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 John Hendri
Anthony Saraceni |
"The Eyes and Ears of the Community"
Established 1978 |
Capt. Martin
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Across the nation crime is of concern to citizens in cities,
suburbs, towns, and rural areas. Increasingly, citizens and law
enforcement professionals realize that neither one can eradicate
crime working separately. Neighbors and other concerned citizens,
working cooperatively with law enforcement, can have a positive
effect. Home burglaries, in particular, can be minimized when
community residents take steps to make their homes less attractive
and vulnerable to burglars.
Burglary, the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or
theft, is generally considered a crime against property. It has,
however, a high potential for death or injury to the victim who
comes into surprise contact with the intruder. Through the well
recognized concept of NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (AKA TOWNWATCH), a
community-based program supported by the National Sheriffs
Association since 1972, residents of thousands of communities across
the nation have discovered that they can make a difference in
preventing crime.
The local population of Bustleton Somerton share this vision and
hope that you will join us.
The prevention of crime particularly crime involving residential
neighborhoods is a responsibility that must be shared equally by
the law enforcement officers of the 7th Police District and private
citizens of Bustleton Somerton. The fact is, the impact on crime
prevention by law enforcement alone is minimal when compared with
the power of private citizens working with law enforcement and with
each other. BUSTLETON SOMERTON TOWNWATCH is based on this concept of
cooperation, and nationwide statistics* prove that it works. When
citizens take positive steps to secure their own property and
neighbors learn how to report suspicious activity around their
homes, burglary and related offenses decrease dramatically.
*Statistics show that when a concerned citizenry does its part, the
possibilities are endless
and the results positive. NEIGHBORHOOD
WATCH is now the most successful anticrime initiative in the country
and the most effective and least expensive tool for restoring the
safe, pleasant environment we all want for our families! This is
homeowners insurance that works!
EVERYONE BENEFITS WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT MAINTAINS A HIGH LEVEL OF
INTEREST IN NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. Ninety-five percent of the TOWNWATCH
groups in the United States are currently receiving assistance form
law enforcement agencies.
Because BUSTLETON SOMERTON TOWNWATCH operates with volunteers and a
shoestring budget, we benefit greatly from law enforcement's help.
They are prepared to commit equipment, training, operating space,
speakers, liaison officers, and crime statistic information, as well
as encouragement and guidance.
Like many other communities reporting a decrease in the crime rate
after starting NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, BUSTLETON SOMERTON TOWNWATCH
offer nothing but praise to our dedicated law enforcement officers.
Recognizing Suspicious Activity
BE ALERT. Anything that seems slightly "out of place" or is
occurring at an unusual time of day could be criminal activity. DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND A PERSON COMMITTING A CRIME OR INVESTIGATE
A SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY. Call the police or sheriff's department
immediately, and do not worry about being embarrassed if your
suspicions prove to be unfounded. Law enforcement officers would
rather investigate than be called when it is too late.
The following incidents MAY indicate possible criminal activity and
should be reported:
Continuous repair operations at a nonbusiness location (stolen
property being altered);
Open or broken doors and windows at a closed business or
unoccupied residence (burglary or vandalism);
Unusual noises, such as gunshots, screaming, or dogs barking
continuously (burglary, assault, or rape);
Sound of breaking glass (burglary or vandalism);
A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms (person
may be injured, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise needing
medical attention).
Time and accuracy are critical in reporting crime or suspicious
events. Use your law enforcement agency's emergency number to report
life-threatening incidents or a crime in progress, and use the
non-emergency number for crimes that have already occurred. Your
call could save a life, prevent an injury, or stop a crime. The
information you provide will be kept confidential. You do not need
to give your name, although this is often helpful.
Suspicious Persons
Obviously, not every stranger who comes into a neighborhood is a
criminal. Legitimate door-to-door sales and repair people appear in
residential areas frequently. Occasionally, however, criminals
disguise themselves as these workers; therefore, it is important to
be alert to the activities of all nonresidents. Law enforcement
officials should be called to investigate persons in the following
circumstances, who may be suspects in the crimes indicated:
Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or
more goes to rear of residence or loiters in front of an unoccupied
house or closed business (burglary);
Forcing entrance or entering an unoccupied house (burglary, theft,
or trespassing);
Running, especially if carrying something of value or carrying
unwrapped property at an unusual hour (fleeing the scene of a
crime);
Heavy traffic to and from a residence, particularly if it occurs
on a daily basis (drug dealing, vice or fence operation);
Screaming (rape or assault);
Loitering around or peering into cars, especially in parking lots
or on streets (car theft);
Loitering around schools, parks or secluded areas (sex offender);
Offering items for sale at a very low price (trying to sell stolen
property);
Loitering or driving through a neighborhood several times or
appearing as delivery person with a wrong address (burglary).
Suspicious Vehicles
Vehicles in the following situations MAY be involved in crimes and
should be reported to authorities:
Slow moving, without lights, following aimless course in any
location, including residential streets, schools, and playgrounds
(burglar, drug pusher, or sex offender);
Parked or occupied, containing one or more persons, especially at
an unusual hour (lookouts for a burglary or robbery);
Parked by a business or unoccupied residence, being loaded with
valuables (burglary or theft);
Abandoned in your neighborhood (stolen car);
Containing weapons (criminal activity);
Someone, especially a female or juvenile, being forced into a
vehicle (kidnapping, assault, or attempted rape);
Business transactions taking place in it, especially around
schools or parks (sale of stolen items or drugs);
Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from it (theft
or vandalism);
Objects being thrown from it (disposing of contraband).
Describing and Reporting of Events, Vehicles and Persons
Practicing to develop skill in providing quick, accurate
descriptions is an excellent NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting activity. In
attempting to describe events, vehicles, or persons, write down the
details of what you have observed while they are still fresh in your
mind, so your descriptions to law enforcement officials will be a
accurate as possible.
Describing Events
When describing events, write down:
What happened;
When it happened;
Where it occurred (note the nearest cross street, home address, or
landmark in relationship to the event);
Whether injuries are involved (Be prepared to report visible or
suspected personal injury. Be as specific as possible - this could
save a life!);
Whether weapons are involved (this information, whether observed
or suspected, is vital to responding officers).
Describing Vehicles
When describing vehicles, write down:
Vehicle license number and state, make and type of vehicle, color,
and approximate age;
Special designs or unusual features, such as vinyl top, mag
wheels, body damage, pinstripes, etc.;
Direction of travel.
Describing Persons
In preparing descriptions of persons, it is important to write down
the following:
Sex;
Race;
Age;
Height (estimated from eye contact level measured against your
height);
Weight;
Hair (color and length);
Hat;
Facial Hair (beard/mustache);
Shirt/tie;
Coat/jacket;
Trousers;
Shoes;
Any peculiar or distinguishable mannerisms, physical disabilities,
disfigurations, scars or tattoos;
Voice characteristics;
Direction of movement.
Home Security Inspections
One of the most effective ways for BUSTLETON SOMERTON TOWNWATCH
participants to protect their property is to arrange for detailed
security inspections of their homes. Your crime prevention officer
can assist you in the effort and can provide TOWNWATCH members with
home security inspection checklists so that preliminary surveys can
be conducted by homeowners or block captain.
Home Security Measures
You must be aware of the potential risk of crime in you home in
order to prevent it. First
Remember that the key factor in most
crimes is OPPORTUNITY. IF THEY CAN'T GET AT IT, THEY CAN'T TAKE IT!
Then
follow a regular plan of home security to deter the potential
burglar or other intruder.
Use a timer or photo electric cell that automatically turns a
living room light on at dusk, particularly if you are going to be
away at that time;
Leave a radio on with the volume turned low when leaving home,
even for short periods;
Always close and lock garage doors;
Secure automatic garage door transmitter in glove compartment of
your car;
Secure all obvious (and not so obvious) points of entry to your
home. Pretend you are the burglar
stand outside your home and plan
how you would get in; then install secure locks on all doors and
windows;
Lock up all ladders, ropes, or tools that could help a burglar
gain entry;
Keep all shrubbery trimmed near your doors and windows-don't
provide concealment or climbing platforms for the burglar; Brightly
illuminate all entrances, preferably with vandal-proof fixtures;
Keep your grass cut, your leaves raked, etc., to indicate a well
cared for and occupied home;
Empty your mailbox or arrange to have it emptied as soon as mail
is delivered;
Install new locks when moving into an apartment or previously
owned home;
Keep extra keys out of sight and in a safe place; never hide a key
outside--most hiding places are obvious to burglars;
Avoid displaying valuable items near windows with open drapes or
shades;
Never leave a note on the door explaining why you are not at home;
Never leave doors or windows unlocked when leaving home;
Display only your last name on your nameplate or mailbox;
Start a "buddy system" with you neighbors in order to watch each
other's homes; watch for "movers" or "repair people" at a house
where no one is home.
When Leaving Home for Several Days
Don't cancel your paper or mail deliveries; ask that your neighbor
pick them up every day;
Leave a key with a friend or neighbor; ask that the house be
checked periodically;
Have the drapes periodically opened and closed; and have different
lights turned on and off so the house appears occupied;
Store all your valuables;
Tell police when you are leaving and when you plan to return; they
will check on your house periodically;
Consider asking friends or relatives to live in your home while
you are away;
Leave a car in the driveway, or ask neighbors to park in it;
Ask your neighbor to put some trash in your trash cans.
Despite precautions, if intruders are determined to enter and
burglarize your home, they can probably do so. However, burglars
usually seek the easiest target-and you can take steps to make your
house less vulnerable.
Telephone Security
Daily Telephone Security
Never give personal information (name, age, address, etc.) to a
stranger on the telephone;
Never let a stranger on the telephone know when you will or will
not be home;
Never let a stranger on the telephone know you are home alone;
instruct babysitters never to tell anyone who calls that they are
home alone with children;
Teach children old enough to be left alone never to tell a
stranger who telephones that parents are gone. Teach them to say,
"My mom can't come to the phone now. May I take a message?"
Credit card/Social Security #, etc. Do not give out a credit card
or social security number to someone who you do not know or whom you
did not call.
When Planning a Trip
Consider having your telephone "put on vacation." (Notify the
telephone company approximately two weeks before your trip, and
arrangements will be made for an operator or a recording to state
that your telephone is temporarily out of order each time it rings);
Use "call forwarding" if available in your area. (Call forwarding
can give callers the impression that residents are home when they
are actually away, by transferring your incoming calls to another
telephone number. Your local phone company can provide you with
further information).
Confrontations with Intruders
Develop the habit of surveying your home as you approach it. If you
note evidence that someone has broken in, DO NOT ENTER. Go to the
nearest telephone and call the police or sheriff's department.
Should you confront a burglar, the very first rule is: GET OUT OF
HIS WAY!! Never get between a burglar and the exit, and never try to
stop him. It may cost you your life!
If you are in your home and someone is prowling outside, make it
appear that several people are at home. For example, call to
someone, "Dan, there's something outside." Call the police, and if
it is dark, turn on the lights. If an intruder has already broken
in, retreat and put other doors between the two of you. It is a good
idea to have a deadbolt on an interior door. If you cannot get out,
try to signal a neighbor by throwing something through a window;
just the noise may frighten a burglar away.
If someone should enter your bedroom while you are in bed, pretend
that you are asleep as long as he does not come near you.
If the intruder is armed, do what he says, and see that children do
so as well. Remain calm-intruders generally want your property
rather than your life.
Memorize a description of the intruder and write it down immediately
after he has left; then call the police or your sheriff's
department. Don't depend on memory.
THIS WEB SITE IS COPYRIGHTED BY BUSTLETON SOMERTON TOWN WATCH - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2006
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