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Here are some useful numbers for reporting public safety problems in West Houston

Houston Police Dispatcher (emergency)

9-1-1
Houston Police Dispatcher (non-emergency) 713-884-3131
Precinct 5 Constable Dispatch

281-463-6666

CenterPoint Energy (to report electrical power and
street light outages)

713-207-2222

CenterPoint Energy (if you smell gas)

713-659-2111
City of Houston Helpline (to report potholes, signal light problems,missing traffic signs, etc.)            3-1-1

Other public safety tips

In all situations:

  • Call 9-1-1 for any police emergency, or to report any crime in progress.
  • Call HPD’s non-emergency number to report a crime (when you come home and find your house has been broken into, for example) or to follow-up on a previously-filed crime report.
  • Neighborhoods that employ a Harris County Constable Deputy should also report any crimes to the appropriate Constable office.
  • When reporting a crime, speak clearly and calmly.  Tell the dispatcher if you need police, fire, or emergency medical response.  Give the dispatcher your name, the address you need them to respond to and a phone number.
  • When reporting a suspicious person, try to give a description of the person from head to feet, including height, weight, race, hair coloring, facial hair, glasses, clothing and direction of travel.
  • When reporting a suspicious vehicle, try to give a description of color, year, make, model and license number.  Never put yourself in danger to obtain this information.
  • Don’t dial 9-1-1 unless you’re calling to report a crime in progress or someone’s life is at stake.  Any other calls simply delay emergency response where it is really needed. 

When shopping or at work:

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Never leave valuables (purse, wallet, cell phone, laptop, briefcase) visible in your vehicle. 
  • Put those items in the trunk of your car before arriving at your destination.  Many thieves watch hotel, restaurant and health club parking lots, waiting for you to put those items in the trunk.  Then they break into your trunk while you’re inside your place of business.
  • Always park in a well-lit and busy area.
  • Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.  Carry a wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
  • If you suspect you’re being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lit, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a store to call the police.
  • If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
  • Always hide your purse in a desk drawer at the office. 
  • Know who is coming in and out of your office.
  • Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.
  • Have your key ready before you reach the door – whether it’s your home, car or office.

At home:

  • Make sure windows and doors are equipped with working locks.
  • Install dead bolt locks on exterior doors and a peephole on your front door.
  • Leave your front porch light on.
  • Make sure smoke detectors are properly functioning and change batteries at least twice a year.
  • Repairmen, salespeople and police always carry identification.  Ask to see it before letting anyone you don’t know into your home.  Call the company to verify the individual’s identity if you have any questions.
  • Leave spare house keys with a friend – not under the doormat or under a flowerpot.
  • If you come home and see a door or window open or broken, don’t go in.  Call police from a cell phone or neighbor’s home.
  • Clearly display your house number, so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
  • When leaving on vacation, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper when you’re away.  Put automatic timers on at least two lights (and possibly a radio) to help your home look and sound lived-in.

For apartment residents:

  • All of the above “at home” tips apply.  In addition, make sure that entrances, parking areas, hallways, stairways, laundry rooms and other common areas are well lit.  Report burned-out bulbs or other problems to the manager.
  • Look for communities that are Blue Star certified by the Houston Police Department.