoor spaces well-lit.
Close garage doors, even when you’re home.
Use timers or smart lighting to create the appearance of activity when you’re away.
2. Detect
Stay aware and take note of what’s happening around you.
Pay attention to unusual or out-of-place behavior.
Report suspicious activity promptly — early detection often prevents more serious incidents.
Look out for neighbors, especially when you know they’re traveling or away for the weekend.
3. Deny
Eliminate easy opportunities for crime.
Lock vehicles every time — even in the driveway.
Remove valuables, garage openers, and bags from cars.
Secure side doors, patio doors, and garages whenever you’re not nearby.
Put away tools, bikes, and yard equipment when not in use.
These steps take only seconds but significantly reduce the chance of becoming a target.
Why This Matters for Travel Season
As a community with many frequent travelers and seasonal residents, North Oaks benefits immensely from taking these precautions. When you're away, simple safety measures — combined with reliable home-watch services like ours — help maintain the security and peace of mind you deserve.
With more neighbors on the go during summer, it’s especially important to stay connected and communicate. And thanks to the Sheriff’s Office’s new video, featuring Ana as a Block Captain, we have a great reminder of how we all play a role in keeping North Oaks safe.
Watch the Video
Be sure to check out the public safety video from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office to hear these tips firsthand and see Ana representing our community. Video Here
Together, We Create a Safer Neighborhood
By practicing the principles of Deter, Detect, and Deny, each of us contributes to a safer environment — not just for our own homes, but for the entire neighborhood.
If you’ll be traveling this summer or heading south for the season, Snowbird Home Watch is here to support you with trusted, dependable home-watch services. Feel free to reach out anytime.
Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy a wonderful Minnesota summer!
