Practical steps to a safer St. Maarten
Simple, everyday precautions can make a real difference in protecting your family, your home, your business, and your community. Explore each topic below for quick tips, then dive deeper in the full PSA Community Safety Guide.
Protecting the place your family calls home
Your home should be a place where you and your family feel safe and secure. While no property can be completely crime-proof, taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of burglary and help protect the people and belongings that matter most.
- Always lock all doors and windows before leaving your home or going to bed.
- Keep the outside of your home well lit, especially entrances, driveways, and walkways.
- Avoid announcing vacations or extended absences on social media.
- Trim shrubs and trees that could provide hiding places near windows and doors.
- Get to know your neighbors and report suspicious activity to the police.
Reducing risk for shops, offices & staff
Businesses of every size can become targets for theft, robbery, or vandalism. By combining good security habits with employee awareness and proper planning, business owners can significantly reduce risk and create a safer environment for customers and staff.
- Ensure entrances, exits, and parking areas are well illuminated.
- Limit the amount of cash kept on the premises and use secure cash-handling procedures.
- Train employees to recognize and report suspicious behavior.
- Keep valuable merchandise and equipment properly secured.
- Test alarm and surveillance systems regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Your silent security partner
A properly designed surveillance system can help deter crime, improve security, and provide valuable evidence when incidents occur. Effective camera placement and regular maintenance are just as important as the equipment itself.
- Position cameras to cover entrances, exits, and other key access points.
- Ensure outdoor areas are adequately illuminated for clear nighttime recordings.
- Regularly inspect cameras to confirm they are clean and operating properly.
- Protect recording equipment with secure passwords and restricted access.
- Clearly display signs indicating that CCTV is in operation.
Staying safe in a high-risk moment
An armed robbery can happen quickly and unexpectedly. Your personal safety should always be your highest priority. Remaining calm and knowing how to respond can help reduce the risk of injury during a dangerous situation.
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
- Cooperate with the offender without arguing or resisting.
- Observe details only if it can be done safely.
- Call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Avoid discussing the incident with others until police have taken your statement.
Making your vehicle a harder target
Vehicle theft can often be prevented through simple security habits. Taking a few extra precautions every day can make your vehicle a much less attractive target for criminals.
- Always lock your vehicle, even during short stops.
- Never leave keys or valuables inside your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, highly visible areas whenever possible.
- Close all windows completely before leaving your vehicle.
- Consider installing additional anti-theft devices where appropriate.
Help is available. You are not alone.
Domestic violence affects individuals and families from all backgrounds and should never be ignored. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available, and reaching out can be the first step toward safety and support.
Where to seek help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the police right away. Confidential support services and safety planning resources are also available through the PSA Community Safety Guide.
- Take all threats of violence seriously.
- Speak with someone you trust if you feel unsafe.
- Contact the police immediately if you are in danger.
- Develop a personal safety plan whenever possible.
- Seek assistance from organizations that provide confidential support services.
Staying a step ahead of scammers
Fraudsters continually develop new ways to steal money and personal information through telephone calls, emails, text messages, social media, and online marketplaces. Staying informed and exercising caution can help protect you from becoming a victim.
- Never share passwords, PIN numbers, or banking information with anyone.
- Verify unexpected requests for money or personal information before responding.
- Be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true.
- Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity.
- Report suspected scams to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.
Featured Community Partners
The organizations featured below represent a selection of our valued sponsors and partners. We gratefully acknowledge all of the organizations that support the Police Sports Association. To view our complete list of sponsors and partners, please visit our Partners & Sponsors section. Together, they help make our community initiatives possible.
Crime prevention begins with you
Explore the full PSA Community Safety Guide for detailed, practical guidance on every topic above — and discover more ways to keep your family, home, and business protected.
View the Full Community Safety Guide