A word from our friend, Master Patrol Officer James Schriever, CIO, Central Patrol Division, Office- 816-759-6313, Cell -816-719-8350 Recent Increase in Home Burglaries in the Southwest part of Central Patrol. During the last month, we have seen a significant increase in home burglaries in the geographical area from Linwood to Brush Creek area, Troost to State Line. If someone or something in your neighborhood looks suspicious, call it in to 911 or the Non-Emergency Number at 816-234-5111. Also remember that social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are not an alternative to calling to report suspicious activity. We try to stay connected on the social media sites, but due to workload, assignments, days off, we can’t monitor them at all times and should not be considered an alternative to requesting police services. Even though I’m prohibited from endorsing a specific product or company, and this should not be considered an endorsement for this company, I believe I have an obligation to make our community aware of a product that can increase their safety and potentially prevent a home burglary. Almost daily I speak to a community member who has been the victim of a home burglary and often asked what a home owner can do to “harden their target”. Partners, crime prevention does not to be costly. I receive many comments that cost is a factor especially when it comes to installing video cameras. Again this is not an endorsement but I recently purchased an 8 camera digital system from Costco for $399.00. It was basic plug and play installation and the cameras are digital with night vision capabilities. This system also has the capabilities to be monitored from my cell phone when I am away. Within a month of installing the camera, I captured multiple images of the subjects who were casing houses, pretending to be selling cleaning products. One subject hid around the corner, while the other subject knocked on my door and ran down the stairs. Also with the holidays, many have treated themselves or received many gifts including expensive electronics. But please remember, the criminals are “shopping” as well. Their “shopping” involves looking into vehicles to see if items of value are left in plain view or covered up as well as “shopping” curbside recycling bins looking for those who have received new electronic items and other items of value. Even though I fully support the trash amnesty day after Christmas, as I drove through my neighborhood, I observed many of my neighbors putting their homes at risk by placing their electronic cartons and packaging on the curb. Remember, many are also cruising neighborhoods looking into windows for those who are showing off their monster screen TV by leaving curtains open or mounting on walls that can be viewed from the street. This curbside “shopping” take the guesswork out of breaking in as you have just told the world about that new electronic device inside. Look at it as you have just posted a large neon sign to attract and tempt that criminal element. Utilize neighborhood recycling centers to drop off packaging for electronics or items of value and have a plan on where to mount that TV so it cannot be viewed from the street. Also use blinds and curtains to restrict the view from the street. Also with the growing popularity of purchasing items online, criminals are also “shopping” from porches and doorsteps. If you are ordering gifts, please ask for a tracking number from the shipping company so the package can be tracked. On its arrival date, please bring inside ASAP or make arrangements to have a trusted friend, neighbor or family member pick up the package. Check out this link for a crime prevention product and again is in no way an endorsement. jambbrace/ Also Check out the link from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department on ways to secure your home. kcmo.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2013/12/Burglary-Prevention-English-version.pdf Here Are More Crime Prevention Tips What cops and crooks say youre doing wrong. Youre an easy target. Thats what we heard when we talked to police, experts, and especially people who have spent time on the other side of the law. As vacation season begins, and crime doesnt take a holiday, these security missteps may surprise you -- or at least remind you what police dramas taught: Be careful out there. Here are the mistakes to avoid at home, with your electronics, and for your personal finances: At Home Making a break-in too easy About half of all break-ins arent break-ins but walk-ins, says Bob Portenier, consultant, lecturer, and former burglar. Families get in a hurry in the morning -- kids going to school, running late for work, doctors appointments, what have you -- and forget to take that one or two minutes to check the doors and locks, usually on the back side. You have a pet, you let it out to do its business -- and then forget the security French door or sliding glass door. Remember, dont forget to turn on your home alarm. In a security survey of 1,038 U.S. homeowners we conducted in February, 43 percent of people in our survey who had an alarm said they at least occasionally dont turn it on when theyre not at home. Some other troubling numbers. Nineteen percent of people in our survey said they at least occasionally leave doors at home unlocked when theyre out, and 26 percent of survey respondents said they at least occasionally leave windows unlocked when theyre not at home. Description: l.yimg/a/p/us/news/editorial/8/da/8daa351477c72d6d18a7388c4b7b9fe5.jpeg Leaving your garage door open In addition to providing access to everything in the garage, the door most likely leads to an interior door and access to your house. That interior door probably isnt as strong as an exterior door. And once a burglars in your garage, the neighbors cant see him. And don’t even leave your garage door open while doing yard work in back yard. It only takes less than a minute to run in , grab a tool or laptop and be gone. Obscuring your house Tall hedges and fences hide windows and doors, giving thieves cover to work, says Walter T. Shaw, former burglar and co-author of A License to Steal. Leaving valuables in sight When we targeted a house, we would approach the door and look in -- the quality of furniture, whatever there was -- to give us an idea of how these people spend their money, says Portenier. So with mirror-tinted windows, it eliminates that. Advertising a vacation People often dont do anything to make the house look occupied, says Maj. Kurt Philipps of the Memphis police department. Lt. John Dzwlewicz of the New York City police department suggests this trick: Put some inexpensive kids toys on the lawn. On Facebook, share news of your trip only after you return. Description: l.yimg/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/f0/1f010daff56b8b9077e42aa108f8803e.jpeg Being carefree with keys Leaving keys under the doormat or elsewhere outside the home is a risk that 12 percent of people in our survey say they often take. Another 7 percent say they do it occasionally. And 66 percent say they have given a key to someone other than a resident of their home. And avoid hiding your car keys inside or outside the car. That just makes it easier for thieves to engage in a spur-of-the-moment theft, authorities say. Many of todays cars make it difficult to lock your keys inside. If youre concerned about that anyway, keep a spare in your wallet or purse. Eleven percent of people in our survey said they at least occasionally leave car keys in the ignition when parked. And 52 percent of people from non-metro areas in our survey said they at least occasionally leave their car unlocked outside.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:49:56 +0000
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