WYOMING, Mich., - The Wyoming Police Department will be offering a Citizens Academy Program to enhance citizen awareness and understanding of the role of law enforcement in the community. This program is designed for persons of all backgrounds and occupations, and is patterned after successful programs in other parts of the country.

Wyoming, Mich., Dec. 15, 2011 - Around the holidays the Wyoming Police Department tends to see an increase in home and car burglaries. Police Chief James Carmody said that homes are most vulnerable to burglaries between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Carmody also noted that this year home invasions when families are at home and sleeping are occurring at a greater rate than is typical.

To decrease your chances of becoming a target this holiday season, the Wyoming Police Department has put together the following suggested safety tips for holiday shoppers and travelers.

1. Turn many lights on. Outside lights and motion lights should be left on during dark hours, along with an interior light being on low throughout the night.

2. All doors should always be locked, even when you are home.  This includes garage doors, rear sliders, screen doors, deadbolts, etc….

Wyoming Chief of Police James E. Carmody reported to the City Council last week that overall crime levels in Wyoming have fallen over the last year, and he and his department anticipate the trend will continue over the next year.

Carmody reported a 25 percent reduction in violent crime, which includes murder, sexual misconduct, robbery, and aggravated assault. The reduction occurred despite budget cuts and the elimination of positions within the police department, he said.

Carmody told the council that the Police Department will be hiring four new officers, and has set in place several goals to establish effective policing techniques. Carmody said he hopes to increase the number of reported crimes by getting civilians to come forward, and will place a special focus on those who fear to report crimes because of immigration issues.