Oak Park Community Council

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Crime Watch Tips from Oak Park Neighborhood Watch

Crime Watch Tips from Oak Park Neighborhood Watch

How to Prevent Car Theft 'Smash and Grab'
 
It takes less than a minute for for a thief to break your car window and take your laptop, smartphone, or purse on the front seat. Don't be another statistic!
 
1. Keep your car visible
Park in well-lit areas near people or with an on-duty parking lot or garage attendant. Avoid having your car concealed by larger vehicles, fences, or foliage; thieves like to work in private.

2. Don’t make it easy
Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Almost one-fourth of thefts from vehicles are from unlocked cars.

3. Activate your vehicle’s alarm
Don't have one? Factory-installed and theft systems are best, but a professionally-installed alarm can discourage a car break-in thief who likes to work in silence. 

4. Hide your valuables
Many smash-and-grab thieves act on impulse, so keep your stuff out of sight – either with you or in a locked trunk. Don’t count on the glove box; thieves know to look there, and they’re easy to break into. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area open, get a retractable fitted cover to keep shopping bags or other belongings hidden.

5. Stow your stuff before arrival
Experienced thieves often stake out parking lots to watch for people putting items in their trunk. Help prevent car break-ins by putting valuables like laptops, messenger bags, and electronic devices into your trunk before you get to the parking lot.

6. Hide electronic accessories
Stash away telltale evidence as power plugs, MP3 adapters, and navigation system windshield suction-cup mounts. Thieves know what they’re looking for, so hide the electronic accessories, too.

7. Trust your instincts
If you see suspicious activity, find another spot to park. If you’re concerned, tell the attendant or report your suspicions to police. You may be helping keep another person from being a victim of a car break-in or worse. 

Disclaimer: The Oak Park Neighborhood Watch is not a vigilante group. We are an organized group of citizens that meets regularly to discuss crime prevention and empower residents to report crimes, inform residents of their rights, and build neighborhood trust with local law enforcement. If you'd like to become involved in Neighborhood Watch or, would like to know who your Neighborhood Watch block captain is, contact the Oak Park Security Team Chair, Bruce Thompson, at ( Bruce_thompson_1983@msn.com )
 


Get to Know Your Neighbors

Building strong relationships with your neighbors positively affects your living situation and the overall safety of the neighborhood. Sometimes we go years without knowing who we live next to--until it is too late and we don't have anyone to turn to when we need help the most.  Neighbors are not only your friends but they can be your lifeline. As summer approaches and the weather warms up, this is the perfect time to get out and talk to some new faces around the block. 
 

1. Remember to smile and say "hello" 
This simple act is often overlooked and forgotten but it's so important to create a mutual feeling of trust and comfort. Make it a habit.

2. Start walking your dog or jogging around your neighborhood
Stop and chat with neighbors along the way to make yourself more recognizable. Don't walking past as quickly as possible to avoid conversation. This is your opportunity to engage your neighbor with some small talk.

3. Bake cookies
Because everyone loves cookies, right? Drop the goodies off while introducing yourself. This works really well if the neighbor just moved into the neighborhood. Maybe provide some tips on where to find the best local food or restaurants.

4. Host a neighborhood BBQ or block party
This is a perfect, no pressure, informal event that you can start at your home or with the help of the Oak Park Community Council. You don't have to spend a fortune. Make it potluck style, or have something simple like finger foods or hotdogs.

5. Attend community meetings
Stay informed about what is going on in your community. Chances are that your concerns are shared by many others in the neighborhood. Meetings of the Oak Park Community Council, Neighborhood Watch, and Chollas Lake Recreation Council are good starting points to network with other neighbors and stay informed.

Disclaimer: The Oak Park Neighborhood Watch is not a vigilante group. We are an organized group of citizens that meets regularly to discuss crime prevention and empower residents to report crimes, inform residents of their rights, and build neighborhood trust with local law enforcement. If you'd like to become involved in Neighborhood Watch or, would like to know who your Neighborhood Watch block captain is, contact the Oak Park Security Team Chair, Bruce Thompson, at (Bruce_thompson_1983@msn.com)

We often get asked the question: "When do I call 9-1-1?
When am I supposed to call the non-emergency number?"

 
911 is for Emergencies.  Call IF you:
  • Experience any threat or perceived threat to life or property. 
  • Need immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance personnel required. Examples:  fire, crime (especially in progress), car crash, medical emergency,  
  • Anytime you believe that you hear gunshots.
  • If the issue involves mental illness, ask that PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team) be notified. 
  • When in doubt – call!
VERY IMPORTANT: get a reference number from the dispatcher.
 
Call Police Non-Emergency Number (619-531-2000)  IF you experience:
  • No serious personal injury, property damage, or property loss.
  • No possibility that the suspect is still at the scene or is likely to return to the scene.
  • No immediate response required.

Stay on the line and get a reference number from the dispatcher.

Follow up with police using the reference numbers so that you can make ensure that the case has been resolved. Report the issue to your nearest Neighborhood Watch block captain so that your case can be tracked and he or she may be able to assist you in following up on cases. 

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