By City Manager Ken Striplin
At the City of Santa Clarita, public safety remains one of our most important responsibilities. Whether it’s implementing innovative tools like Virtual Deputy, strengthening our partnership with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, or expanding community education, our goal is to ensure every resident feels safe – at home, on our roads and throughout our neighborhoods.
One of the most effective ways to enhance public safety is also the simplest: prevention. That’s why I’m proud to share the expansion of our Lock It or Lose It campaign through a new effort focused on home security – Lock It or Lose It: Home Edition, or LioLiHE.
LioLiHE builds on the proven success of our vehicle-focused campaign by bringing prevention principles into the home. The majority of residential burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Unlocked doors, dark entryways and visible valuables often signal easy access to potential intruders. LioLiHE helps residents reverse that message – and instead, send a clear signal: this home is prepared.
LioLiHE promotes simple, effective prevention through a layered security strategy. Motion-activated lights enhance visibility and deter potential intruders. Security cameras add an extra layer of accountability and offer homeowners peace of mind. Secure locks, windows and gates help define clear physical boundaries that discourage unauthorized access. Visible cues, such as exterior lighting or security signage, can influence whether a home is targeted. And believe it or not, the presence of a barking dog remains one of the most effective deterrents.
I also encourage residents to secure valuables in safes that are bolted to the foundation and avoid leaving spare keys in predictable spots like under doormats or flowerpots. When using video doorbells or smart systems, it’s best to avoid indicating you’re away when answering remotely. Saying “I can’t come to the door right now” is far more effective than letting someone know the house is empty.
Of course, prevention extends beyond the home itself. Staying alert to suspicious activity – such as unfamiliar vehicles driving slowly through the neighborhood, individuals knocking on doors without a clear purpose or anything that feels out of place – can play a critical role in stopping crime before it starts. When reporting suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Station, details matter: license plates, vehicle make and model, direction of travel or clothing descriptions can all assist deputies in their response.
I encourage residents to take a few minutes to assess their home security and visit SantaClarita.gov/LioLi for resources and tips. Participation is free, implementation is simple and the impact is real. Because in Santa Clarita, we believe that staying safe starts with staying one step ahead. And that means locking it – before you lose it.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
