Community Resources
Sheriff's Office
Resources for Businesses
The Skagit County Sheriff's Office works closely with our business community to assist with various security and law enforcement related functions. Our deputies meet regularly with business owners to help them minimize their exposure to criminal activity from both internal and external sources of criminal activity. Our deputies will conduct a walk around of your business with you and provide suggestions to help keep your business and employees safe.
Safety and Security Tips
- Lighting is an excellent deterrent. Light dark alleyways, parking lots, and building perimeters.
- Camera's may be expensive but placed in a strategic spot they can deter both criminals and potential employee theft.
- Conduct thorough background checks on all employees. Employee theft counts for the majority of loss due to criminal activity within the business environment.
- Keep shrubs and trees away from the exterior of your business.
- Clean graffiti, garbage, and other damage as soon as possible to keep it from spreading.
- Meet with other business owners in your area and get to know them. Keep watch for each other and share suggestions on safety and security.
- Do not keep items of value in an unsecured location. Tools or equipment left outside or in an unsecured building are an easy target. Take the the time to move valuable items to a secure location.
- Take the time to check all windows and doors prior to closing and make sure they are secure.
- Trust your instincts. Report any suspicious vehicles or persons by dialing 911. If something doesn't look right or feel right error on the side of caution.
If you are interested in meeting with a deputy contact the sheriff's office by email at sheriff@skagitcountywa.gov, by phone at (360)416-1911, or in person at 600 South Third Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Resources for the Public
The Skagit County Sheriff's Office is proud to provide the citizens and patrons of Skagit County with useful resources. The sheriff's office encourages our citizens to learn how to keep our communities clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone who works, lives, and plays in our county. From Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs and Citizen Ride-Alongs to inviting the Deputy assigned to your area into your neighborhood or business meetings, the sheriff's office is dedicated to providing personal and professional service to our community.
The Skagit County Sheriff's Office offers these personal safety tips to minimize your chances of becoming the victim of criminal activity. If you have an emergency always dial 9-1-1.
At Home
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Be familiar with who is coming and going - who belongs and who doesn't. Know your neighbors and learn who can be called for assistance when needed.
- Join or start a neighborhood block watch program!
- Women may be safer using only first initials and last names on mailboxes and in phone directories.
- Change locks when you move into a new residence. Make sure your doors have dead bolt locks, security chains, and peepholes, USE THEM!
- Don't hide spare keys outdoors.
- Check ID when repair people, salespeople, meter readers, etc. come to the door. Don't hesitate to call and check them out or refuse them admittance if something feels wrong.
- If you let someone in and have second thoughts, be assertive. Tell them to leave or leave yourself. Pretend you are not home alone by mentioning a friend or family member asleep in the next room.
- Make sure entrances, garages, grounds, and hallways are well light.
- Leave porch lights on at night or when you expect to return after dark.
- Leave an interior light on in a room or two with the shades drawn.
- Leave a radio on.
- Instruct children and babysitters not to give out information about who is home, who is out or for how long.
- Don't leave notes on your door for others or allow solicitor's material to remain on your doorknob since they advertise your absence.
- If you suspect your home has been broken into, don't go in or out, go someplace else and call the police.
In Your Car
- Keep car doors locked at all times, and windows rolled up all the way.
- Do not stop to help a stranger in a stalled vehicle, go to a safe place and report the stalled vehicle to the police.
- Don't pick up hitchhikers.
- If you are being followed, don't go home. Drive to the nearest fire or police station or an open gas station, anyplace with people around.
- Try to keep your car maintained, and keep your gas tank at least half full.
- If security staff are available to walk you to your car, don't be embarrassed to use them.
- If you leave keys with a parking attendant or at a service station, leave only the car (not the house) key.
