Burglary Prevention Tips

[Howard Hartman]

	City of Takoma Park Police Department 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 24, 2010	Public Information Office              301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901

Burglary Prevention Tips

A Message from the Chief of Police on Crime in the City

With the beginning of summer, crime in the city has increased in the last couple of weeks. Robberies, burglaries and graffiti crimes are on the upswing. The police department has moved our plainclothes unit to address these crimes. We have increased bike patrol in residential neighborhoods. Our detectives and Crime Analyst are evaluating and following up on crimes. We have recently made several significant arrests for robbery, burglary and auto theft. We need our residents to be our eyes and ears and call in any suspicious observances. Timely calls by residents recently led to the apprehensions of auto theft and burglary suspects. Working in partnership we can have a safe summer.

Burglary Prevention Tips:

Burglary is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A home that presents itself as insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. Please review the following in order to protect your home and your valuables:

1. The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes! Report burglaries immediately!
   
   
2. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. If you have not checked your house, let the police check it for you. Leave the house and call the police.
   
   
3. It’s important to keep a list of serial numbers and/or receipts of all electronic equipment, i.e., televisions, stereos, cell phones, iPods, computers, as well as a list of items that are easily sold or pawned, i.e., jewelry, collectibles. Photographs or video tapes are always useful to keep a record of what you own (and insurance companies would also find this useful and convenient). Update your list periodically and do not leave it in the residence, if possible. Use an engraving pen to write your current driver's license number on your property. Burglars don't want marked merchandise.
   
   
4. Make it time-consuming for a burglar to break into your home - secure your residence! Sometimes installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors or windows will deter a criminal; they don’t want to spend too much time in one place. Check and double-check that all doors and windows are shut and locked before you leave the house; even if you are leaving for a short period of time.
   
   
5. Display "Beware" signs. If you have a dog or an alarm system, put up signs that say you do. They do deter thieves.
   
   
6. When you leave your residence, do not leave valuables in plain sight. For instance, if your dining room table is within view of a window, don’t leave a laptop computer sitting there. When possible, pull shades or curtains so that property cannot be seen from outside the residence.
   
   
7. Be one step ahead of the burglar - case your own home and look for easy ways into your home and then take appropriate measures to correct it.
   
   
8. A big problem in this City is citizens not calling the police. If you see someone suspicious who does not belong in your neighborhood, call the police. If you see a suspicious vehicle, call the police. Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles. Write down a description of any suspicious persons. You can never be too careful. A lack of information on suspects can hinder an investigation.
   
   
9. Burglars in most instances will case a neighborhood or the routine of residents. Every once in a while, leave at a different time. Change your routine to throw the burglar off. If you are not consistent, how can they be?
   
   
10. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys. Do not leave one.
    
    
11. If you do encounter a burglar in your home, please attempt to secure yourself in a room where you have access to a phone and immediately contact police. Do not confront suspect(s) or attempt to fight and/or chase after suspect(s).

These tips are not intended to scare or frighten anyone, however, crime is a fact of life everywhere. As partners, we can discourage criminals from targeting certain areas. We can make it hard for them.

The Takoma Park Police Department currently has a task force in place made up of a Crime Analyst, detectives and patrol officers. We are committed to reducing the amount of crime in Takoma Park.

If you are not satisfied with your contact with the Takoma Park Police Department, you are encouraged to call Chief Ricucci directly and let him know about it. His direct number is 301.891.7104. He is always happy to hear from our citizens!

Let’s make a difference together. Let’s demonstrate to the criminals that we are putting them on notice that they will be caught!

Protect Yourself While Walking Throughout the Community

Some safety tips the Takoma Park Police want citizens to know and how they can protect themselves while walking throughout the community.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Most criminals look for convenient and what they perceive as “easy” prey. There are some common sense precautions you can take to minimize the risk of being robbed.

1. If you must walk alone at night, walk in highly visible, well lighted areas.
   
   
2. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. As you walk, look around you. Scan the area.
   
   
3. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by using a cell phone or head phones.
   
   
4. Walk purposefully and look confident. Keep your head up.
   
   
5. If you see an individual, a group or a parked vehicle that looks suspicious or causes you concern, keep your distance. Take another route or ask for help.
   
   
6. Do not walk close to shrubbery, doorways or cars where someone can easily hide.
   
   
7. Hide your valuables. Don’t flash jewelry or other expensive belongings. Keep any bag or purse close to your body, preferably in front.
   
   
8. Try to limit your use of ATM machines to daytime, avoiding those that are out of the way and as always, be aware of your surroundings.
   
   
9. If you think you are being followed, quickly change directions and if possible go to a location where there are other people that can help you.
   
   
10. If an unknown vehicle approaches you, immediately change directions.
    
    
11. If you do find yourself being robbed, avoid being injured by giving the robber what they want.
    
    
12. Don’t attempt to resist or attack the subject.
    
    
13. If possible, try to note details that will help in catching the suspect, such as race, hair, facial features, height, weight, build, clothing and vehicle and tag information.
    
    
14. Call police immediately (301.270.1100) or “911" and stay in a safe place nearby until they arrive.

Secure Your Vehicle

If you leave valuables in your vehicle, will they be there when you return? If they can see it, they can steal it. So, secure it!

Theft from auto can occur at any time, from any vehicle. Often, valuables left in a car are taken during the night, but daytime thefts can occur on busy streets, with nobody reporting any suspicious behavior.

What Property Is Stolen? The following items, although not all-inclusive, should be taken into your home, or you risk them being taken by thieves: cellular phones, money, purse, wallet, briefcases, CDs, iPods, portable GPS systems, laptop computers and sports equipment. Auto parts are also taken, including a vehicle’s license plate.

How? Method of entry varies too. Unlocked cars with valuables in easy reach are as common as a window or door lock broken to gain entry.

Deterrents

Vehicle Theft: Many auto parts stores sell steering wheel locks which are inexpensive; these are a major deterrent to vehicle theft.

For License Plate Theft: a unique screw, which requires a special tool to release the license plate, is available from auto parts stores. The cost can be as low as $4.

What you can do

1. Lock doors and close windows completely.
   
   
2. Remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them in the trunk where they are out of sight.
   
   
3. Do not leave electronic devices or accessories visible. (A cigarette lighter plug or cassette adapter are tell-tale signs of valuables in the car. Replace the lighter when exiting the vehicle.)
   
   
4. Do not leave money in the car.
   
   
5. Park in your garage, if you have one, or in a well-lit area.
   
   
6. Install "tapered" door lock or an anti-theft device that has a visible indicator.

Aid to Recovery

Some valuables can't be taken out of the vehicle, such as a stereo or speakers. When installing custom sound equipment, record the serial numbers and/or engrave your driver's license on the items before installation. If stolen, those numbers could make a difference in locating and recovering the property, and prosecuting the thieves.

If you see suspicious activity, on the street or in a parking lot, call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.