UPDATE: E-Lert Project / Crime Prevention / Trends

From: Helms, Calvin B. [mailto:chelms@cmpd.org]
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:41 AM
Subject: E-Lert Project / Crime Prevention / Trends

Please notify your neighborhoods to be aware of recent increases in house break-ins around the South/East Charlotte area. It appears that burglars are striking during the day while you are at work. The targets are mostly jewelry, electronics and guns!

Below is a list of common tips regarding home security, but mostly please keep views from the outside in obscured as best as possible, like closing your curtains when you leave. A burglar likes to window shop prior to kicking in your door. Keep jewelry hidden as well as possible, maybe in a safe somewhere.

The latest trend: suspects usually steal a vehicle from across town, many have been minivans, and they will pull into the driveway of the target home or the one next to it. There is usually 2 or more suspects, one will go to the front door and ring doorbell. If no one appears to be home the rest will get out and quickly look around (window shop) then go around back to kick the door in.

If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call 911 immediately and express to the operator it may be a break-in in progress. Get a detailed description of the subjects and the vehicle including tag number if possible. You are the eyes and ears for your communities and we need your partnership!

OFFICER BRENT HELMS
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Independence Division Community Coordinator
9315-G Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28270
(o) 704-841-1477 (f) 704-841-1873
chelms@cmpd.org


Burglary Prevention Checklist

1. Keep the area around your house well lit.

2. Have a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) in your front door so you can see who is at the door.

3. Always acknowledge a caller at your door to determine who they are and what they want. Some burglars ring the door bell, and if there is no answer, they break in.

4. Secure any sliding glass doors. Put a steel rod in the door channel. Install 2 or 3 screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of the door being lifted out of the track.

5. Complete a home inventory list, complete with photos or video. Store this list in a secure location, preferably away from home.

6. Participate in Operation Identification - engrave your driver’s license number on your property. Burglars do not want marked merchandise.

7. Keep bushes and trees well trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides hiding places for burglars.

8. Make sure that the locks on your doors and windows are strong and secure and use them.

9. Consider into installing a burglar alarm system.

10. Display “warning” signs. If you have a dog or alarm system display signs that say you do.

11. Never leave a house key in an obvious place such as a mailbox or under a doormat.

12. Be careful with your keys. Put your house and car keys on separate key rings.

13. Have a security plan for when you are on vacation. Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up the mail, etc.

14. Be wary of wrong numbers and teach children what to say to strangers on the phone.

15. Know the steps to take if your home is burgled.

More information on how to secure your residence can be found a www.cmpd.org or you can contact the community coordinator in your area and they can assist you.