Eastside Defender

November 11, 2010

Facts:

Since the beginning of November there has been a significant amount of Theft from motor vehicles and Damage to motor vehicles. From November 1, 2010 to November 11, 2010 there have been: 46 reported damage to motor vehicle incidents and 34 reported thefts from motor vehicle incidents in the 2nd Precinct. These occurred throughout the Precinct with large clusters in the areas of:

* 1000 -1100 Block of 15th Avenue SE
* 1000 - 1100 Block of 16th Avenue SE
* 1100 Block of 5th Street SE
* 700 Block of 13th Avenue SE
* 1300 Block of 7th Street SE
* 700 Block of 14th Avenue SE
* 1300 - 1600 Block of 8th Street SE
* 1800 Block of University Avenue NE

What you can do:

* Keep your car locked when it is parked.
* Do not leave items in your vehicle, which may be stolen. Remove all bags, electronics, pockets change, GPS's and items that may look valuable to a thief.
* Place items in your trunk before you reach your destination.
* If possible, park your vehicle in well-lit areas or light up your parking area.
* If you do not use your vehicle all the time, check your vehicle regularly for possible damage.
* If you have a garage, use it. Park your car in a garage whenever possible.
* If there is suspicious activity (such as a person walking down the street and/or a crime in process, call 911, so officers can be dispatched to the location.
* Report crimes by calling 911, they may refer you to 311 to take a report, but please call 911 if you have suspect information, if the crime is presently occurring, or if you see suspicious activity occurring at the present time.

We all need to make a commitment to watch out for each other and practice simple crime prevention strategies to protect ourselves.