Madison Park

Crime tips from Westover Police Division

Crime Tips and alert 9/7/07

There were two robberies on South Tryon Street between the 4000 and 5400 block on 09/05/2007, and it was probably the same suspect. He was described as short, 5’5”-5’7” and thick, 180-200 pounds, 22-30 years old. The two female victims described him as dark-skinned with pockmarks on his face. He is probably clean-shaven. He indicated he had a gun but did not show one. He grabbed both of their purses. Please be aware of your surroundings when you are getting out of your cars at public places.





CRIME TIPS

The two types of crimes occurring most frequently in parking facilities are thefts and crimes against persons. While these dangers can never be totally eliminated the opportunity for such crimes can be significantly reduced by developing good security habits. Here are a few tips about safety in parking lots and parking garages:



Hide or remove your valuables when leaving your car.

Park close to your destination, even if it means waiting for a space to become free.

At night, try to park under a street light.

Leave your engine running until you've gathered everything and you're ready to get out of the car. Check your surroundings to make sure its safe before you get out of the car.

If you're comfortable backing into parking spaces, it's a good way to park, because it means you can leave quickly if the situation becomes dangerous.

When you're walking back to your car, keep your keys in hand, so you can get into the car quickly or use them as a weapon if needed.

Always take the most brightly lit path to and from your car.

As you approach the vehicle, check the front and back seats to make sure no one is hiding inside.

Lock your doors once you get inside the car.

If someone suspicious approaches you, honk your horn and flash the lights to draw attention.

Trust your instinct, if you sense danger when you are parking or coming back to your car, leave the area until you're sure it is secure.

Ask security to walk you to your car if you feel you are not safe.

Get in the habit of rolling up your car windows and locking your car doors.



Sgt. Freda G. Lester

Westover Division

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department

1540 West Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28208

(704) 432-2448 Office

(704) 619-2140 Cell

(704) 432-2445 Fax

llester@cmpd.org