Crime Alert

District Three Officers, Detectives and Captain Leyshock have been working hard to effect arrest related to recent car break ins (car clotting). Below is a result of their efforts

District Three Detectives applied on warrants on Jeffery Johnson for the series of vehicle break-ins at 18^th/Cherokee from 12/4/11.  TWO counts of Tampering 1^st and 2 counts of theft under $500 were issued and additional charges will be added at Grand Jury.

With the Holidays upon us, now is a good time to remind people to take steps to make sure your Holidays aren’t spoiled by criminals.

The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.
 OUT SHOPPING – When shops are crowed, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these to be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash. The same applies to traveling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well-lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave gifts in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the truck before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch parking lots for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all you’re shopping. Keep your checkbook and check card separately.

AT HOME – Having bought all those wonderful gifts, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you ‘hide’ or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or garages, make sure they are very secure. Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc) and with the extra presents you have bought. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference. Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside – dispose of packing carefully.

IF YOU GO OUT FOR THE EVENING – Make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio. Don’t leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don’t leave Christmas lights on in the house while you are out.

OUT ON THE TOWN – With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times. Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home. Avoid any potential disturbances on the street.  Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back.

 
OUT OF TOWN – Use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home. Don’t forget to cancel newspapers and redirect your mail through the Post Office or have your neighbor take mail into the house – unopened Christmas cards and mail is a sure sign that a house is empty. Strangers at the door – genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and delivery vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it. If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank.

Have a very safe Holiday Season.
P.O. Joseph Calabro Third District Community Outreach 444-0169 www.slmpd.org or www.slpd3d.org

Thank you stay safe.