Mahncke Park Neighborhood

Property Crimes, Identity Theft, & COPS

Jul 20, 2004

Seventy-two percent of all crimes in our area are property crimes according to recent San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) figures. The month of August is especially of concern because it is traditionally a high month for property crimes.

Here are tips from our SAPD experts on ways to safeguard yourself and your property:

?· The number one way criminals enter homes in District 9 is through open garage doors. Their closure will also eliminate the grab-and-run thefts of golf clubs, bicycles, tools, etc.
?· When you are home; keep your doors locked.
?· Never leave a key under a mat. If you want a key available, leave it with a trusted neighbor.
?· If a prowler enters your home, leave immediately. If you come home and think someone is inside, go to a neighbor and call the police. DO NOT ENTER THE HOUSE.

Identity theft is a recent phenomenon. Here are some ways the experts say to minimize your risk:

?· Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
?· Usually, the only time your social security number (SSN) is required is for government documents. Be cautious about revealing it.
?· Never carry your SSN card or pin numbers in your purse or wallet.

These tips are designed to help you keep your property and family safe. The best tip of all is to stay alert and be watchful of your neighborhood.

SAPD also offers a residents the opportunity to participate in a special community involvement program named CELLULAR ON PATROL. The purpose of the COP Program is to prepare residents to be the "eyes and ears" of the police and to promote closer cooperation between residents and city agencies that exist to serve them.
Since its beginnings in 1993, the COP Program has trained more than 6,700 San Antonio residents in how to work together with their neighbors, with police and with other city agencies to prevent crime and decrease the fear of crime in their neighborhoods. Starting in 2000, the COP Program expanded to include new and exciting opportunities and activities, such as "MAP PATROLS".
COP classes are held at SAPD Substations, and include lectures by SAPD officers and specialists on topics such as taking good descriptions, crime prevention, use of cellular phones, and setting up effective COP patrols. Classes also include videos, role playing, discussion and a ride-along opportunity.
To join a COP class, contact your police substation (you can determine your substation by using the map at ). The police substation phone numbers for the Crime Prevention Specialists and SAFFE units:

Central Service Area 207-7413 East Service Area 207-7566
North Service Area 207-8350 Prue Service Area 207-7169
South Service Area 207-8964 West Service Area 207-7421