crime watch newsletter - Fort Worth Police Department

EAST DIVISION
CRIME WATCH NEWSLETTER
May/ June 2010
CRIME CONTROL
AND PREVENTION DISTRICT (CCPD)
CITIZENS APPRECIATION DAY
SATURDAY, MAY 15TH
Crime Watch Newsletter
is published by the Fort Worth Police Department East Division Crime Prevention Unit
For more information please contact Shirlee Wilkinson at 817-392-4800 or [email protected]
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 2
G-11 by Officer Tamelia Reddick
G-13
Hello all, I hope everyone is keeping cool and having a
fun, safe summer. Thanks to all of White Lake Hills Code
Blue for the great job you do patrolling your
neighborhood and for doing such a good job of reporting
suspicious activity in your area. Recently two of our
longtime patrollers passed away and a couple of others
have had to cut back on patrolling due to health issues. It
would be great if each Code Blue member would recruit
one neighbor to attend the next Code Blue training class
on Saturday, July 17 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the training
academy. Let’s schedule a crime watch meeting for your
block to train your neighbors to be as active in target
hardening and crime prevention.
Officer Chad Levine, the new NPO for G13 beat
was out of the office and was unable to meet the
deadline for this newsletter. He is getting married on
Friday, June 18, so watch for his news article in the
next edition.
[email protected] /
(817) 988-1077.
Until next time stay cool and thanks for all
you do.
G-12 by Officer Andy Nolan
G-14 by Officer Sam Brinegar
G14 beat-East -Tierney/ West -Oakland/ NorthI30/ South- RR tracks
 Call 911 to report any suspicious person or
persons, vehicles or activity any time of the day or
night.
 Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle.
 Lock your house, garage, storage building
and fences around your property.
 Turn on your alarms (look into getting
one if you don't have one).
 Check your outside lighting.
NPD
5
Greetings and hello from G12’s beat.
Since the last newsletter was printed, G12’s
beat has enjoyed some breaks in crime that
some of the other neighborhoods have had to
endure. Crime still does occur however. Keeping vigilant
with target hardening strategies and citizen/police
interaction seriously impacts the ability of offenders to
commit crimes. Most crime in your community is caused
by areas left vulnerable such as unlocked cars and
unsecured property. High-theft items such as GPS units
and radar detectors left in plain view are magnets for
potential thieves. As a police officer for over fourteen
years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with apprehended
criminals regarding their criminal careers. Some
offenders steal because they need money or have drug
problems; others believe that stealing is actually
meaningful employment. Don’t not help their careers
prosper; help prevent crime by protecting our assets and
starting a crime watch or block watch program today.
Thank you for your community support and your
dedication to helping our city stay safe. For information
on our crime prevention programs, please look at our new
website FortWorthpd.com
[email protected]. for additional
assistance.
by Officer Chad Levine
G-15 by Officer
Lloyd Cook
No article was received from Officer Cook
at deadline time. Look for his article in the
next edition of the newsletter.
G-16 by Officer Brad Perez
Hello All,
NPO Perez here. It’s summer, that time of year
again where we do more things outside and
unfortunately, so do the criminals. Please keep an
eye out for suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your
neighborhood and do not leave any lawn equipment
unattended, even for just a second.
Also, if someone unknown to you knocks on your
door — even solicitors — go ahead and call the
police so that we can check them out. It’s always
better to be safe than sorry.
Until next time, stay safe and stay smart.
Have a safe and fun
Fourth
of
July
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
G-17 by Officer Renee Lamond
Hello Code Blue,
I hope everyone attending the
Code Blue Seminar had a wonderful time and enjoyed
the great food and entertainment. Is Officer Brad Perez
talented or what?
Now it's back to the business of fighting crime
and suppressing evil. If the last couple of weeks of heat
are any indication as to what kind of summer we are
going to have, I would say we are in store for a hot one.
In addition to your weekly patrols, please check up
on your neighbors and those four-legged friends. If you
know anyone having a hard time with this heat due to
lack of resources, please let us know. Remember to
keep your lawn equipment secured and pass this on to
your neighbors; it only takes a second to grab those
items and be gone. We have seen an increase in BMVs
within the residential areas. If possible, keep your cars
secured in your garage. If space doesn't permit, do not
leave valuables in your vehicles in the driveway or
parked on the street . Keep up the good work, stay cool
Eastern Hills HOA Wins National Award
Fort Worth’s Eastern Hills Homeowners Association
brought home third place in the Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA)
2010 “Neighborhood of the Year Award” competition's Social
Revitalization/Neighborliness category. The 35th annual
NUSA conference held May 28 in Little Rock, Ark., included a
keynote address by former President Bill Clinton. The association was honored as one of the friendliest neighborhoods in the
United States. Activities and social groups such as their
monthly ladies lunch club and a preschool play group were
presented as examples of how to build a foundation of traditional neighborhood values, innovative ideas, and a strong
sense of community. The Eastern Hills Homeowner’s Association was formed in the mid-70s. Its three subdivisions – Meadowbrook Hills, Eastern Hills and Vinewood – include 525
homes. The neighborhood just east of downtown Fort Worth
offers quick access to major thoroughfares and destinations in
the Metroplex, including the Cultural District to the west and
the Stockyards to the north. The hallmark of the 400-acre
neighborhood is its terrain of rolling hills, adorned by an abundance of stately trees and flowers. The homes, predominantly
ranch-style on half-acre lots, are influenced by the architecture
of Frank Lloyd Wright. (NUSA is a national non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood
organizations. Each year the NUSA board solicits nominations
to recognize the commitment of neighborhoods and neighborhood-friendly individuals or enterprises in awarding
“Neighborhood of the Year” (NOTY). The NOTY awards have
been presented since 1984 as a collective “thank you” for the
hard work of nominated neighborhoods and are the only national awards given on an ongoing basis to neighborhood organizations for their self-help initiatives.
Page 3
G-18 by Officer Kim Gardner
Hello,
I’m Officer K. C. Gardner, 3144, the NPO for G518,
the Handley/Meadowbrook area. Here are some
helpful hints for staying safe this summer.
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Don’t leave children unattended in a vehicle. The
temperatures have already reached 100 degrees
and leaving children in the vehicle can be harmful
or deadly.
Drink plenty of water while you’re outside.
Remove all valuables from your vehicles.
Always lock doors and windows to homes and
vehicles. People are known to pull on the doors
and handles of cars and homes to see if they are
unlocked.
Close garage doors and backyard gates. Open
garage doors invite burglars.
Report any suspicious activity to the police.
City curfew hours are Friday-Saturday until
midnight and Sunday-Thursday until 11 p.m. for
children 17 years and younger during summer
when school is out.
Ladies, while in the grocery store, keep purses
secure and do not leave them unattended.
Cut shrubbery down where it doesn’t cover a
window. High shrubbery hides burglars trying to
enter homes.
Park only in well-lighted surroundings.
Have your keys ready when getting in your car or
entering your home
When possible, walk in a group instead of alone.
Don’t leave lawn equipment unattended.
If you see an unfamiliar vehicle driving through
your neighborhood, it could be someone casing the
neighborhood. Contact police if you feel there is
something suspicious about it.
Instruct children not to open the door to strangers
when you’re not home.
These are just a few tips for your safety and
protection.
If you are interested in having a crime watch meeting
in your neighborhood, please contact me and I will
come out and speak with you and your neighbors.
Thank you
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
G-19 by Officer LonNita Wiggins
Hello again,
It’s summer and I hope things have been going well
for you. With summer comes Texas heat, no school,
vacations and as with every season — crime. Recently,
we’ve experienced an increase in air conditioner thefts.
Tips for preventing air conditioner thefts include
adequate lighting near unit, attaching units to alarm
systems and placing an iron-welded gate over the
unit. Other prevention methods include reporting any
suspicious activity to 911.
School is out, so let's be mindful of children
playing. Take precautions when driving around a curve
or backing out the driveway. If you work with children
or provide daycare, be mindful of doublechecking your
vehicle to ensure children are not left in the car. If you
are taking vacation soon, don’t post that on your
Facebook or MySpace page. If you have children, check
their postings to ensure they don’t mention the family is
away on vacation.
Hats off to our fellow Citizens on Patrol (COPS) who
assist with patrolling our neighborhoods. We appreciate
your time and dedication in ensuring the safety of our
city. The seminar was a blast. For those unable to attend,
hopefully we'll see you next year. For those interested in
COPS for Eastchase, contact me.
Take a moment to speak with your neighbors and
inform FWPD of unusual or illegal activity. Together,
we can make a difference. Enjoy your summer,
Officer L. Wiggins #3684
Fort Worth Police Department
Eastchase Community- NPO(G519)
817-360-6147
G-20 by Officer Gus Green
Hello everyone. As the new NPO for George 20’s
beat, I have my work cut out for me at the moment. I
have a larger beat that contains several apartment
complexes, and the neighborhoods are scattered
throughout. It’s been a challenge just getting to know
the area. I feel like a rookie having to dig out my
MAPSCO to look up a street address, but I’m getting
better. I have already met with many people from the
Mallard Cove neighborhood, and am also going around
meeting the management teams at the apartment
complexes. If you read this and I haven’t met with you
yet, call me at 817-988-1435 or send me an e-mail at
[email protected] and we’ll get together.
Also, please keep Mallard Cove Code Blue Captain
Page 4
John Rompf in your prayers. His mother suffered a
stroke earlier in the week.
G-21 by Officer John Choyce
My trends on G21's beat have been BMVs
and burglaries. I'm afraid that with summer upon us,
my trends in these areas may increase. These
precautions can help to have a decrease in these areas:
 Make sure that your garage is properly secured. If
you are mowing your lawn, and you need to go
inside to get water or take a break, please, secure
your garage.
 When parking your car at your residence, lock the
doors and remove all of your important items:
cellular phones, IPODs, GPS systems.
 In the evening, leave your outside lights on. This
assists in deterring any unwanted persons.
John Choyce #2572
G-22 by Officer John Sullivan
Hello again to everyone on G22/Airport beat. I’ve
been privileged to serve the citizens on this beat for 11
years as the neighborhood patrol officer and six years as
a patrol officer.
The businesses and neighborhoods continue to grow
in the area. New restaurants and retail shops have
opened. As this area continues to grow and develop, I
will continue to serve the citizens and adapt to the everchanging beat. Thanks to all the citizens who continue
to work with me and I look forward to meeting more of
you.
G22 Police news — burglary of habitations has
decreased the past few months. Burglary of vehicles
continues to be a problem throughout the beat.
Apartment managers along with residents are working
with the police department to combat these crimes. The
Trinity Glen Housing edition added 16 new members to
their crime watch group. Thanks to them for their
community involvement and support of the Fort Worth
Police Department and also block captain Lee
Christiansen for all his hard work. Summer days are
upon us and crime usually increases during this time.
Please take any items in plain view in your vehicle
inside your residence and also practice good crime
prevention techniques inside your home. Lock your
doors, hide your valuables, and report any suspicious
activity in your neighborhood.
G-23 by Officer Allen Speed
See the Crime Free Multi Housing news on page 10 for
Officer Speeds Article.
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
G-26 by Officer Emily Castoreno
The hot Texas summer is here. I hope everyone is
staying cool. If anyone knows of an elderly person
living alone in your neighborhood, find time to check
on them. Make sure they have some type of functioning
cooling system. If not, please contact an NPO in your
area for some assistance. Also, the increase of air
conditioner recycle thefts are still being reported, so
report any suspicious activity at vacant
and occupied residences.
Thanks all,
NPO Emily Castoreno
.
Page 5
Online resources
Fort Worth Police—www.fortworthpd.com
You can file Lost Property, Identity Theft, Harassing Phone call, Theft, Vandalism
Reports and hazardous driving Complaints online.
And after you make the report you can copy the
report for free.
You can also find information about Citizens on
Patrol and Crime Watch and other helpful resources.
Minor Accident Report Blue Forms:
www.dot.state.tx.us/forms/traffic.html
.
Outstanding Warrants Database:
www.fortworthgov.org/applications/warrantsonline
Please slow
Down and watch
For Children
Playing
City of Fort Worth
www,fortworthgov.org
Texas Department of Public Safety
www.txdps.state.tx.us
Other Useful Numbers
Tarrant County Crime Stoppers will pay up
to $1000 for information leading to the arrest of
these fugitives. If you have information on the
location of any of the fugitives featured below
PLEASE call Tarrant County Crime Stoppers:
817-469-TIPS (8477) /
WWW.469TIPS.COM
IT PAYS TO TALK  YOU WILL
STAY ANONYMOUS
Police Dept Non-Emergency:
817-335-4222
Fire Dept Non-Emergency:
817-922-3000
Fort Worth Jail:
817-392-4056
Tarrant County Jail:
817-884-3116
Crime Stoppers:
817-469-8477
Code Compliance:
817-392-1234
Illegal Dumping:
817-392-1234
Animal Control:
817-392-3737
Power Outages:
817-313-4747
Water Main Breaks:
817-392-4477
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800-799-7233
Municipal Court:
817-392-6700
Have an article or picture that you would
like to see published in the newsletter
Send them to the editor at
[email protected]
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 6
H-11 by Officer Steve McGraw
H-13 by Officer Dan Woody
Greetings from H11’s beat. What a busy past two
months we have had with the planning of the Code Blue
Seminar along with all of our other duties. This was my
first seminar and I didn’t realize how much effort and
work goes into the seminar. I think that all the NPO’s
from NPD 5 and 6, along with their supervisors, did a
great job.
H11 is experiencing all the regular crimes as usual but
overall crime is down. Last time I told you that Burglary
of Motor Vehicles had increased on H11’s beat, but they
have decreased since then. I have two schools on my beat
— Poly High School and Williams James Middle School.
Since the first of the year, the portable buildings at both
the schools have been broken into on the same nights. The
actors took mainly laptop computers. I know school is out
now, but remember; when you’re out on your patrols,
report any suspicious activity around your
schools. Hopefully by next school year they
will put burglar alarms on the portable
buildings.
Hello everyone. It was great seeing everyone out
at the Code Blue Seminar. This year’s seminar
turned out to be a big hit and kudos to all of the
officers and COPs members who helped make that
happen. Whoever sets it up next year will definitely
have a tough act to follow.
As far as crime goes on H13’s beat, we are seeing
more vehicle burglaries during the late night hours
occurring in residential areas both north and south of
East Berry. We are also seeing a slight increase in
home burglaries during the morning and afternoon
hours. The good news is we have not had an
increase in lawn equipment thefts like we usually do
this time of year.
Keep up the good work on the patrols call in
anything you think might be suspicious.
H-12 by Officer Tony Salais
NPD
6
Hola mis amigos, just want to let you all
know how H12 beat is doing. We had a slight
increase of burglary of habitation and
buildings.
Code Blue members and neighbors in the Poly area had
identified the possible burglary suspects.
A small group of Hispanic juveniles who live near the
affected homes are being watched closely by our COPs
groups and beat officers.
NPOs conducted a burglary/truant detail to prevent these
problem kids breaking into homes and buildings. An ice
cream vendor was shot on Wallace Street by a black male
suspect.
COPs immediately responded to the scene to help
police look for the suspect and assist the victim, who was
shot in the left forearm while pushing his cart.
Pastor Martinez and other COPs members helped the
victim translate Spanish to the officers. I commend all
these COPs who did an outstanding job and for their quick
response.
Hispanos Unidos, Pastor Martinez, Jose Guerra,
Andrea Rodriguez, Ignacio Tabares, Martin Tabares,
Antonio Gomez and Oralia Gaucin. Hasta la vista,
amigos.
Officer A. Salais # 3387 H512
.
H-14 by Officer Darrell
Cleveland
Hello to all. School is out and that
means lots of youngsters out roaming the
streets, bored, looking for something to
get into. Call the police if you see
youngsters out and up to no good. We’ll
check them out and make sure they
behave. Also remember, while doing
yard work never to leave your lawn equipment
unattended for even a few moments. It only takes a
matter of seconds for them to disappear. Until next
time please stay safe.
H-15 by Officer Tamara Pena
Like many of you, summer is my favorite time of
the year thanks towarm weather, longer days and
snow cones. I hope everyone has a great summer
but don’t forget to stay safe. Remember that crimes
such as thefts, BMVs and residential burglaries tend
to increase during the summer months. Don’t forget
to take all valuables inside your home, lock up lawn
equipment when not in use and do not leave
anything you value in plain view in your vehicle.
Summer is also a great time to start a new crime
watch group or organize a community fair. These
are both great ways to get to know your neighbors
and form community relationships that can help
prevent crime in your neighborhoods. Let me know
if you are interested in starting a group this summer.
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
H-16 by Officer John Ornelas
We are still seeing an increase in property crimes on
the beat, most of which are thefts and residential
burglaries. Overall crime is down, but as the word spreads
throughout the neighborhoods about those thefts and
burglaries the reduction in overall part one crime seems
less significant. The officers of NPD6 are continuing to
focus on getting those burglars off the street.
Your neighborhood officers are also being asked to
enforce minor violations in an attempt to improve the
appearance of neighborhoods and the quality of life for
citizens. This is part of the “Broken Windows Policing”
policy, which is a tool to show the criminal element that
the community keeps a watchful eye on things. If a bad
guy drives through a neighborhood and sees junked
vehicles parked in the street, yards that are not being
mowed and broken window, it gives the idea that nobody
cares about the area. Our goal is to show everyone that the
officers and the homeowners care about neighborhood,
even the small stuff. In the end this will benefit everyone
in the community.
Enjoy the warm weather. Until next time, Be safe
John John Ornelas
H-17 by Officer Matt Collingsworth
Hello from H17 Beat,
The past couple of weeks have not been too bad.
Burglaries are down but the thefts are way up. Most thefts
are occurring at the Fiesta Grocery, at 4245 E. Berry St.
Be sure you bring your possessions in at night and lock
your gates, doors and cars up before going in for the night.
I am working on getting the neighborhood crime watches
up and running in the Stop Six Sunrise neighborhood.
This has been a slow process but I am working toward
getting this community together to combat the crime in the
area. Don’t forget that as Fort Worth citizens, you are the
first line of defense in preventing and apprehending the
criminal element in your neighborhoods. If you see
suspicious activity or a crime being committed, call the
police. Till next month, take care and watch out for each
other.
M.E. Collingsworth 2842, H517
817-994-8463
Page 7
H-18 by Steve Valle
Hello, I hope everyone is having a safe and
peaceful 2010. Warmer weather brings an increase in crime. We are seeing a jump in part one
offenses occurring on H18’s beat. These crimes
include robberies, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, burglaries of habitations and businesses,
burglary of motor vehicles, thefts and auto thefts.
With this rise, I ask you to be more vigilant when
you are out patrolling your neighborhood.
God Bless.
H-21 By Steve Jackson
Thank goodness the seminar is finally over. So
much effort went into it that it was difficult to juggle the needs of our respective beats. Many officers put forth so much to make this the best seminar yet. Between Lt. Garcia’s onstage presence
and Officer Perez with his cinematic genius, a
more entertaining seminar is completely out of
reach. But hey, what about the guy who played
Chewbacca and Darth Vader? How can we have a
budget shortfall and then pay money to this obviously well trained actor? That guy was amazing. I
guess our Code Blue members deserve the highest
quality product that can be put on film.
Summer is fast approaching. If you are planning on a vacation, let your NPO know so he can
set up some extra patrol for you. Make sure you
have someone to keep the mail and papers from
piling up. Timers are a great help to have so your
lights can go on and off. And if you don’t already
have one, a monitored alarm system will help prevent you from becoming a victim. Stay safe and
have fun.
Please don’t forget to check on your neighbors
especially the elderly and make sure they are staying cool in the summer heat. If you know of
someone in need of help please call FWPD or
your NPO.
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 8
Citizens on Patrol Training Dates
Saturday—July 17
Saturday—October 16
These trainings are held at the FWPD Training
Academy, 1000 Calvert St
8am—4pm
You can pick up an application at any Police Sector
or from our PD website www.fortworthpd.com
East Division Award Winners
Freddie Holcomb– Chuck Silcox Award
Kenneth Sisserson—NPD 5
Patroller of the Year
Jose Guerra—East Division
Patroller of the Year
Ignacio Tabares—NPD 6
Patroller of the Year
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 9
More Code Blue Seminar Pictures
The day was filled with lots of fun where ALL COPS members came and became STARS for the Day. There was a film about
COPS WARS with a photo session with some of the Star Wars Characters and Super Speed. Big Kudos to NPO, Officer Brad
Perez who came up with our COPS WARS and Academy Awards Theme. The Seminar was a huge success, because of his great
ideas. Thanks Brad for a job well done!
Dave Lieber—from the Star Telegram—Watchdog was our guest speaker
And we gave away lots of super door prizes!
If you are not a member of COPS, Join today and get in on the action and became a active COPS member and join the fun for the
next Seminar that will be in 2011.
Texas Citizens on Patrol Association Banquet
June 18, 2010 in Granbury, Texas
Fort Worth COPS received the Large Agency Award and Shirlee Wilkinson received the Thomas R Windham Award
Next year Fort Worth PD is hosting the Annual Conference watch for more news about this coming your way.
Shirlee Wilkinson
East Division COP / CERT Coordinator
5650 E Lancaster Ave Fort Worth, Texas 76112
[email protected]
817-392-4800
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 10
Greetings,
Summer is here. In a week or so school will be out and parents will soon be hearing “I am bored.” or
“There’s nothing to do.” I encourage schoolage kids to be active with the Fort Worth Police Department. A great way for the youth to be active is with the Explorer Program. It’s an entity of the Boy
Scout Program for the youth 14-21. Each side of town has an active Explorer program and it is a great
way to encourage the youth to be involved with the FWPD. Check out the FWPD web site to find out which officer is
in charge and when the meetings are. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child.
We are continuing to make progress with the Crime Free Multi-housing program. One of my properties has had a
98 percent reduction in crime. Their crime dropped drastically and in seven months, they had only one burglary of a
motor vehicle. The City is pushing to make this crime prevention program a City ordinance. We want to make Fort
Worth the safest large city in the United States. Currently we are ranked the 8th safest city in the United States. With
720, 000 residents and 660 square miles, we have a lot of work but together we can accomplish anything we set our
minds out to. In previous articles, I have discussed how Fort Worth was number 1 in 1990 in the highest murder rate
(per capita). We’ve accomplished a lot since then but we are not done. Last weekend, we had the Annual Code Blue
Seminar hosted by the East Division. It was a great event. I consider anytime we spend time with the great citizens of
our City a great time. More than 1,000 Citizens on Patrol attend the event. It was a sea of blue. As you are aware Fort
Worth was the first city to start the Citizens on Patrol in our state. Even with a 1,000 citizens in partnership with the
police department, we all need to recruit more people to be active.
We also need every neighborhood to have a Crime Watch program. If your neighborhood does not have this crime
prevention program, you need to consider establishing it. As I inform people daily in presentations, if you are here,
then who is watching your house or neighborhood. It is estimated also that 90 percent of the police reports we take
daily are incomplete. They are incomplete because the victim does not know the make, model, serial number of the stolen property. First of all, inventory your belongings to include serial numbers etc. Second, either engrave with identification or drivers license on the back of the property or better yet get the Recovered Automated Parts Identification System (R.A.P.I.D.S) stickers and place on the property. If the property is stolen, there is a greater chance in recovering
than not have the information in the report. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your property and educate
your family members on securing their property. Also open garage doors are easy targets for theft of lawn equipment,
tools etc. Keep them secured and report suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood.
Someone once asked me why I believe in crime prevention so much. Crime prevention — including Citizens on
Patrol, Crime Watch, Operation Identification, R.A.P.I.D.S, Help End Auto Theft (H.E.A.T) —makes a difference.
You see the greater citizen involvement the better the community and the greater reduction in crime. We also increase
the “eyes and the ears” in our community. The Police Department wants to be proactive instead of reactive. If you are
not a part of the Citizens on Patrol, please consider joining this great program. If you are involved in the program, I
salute you and thank you. If there is anything I can do for you please contact me.
For more information please contact Fort Worth Police Department CFMH Coordinator
Officer Allen Speed
South/East Bureau
CFMH Coordinator
817-944-2725
Crime Watch Newsletter
May/June 2010
Page 11
Police Department
East Division Crime Prevention
Tips for a Safe and Happy Vacation Season
Submitted by Shirlee Wilkinson, Code Blue Coordinator
Be alert! Be Prepared! Be Safe!
Before You Leave:
Vacation season can be the most relaxing and enjoyable time of the year. It can also be the busiest time
of the year for criminals. By following the recommendations listed below, you can reduce your risk of becoming a
“victim” of the criminal’s activity.
 Make sure your home gives the appearance that someone is there, even though you are away.
 Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to “watch” your property and park a vehicle in the driveway periodically.
 Do not stop mail and newspaper deliveries, have the neighbor or friend pick them up daily.
 Install timers to turn on and off light, tv’s and radios to give the appearance someone is in the house.
 Turn the ringer down on your telephone to avoid anyone hearing unanswered calls. .
 Don’t “publicize” your absence and avoid telling everyone on your ‘facebook” page that your are going away.
 Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked.
Cash
Try not to carry large amounts of cash and if you must, avoid letting others see the cash.
When possible, carry traveler’s checks and /or credit cards. Keep a log of the traveler’s check
and credit card numbers.
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Luggage
Remove all old flight tags from your luggage.
Provide identification both outside and inside your bags.
Never leave your luggage unattended for any reason, even for a short period of time.
Never store cash, jewelry, medicine or other valuables in your luggage.
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On The Road
Be aware of your surroundings and never “advertise” your plans to strangers.
Do not stop to pick up a hitchhiker or help a stranded motorist. Call for assistance for them.
If you feel you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station or occupied business and honk
your horn.
 If your vehicle breaks down, raise the hood and remain in your vehicle with the doors locked. Use your cell phone
to call for assistance, or if someone stops to help, ask them to call the police for you.
 Keep doors locked and windows up after entering or leaving the vehicle.
 Park in a well lighted areas at night.
 Always check the back seat before entering the vehicle.
 Remove all valuables from the vehicle or place in trunk out of sight.
 Remove anything that indicates that you are a tourist.
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Hotel/Motel Security
 Never leave money, checks, credit cards, car keys or other valuables in the room,
take them with you.
 Plan an escape route from the room to the nearest fire escape.
 Consider purchasing and using a portable door locking device to use in addition to the door lock.
 Use the door viewer (peep hole) before opening the door to anyone.
 Inventory your belongings periodically to determine if anything is missing.
 Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management immediately.
 Ask Hotel/Motel management for directions to attractions you want to visit.
Fort Worth Police Department East Division
Calendar of Events
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