TPD MEDIA RELEASE . . .

Ready to Protect, Proud to Serve
Phone: 520-791-4852
Fax: 520-791-4433
270 S. Stone Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85701-1917
http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/police
On-call PIO: tucsonpdpio@gmail.com

Media Release
Roberto A.Villasenor
Chief of Police

Date: April 14, 2011
Contact: Sgt. Matt Ronstadt

Crime Prevention Tips

The Tucson Police Department is committed to our mission to reduce crime in our community.  Part of that mission includes educating our community members in ways that they reduce their likelihood of becoming victims. Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility and the Tucson Police Department would like to partner with our residents to make our homes and neighborhoods safer with the following crime prevention tips:

Burglary Prevention
Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three- inch screws. All windows should have window locks. For residents with evaporative "swamp" coolers, who rely on an open window or door for enhanced airflow, consider a locking system that allows you to secure a slightly opened window in a slightly opened position that is too small for entry.

Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of wooden dowel in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

 If you have an attached garage, always lock the door that leads into the house. Don't rely on your automatic garage door mechanism for security. In addition, consider updating your older automatic opener to include one with enhanced security features. Don't get in the habit of leaving your garage vehicle-door open when you are home and only closing it at night. Thieves need just seconds to take valuables from an open garage.

Create the illusion that you are home through the use of timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.

Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost- effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight and beautify a house.

For accommodations; materials in accessible formats; foreign language interpreters; and/or materials in a language other than English, please contact the Tucson Police Department Public Information Office at (520) 791-4852 or (520) 791-2639 for TDD at least five (5) business days in advance.  De alojamiento; materiales en formatos accesibles; intérpretes de idiomas extranjeros; o materiales en un idioma distinto del inglés, póngase en contacto con el Tucson policía departamento oficina de información pública (520) 791-4852 o al (520) 791-2639 para TDD al menos cinco (5) días hábiles de antemano.

Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place, and to open and close curtains and shades to make it appear that you are home.

Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only seconds to break in through a concealed window or door.

Organize or actively participate in a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community, and your neighbors will be the first ones to recognize when someone or something is out of place.

Personal Safety
A void taking shortcuts through alleys or isolated areas. Stay on established and well travelled routes that are visible to passing motorists, residents, and others. Be aware of your surroundings. Remain alert, and minimize distractions, such as talking on a cell
phone, wearing earphones, etc. Look around and take notice of people and vehicles around you. Do not look like a "victim." Interviews with convicted offenders have revealed that criminals "select" victims based on factors including how aware they seem to be, their apparent self- confidence, their posture and gait, and others. Counter this by walking with your head erect, making eye contact with the people you pass, and walking with a purpose. If something or someone "just doesn't look or feel right", recognize and react to those feelings. A void the situation, turn and walk in the opposite direction or cross the street. Get to a more public area and call 911.

Social Media
Restrict access to your page or site so a specific set of people, including family, close friends, teammates or club members, etc. Don't accept "friend" requests unless you are convinced that you know and trust the sender. Don't post about upcoming vacation dates or times when you will be away from home. Don't post your Social Security Number, full name, date of birth, address, phone number, or
other items that can be used to identify you to a stranger. Don't post other's information either.Post only information that you would be comfortable sharing with a complete and unknown stranger. Information like your daily routine or schedule, the route you walk, drive, or ride to work or school, or the schedules of parents or roommates should not be shared.

For accommodations; materials in accessible formats; foreign language interpreters; and/or materials in a language other than English, please contact the Tucson Police Department Public Information Office at (520) 791-4852 or (520) 791-2639 for TDD at least five (5) business days in advance. De alojamiento; materiales en formatos accesibles; intérpretes de idiomas extranjeros; o materiales en un idioma distinto del inglés, póngase en contacto con el Tucson policía departamento oficina de información pública (520) 791-4852 o al (520) 791-2639 para TDD al menos cinco (5) días hábiles de antemano.

Strongly consider disabling gee-location features. This technology allows a savvy user to pinpoint locations that you frequently visit, and can even help them locate your home or favorite hang-out.

Auto Theft

Tucson Police Department's Auto Theft Unit recommends a layered approach to auto theft protection:

Layer 1 - Practice Common Sense. Always lock your vehicle and take the keys with you. Never leave your vehicle running and unattended. Park in well-lit areas, and if possible, avoid parking in out-of-the-way locations.

Layer 2 - Use Visible and Audible Warning Devices. Enroll in the free Watch your Car program. Have your vehicle's VIN etched on windows. Use a steering wheel or brake lock. Install an audible alarm.

Layer 3 - Use Immobilizing Devices. Install a kill switch. Use starter, ignition or fuel-system disabling devices, or a "smart" key.

Layer 4 - Use a Tracking Device. They emit a signal to police or monitoring stations when vehicles are stolen. These devices are effective in helping law enforcement recover stolen vehicles. This list is not intended to be an all-inclusive guide to personal and property safety, but rather a basic guide that provides some common sense and practical tips for citizens. With very little effort and no, or sometimes minimal, expense, we can all take steps to make ourselves less attractive targets for criminal activity.

For more crime prevention tips as well as contact information for our Neighborhood Watch
coordinators, please visit our website at http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/police/crime-prevention.