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West Valley City police outline simple lighting, visibility and maintenance steps to deter crime
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Summary
West Valley City Deputy Chief Fosmo and detectives explained CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) and urged residents and businesses to use lighting, cameras, trimmed vegetation and clear entryways to reduce vandalism and burglaries. Detectives answered live questions on doorbell cameras, HOA limits and prank calls.
Deputy Chief Fosmo opened a virtual West Valley City Police Department community meeting and invited residents to ask questions about crime prevention, saying the department holds monthly Facebook sessions to help people "address any problems or questions" they have.
Detectives from the department’s community oriented policing unit described CPTED—crime prevention through environmental design—as a practical approach residents and businesses can use to reduce opportunities for crime. "The first 1 is natural surveillance, which is, the visibility, making sure that people can see you through your windows, see your doorway," a detective said, urging well‑placed lighting and unobstructed sightlines.
The detectives outlined four core CPTED principles: natural surveillance (visibility and lighting), natural access control (clear paths and defined entries), territorial reinforcement (fences or low walls to mark private property) and upkeep (prompt repairs and removal of graffiti). In a recorded walkthrough, they pointed to examples at a local business—security cameras, a well‑defined entry, exterior lighting and a locked dumpster enclosure—and contrasted that with a neglected home with overgrown weeds and a broken gate.
On doorbell and security cameras, detectives said they did not have precise city‑wide statistics at hand but described multiple investigations where neighborhood camera networks helped track suspects. "We've solved multiple crimes just the sheer volume of surveillance that people have," a detective said, and encouraged residents to share footage with neighbors and police when appropriate.
Responding to a resident who reported recurring prank doorbell incidents and egging, detectives recommended two‑way doorbell features and calling police when concerned. They also warned of unintended escalation: "We have had residents respond with, you know, firearms... So it absolutely is a risk for the kids," a detective said, urging parents and schools to discourage risky behavior.
The department said its community policing unit can perform site surveys and offer recommendations to homeowners and business owners. When homeowners face HOA restrictions on lighting or landscaping, detectives offered to speak with HOA boards to explain CPTED benefits and suggest acceptable measures.
Small businesses were advised to remove window graphics that block visibility, keep minimal interior lighting on when closed and maintain clear sightlines so passersby and officers can notice suspicious activity. Detectives also warned vehicle owners against warming an unattended car or leaving visible bags or valuables inside; such practices invite smash‑and‑grab thefts.
To make a home look occupied during vacations, detectives recommended timers for lights, asking neighbors to occasionally open blinds or perform yard maintenance and limiting package accumulation on porches.
The meeting closed with Deputy Chief Fosmo thanking viewers and reminding them the next community meeting will be Wednesday, April 22, when the department will discuss its real‑time crime center.
