This is an example of the type of item we e-mail on a weekly basis.
Courtesy of
MetroStar Resources, LLC, Keller, TX
Top 10 Crime Prevention Tips For 2010
It’s now December and we are quickly heading for the holidays and a new year. I thought I might provide a listing of the Top 10 Crime Prevention Tips that we have culled from many areas.
The information is basic, but, as always, we recommend you heed the advice. So, here we go!!
1. Never assume your property is safe in your driveway or garage.
All too often, police respond to homes in nice, quiet residential areas where items have been stolen from an unlocked car or an open garage. It only takes seconds to access these areas and steal valuables: bikes, golf clubs, laptops and iPods. Most of these opportunity crimes can be prevented by keeping garages closed and cars locked. And if you leave your keys in your car — even in your own driveway or garage — you could easily lose your car too. Besides, it’s illegal in Texas to leave your keys in the car with the engine running without you being present.
2. Teach your children their full name and yours, phone number with area code, and address with zip code.
They should know how to make local and long distance calls; use a pay phone; call home and police; and dial "0" for the operator or 911 in an emergency.
3. Don’t engage in road rage.
If you come across an aggressive driver, don’t get sucked into road rage. Remove yourself from the situation by allowing the driver to pass. Don’t exchange words, gestures or maneuvers. If you are unable to defuse the situation, call 911, but don’t continue to follow the driver.
4. Don’t place outgoing mail in your mailbox.
Take it to the post office. Get a locking mailbox if you don’t already have a community locking mail center. Identity thieves often cruise neighborhoods looking for incoming and outgoing mail in mailboxes. Checks can be “washed” and used to steal your identity or money.
5. Never share too much in online profiles.
Whether it’s a social networking site or a personal homepage, don’t share too much personal information. Predators and crooks troll these sites for information and potential victims. A stranger can use information such as your full name, where you work, the name of your school, or even your school mascot to identify you. Parents monitor your teens’ online profiles and educate them on the dangers of sharing too much online.
6. Report suspicious activity.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right in your neighborhood or your school, it probably isn’t. Reporting suspicious activities might help police identify a suspect or a crime trend. For activities in progress, call 911. Never hesitate to call something in to police even if you think you may bother police. The rule is simple; “if it looks suspicious, report it.” Police will respond and you may have saved someone from attack or a home from being burglarized.
7. Never hide a purse or other valuables under the seat.
It’s always a good idea to conceal valuables you may have in your car. But there are criminals who target areas like fitness centers and shopping centers, watching from the parking lot as people take pains to hide their belongings in the car before going inside. If you can, lock your valuables in the trunk or take them with you when you leave your vehicle, they will be much safer.
8. Lock the doors and windows, even when you’re home.
Burglars don’t often think strategically about how to access your home; they often take the path of least resistance. If your doors or windows are unlocked and they can easily get inside, they will. If they can’t, they’ll move on to another house.
9. Protect your account information.
Do not give your credit card or bank information to anyone contacting you via e-mail or phone. Your own bank or card company will never contact you and ask you to provide account information. Once a year, run a credit check to be sure you haven’t become the victim of an identity thief.
10. Start or join a Neighborhood Watch Group.
Neighborhood Watch can benefit you and your neighbors by helping to increase awareness and reduce crime. Contact MetroStar Resources, LLC, 866-769-4863, or your local police department Crime Prevention Office, for information on how to start one in your community today. We were recently made aware of a community where major crimes were being committed and according to neighbors, no crime watch existed. This in spite of the fact that their homeowners association and the local police department assured them they were safe.
One final point; if you receive crime prevention information on a regular basis, read and heed. We provide our clients and others with regular information at no charge. If you are interested in obtain our regular bulletins, send an email to services@metrostarresources.com. Please include your full name, address, phone number and current, active email. Law enforcement agencies should provide their city name as well. We confirm all requests.
Stay safe and secure and have a great holiday season!!
In the words of McGriff the Crime Dog, “Let’s take a bite outta crime!!
Steve Wallach
President/CEO’
MetroStar Resources, LLC
(c)2006
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