Harry Stone Crime Watch #1155

CRIME PREVENTION - TIPS & MISC. INFO.

HOUSEHOLD & NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS - Tips

Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity! If the person is at your front door or on your property, call 911 and tell the operator that it is a "prowler" and that it is "in progress". That alerts 911 to get an officer to respond immediately.

FRAUDS & SCAMS:

Due to the panhandlers that have been menacing our neighborhood this past year, I have found a few tips on how to prevent becoming a victim of Fraud or a Scam. These tips relate to several different types of fraud, not just the ones that come knocking at your door.

Don't Get Stung!

Con artists are extremely smart, persuasive, and aggressive about invading your home through the telephone, mail, other forms of advertisement or even by greeting you at your front door. Most people think they are too smart to fall for a scam and then too embarrassed to notify the police. Always use common sense and learn about some of the old and new scams.

Quick Tips

Don't let greed cloud your common sense. If it sounds too good to be true.....it probably is! Watch out for: High pressure sales, demands for cash only, pressure for quick decisions, secret deals, no-risk and high-yield investments.

If part of their "speech" includes mentioning a neighbors name, if you don't this neighbor, it's probably a red flag that they don't actually exist and are part of their "ploy".

Get a second opinion from someone you trust, if you have the time.

If the person is at your door or in your yard, walk away or close the door on them.

Money Over The Phone

Be wary if you are asked for your credit card number to verify a free vacation or other gifts.

Make sure you know the charges before calling 900 numbers.

Ask for a financial report if a caller requests a charitable donation.

Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone.


HOUSEHOLD TIPS:

GARAGE DOOR WITH ELECTRIC OPENER:

This tip is for anyone who has a garage door with window(s) and an electric garage door opener.

The track for the garage door opener that runs from the front of your garage to the back has a cord that dangles from it. Thieves have figured out that if they break a window and reach in with an object with a hook at the end, i.e., a coat hanger, they can pull that cord to disengage your electric door opener and then manually open the door.

If you remove the knot and/or handle attached at the bottom of the cord, there is nothing for them to hook onto.

Another thing you can do is to manually lock the garage door from the inside. There should be a knob located on the door that you can turn to place it in the lock position. This makes it impossible to open it manually from the outside even if they break the glass and disengage the opener. If you do this, make sure you remember to unlock the door prior to using your garage door or there is a possibility that the garage door will get bent.


Protect Your Home:

Below are Safety Tips to help protect your home day and/or night. I copied these tips directly from the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas web site:

Keep lights on during the nighttime, both at the front and back of your home.

Ensure all exterior doors are constructed of solid-core wood or metal.

Install high-quality dead bolt locks, and use them.

Install secondary locking mechanisms (such as pins) on windows and sliding glass doors.

If you have an interior thumb-turn lock within 40 inches of a window, consider replacing it with a double cylinder lock (check local zoning laws first, and ensure a key is always kept near to each door, so people living in your home can escape quickly in case of a fire).

Install peepholes with a minimum of a 190-degree field of view in all exterior doors.

When away from your home for an extended time, take the following precautions:

- Place cars in the garage (if you have one), and unplug garage door openers.

- Have a trusted neighbor or friend check on your home daily, and maintain a lived-in appearance (collect newspapers/mail, mow the lawn, etc.).

- Use a timer to turn lights and/or radios on and off.

- Notify your security company if you have a monitored security system.

Keep trees and bushes neatly trimmed; overgrown vegetation provides a perfect hiding place for burglars.

Remove the small knob or handle attached to the end of the cord that detaches your garage door opener from the garage door; burglars have tools that can grab the knob and allow them to access your garage.

Mark all valuable personal property in your home and keep a list containing pertinent information about the property (serial numbers, brand, model, etc.); such property is more difficult to sell and is unattractive to burglars.

Don't keep large amounts of cash at home; the bank is safer (and insured).

REPORTING CRIME

GET PAID FOR REPORTING CRIME:

Reporting crime is the first and most important step in reducing crime. Whenever crime is reported in an area, the criminals begin to get word of that and move elsewhere. There is a program available called, "Crime Stoppers" that will actually pay you up to $1,000 for reporting a crime that leads to an arrest or charges being filed against the person who committed the crime.

There are over 500 local Crime Stoppers and Campus Crime Stoppers Programs operating throughout Texas. Many other communities are starting new programs. County-wide and regional Crime Stoppers Programs are being developed in areas where no single agency has sufficient manpower or finances to support the program.

Local crime stoppers programs are designed to achieve citizen interest and involvement through three methods:

1. Anonymity;

2. Establishing reward systems which pay for information leading to the arrest or charges filed on persons involved in felony crimes; and

3. The selection of an unsolved "Crime of the Week" featured by reenactment in a nightly television news broadcast, radio spots, and newspaper articles.

HOLIDAYS & PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS:

HOW CAN I HELP IN THE WAR ON DRUGS?

Pay close attention to what is happening in your neighborhood.

* Is there unusually heavy traffic in and out of a house, apartment or
parking lot? Is this unusually heavy traffic at odd hours during the day
and/or late night hours?

Drug traffic usually involves
stays of very short duration,
typically a matter of minutes to
less than one hour in length.

* Do you notice unusual exchanges between people?

Nervous exchanges of small
objects or money are often
indicative of a drug buy.

* Are there a lot of exchanges taking place through the bars of a fortified
door or window?

* Have you noticed regular meetings taking place between the same people
at the same location?

WHAT DO I DO IF I NOTICE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY THAT MIGHT PERTAIN TO DRUGS?

If you observe suspicious activities in your neighborhood, call the Dallas Police Department Narcotics Unit. The more information you can supply, safely, the easier it will be to address the problem, so be prepared to provide the following information:

* Exact location of the activity, i.e., front yard, park, street corner, passed through car windows, inside the property, etc. Make sure to include the physical address of the location. If it is a location that doesn't have a
physical address, such as a street corner, make note of which corner, i.e., south or north & east or west, and if it is somewhere that the only
information you can provide is the name of the street and the "100"
block of the street, that will work as well.

* Times of day and days of the week when heaviest traffic occurs.

* Describe the dealers. Include race, age, sex, approximate height,
approximate weight, hair color & style and any names or visible marks you may know of or have noticed. Even a partial description of any of the items mentioned will help.

* Average description of buyers, i.e., race, age, sex.

* Type of drug being sold. If you hear the name of the drug, write it down immediately. If you aren't sure how to spell it, write it down according to the way it sounded.

Under NO circumstance should you place yourself in danger in order to obtain any of this information.

If you need any further information on drugs, please call the HSCW Voice Mail Service at 214/967-4729 and leave a message of up to five minutes in length (this service doesn't provide Caller ID). If you have a suspect(s) in mind and prefer to talk to a Narcotics Officer, the phone number of the Narcotics Department for the DPD Northeast Substation is 214/671-3120.


HALLOWEEN HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS:

Below are a few Safety Tips to help you avoid being a victim of crime during the Halloween Holiday season:

Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.

When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.

Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

Do not leave your home unattended if at all possible.

Keep your pet(s) indoors or in another safe place.

Walk through your neighborhood with others to discourage acts of malicious mischief and speeding motorists.

Set a specific time limit for your child/children to be out and stick to it.

Do not give anything except commercially wrapped treats to children you do not know. Make sure you check the treats for any prior damage before handing them out.

Instruct your children to never enter the home of a stranger.

Never invite children into your home.

Do not give homemade treats to any children unless you know both them and their parents. Make sure the treats are properly wrapped.


Below are a few Safety Tips to help the "Trick or Treaters" avoid being a
victim of crime on Halloween night:

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

Select a costume that is flame resistant, does not restrict movement and is short enough to avoid tripping.
Wear bright and reflective costumes. Add reflective striping or tape to clothing/costume for greater visibility.

A mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup instead. If a mask is used, wear it only when you are at the door receiving your treat.
Regular shoes are safer than costume-style shoes.

Choose a Trick-or-Treat bag that is reflective and has handles for easy carrying.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

If simulated guns, knives or swords are used make sure they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

Discuss appropriate and inappropriate Halloween behavior with your children.
Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Never Trick-or-Treat alone. Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

Trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods and only at homes that have a porch light on.

Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalks.

If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk.

Look both ways before crossing the street.

Be careful around dogs. They are often frightened by the costumes and commotion.

NEVER cross across yards or alleys.
Don't assume the right of way.

Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.

Be very cautious of strangers.

Accept your treats only in the doorway; never enter a house or car.

Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

NEVER EAT ANY OF YOUR TREATS UNTIL YOUR PARENTS HAVE CHECKED THEM!

Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity!


CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS:

Since Christmas Shopping has now officially began, I am listing two different crime prevention categories that pertains to shopping for you to read. The first category pertains to things to avoid when you are dressing for a shopping trip. The second category pertains to strangers who may come to your home and/or strangers that approach you while you are out in public.

Dress casually and comfortably;

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry; and

Carry your wallet in your front pocket and your purse securely around your shoulder. Always carry your Texas Driver License or Texas Identification Card along with only the amount of necessary cash, your debit card, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts; and

It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved. Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Donate to a recognized charitable organization. If someone appears at your door that isn't soliciting donations for a charity, you do not need to ask for identification. Instead, DO NOT EVER give them ANY money. When you give them money, that keeps them coming back into our neighborhood and when you aren't at home, they often come back and break in your house.

For the 2nd week of the Christmas season, I am giving another tip in regards to Christmas Shopping. This tip pertains to driving during the season and parking while out shopping.

DRIVING

Be cautious when driving alone at night.;

Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car;

Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. A car can be stolen in a few seconds;

If you must use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) choose an ATM that is located inside a police station, mall, grocery store or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need;

Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you in an attempt to view your transaction or obtain your PIN. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location;

PARKING

If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area;

Do not park next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows;

Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates an unnecessary temptation for thieves

When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious
people standing by. Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving
your shopping location.

Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Minimize shopping after dark or when alone. Take a friend or family member with you;

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible;

Keep cash in your front pocket;

Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused;

Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home so you can report stolen or lost cards by their number;

Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses or other rapid transit; and

Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.


This week, I am giving a tip about Crime Prevention for Children during the Christmas Shopping season.

CHILDREN

If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter;

Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you while shopping;

Teach children to stay close to you at all times.

Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom;

Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to a police officer or mall security only; and

Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

The information contained in this circular is meant to contribute to the safety and security of people during the holiday season. We can never be too careful, prepared or aware. Share this information with family, friends and neighbors. Schedule family discussions to ensure that they understand crime prevention and personal safety measures, which will assist your family in having a safe holiday season.


This week, I am giving a tip about Out of Town Travel for those of you that will be celebrating Christmas somewhere other than home.

OUT AND ABOUT

Your home is secured and you're packed. Now it's time to go. While you and your family are traveling, it's important to remember that tourists make tempting targets for thieves. Often lost or distracted, weighed down with bags, and carrying cameras, plane tickets, money, packages and other valuables, unsuspecting travelers can attract crime like a magnet;

The best advice for you and your family is to do all you can to blend in with the crowd;

Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags, presents and other items that might draw attention;

Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets at all times - no shortcuts;

Always lock your car when it's parked,
even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables and packages out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don't advertise that you're a tourist by leaving maps and guidebooks on the seat or dashboard - keep them in the glove compartment;

Traveling safely with your family also means sticking together and keeping an eye on your children at all times. Make sure they know where you're staying (name, address and phone number), and teach them what to do if they get lost or separated. You might want to agree on a meeting place, just in case. And by all means, make sure your kids know not to accept rides or favors from strangers; and

Make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons.

Email us
Chairman@HarryStoneCW.org