Recently I was asked to obtain statistics relevant to nefarious activities in our quiet, little development '4OC1' (Four Oh Charlie One) also known as Desert Pride to many. I contacted La Quinta's finest and ... Presto! Here it is...
Burglary -- Includes residential, open/unlocked garage and/or any other structure on the property.
2008 -- 3
2009 -- 10
Burglary Vehicle -- Reminder, if a vehicle is unlocked and/or a window is left down the incident is reported as a theft and not a burglary.
2008 -- 10
2009 -- 2
Obviously, the total number is nearly the same for 2008 -vs- 2009, however, running through the glovebox and console for CD's and loose change is a little different from ransacking a home. The economy has likely played a part in the reversal of fortune which means we need to stick together even more so. Use those eyes and ears, write down what you see/saw and then use those phones.
Keep the faith!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
LA Police Dept. writes excellent article
La Quinta Police Department Flyer and information in La Quinta GEM (Feb 2010)
OPEN GARAGE DOORS AN OPEN INVITATION TO CRIME
Your open garage door, perhaps more than any other feature of your home, is perceived by a criminal as an open invitation to commit a crime. An open garage door not only serves to facilitate a crime, but actually encourages it. The simple reason is ease of access. What could be easier than unhindered access to a darkened garage to “help yourself” to whatever you find or to gain immediate access to the interior of your home?
So what can you do to protect yourself?
• First and foremost—CLOSE YOUR GARAGE DOOR! Develop the habit of keeping your garage door closed. Teach and train every family member to do the same.
• Get to know your neighbors and once a trust is developed, consider asking them to close your garage door if you forget.
• Install a deadbolt on all doors that lead from the garage to the interior of the residence. Keep all doors locked even if the garage door is closed.
• Deactivate your automatic garage door opener and manually lock your garage door anytime you are going to be away overnight.
• Remove the key and lock the doors of a vehicle parked in the garage even if the garage door is closed.
These are simple yet effective steps you can take to minimize the potential that you will become the victim of a crime. Remember, criminals are looking for an easy crime. When you leave your garage door open you are making it even easier for them.
If you have any further questions please call Officer Fowler at 760-777-7376.
Keep the faith!
OPEN GARAGE DOORS AN OPEN INVITATION TO CRIME
Your open garage door, perhaps more than any other feature of your home, is perceived by a criminal as an open invitation to commit a crime. An open garage door not only serves to facilitate a crime, but actually encourages it. The simple reason is ease of access. What could be easier than unhindered access to a darkened garage to “help yourself” to whatever you find or to gain immediate access to the interior of your home?
So what can you do to protect yourself?
• First and foremost—CLOSE YOUR GARAGE DOOR! Develop the habit of keeping your garage door closed. Teach and train every family member to do the same.
• Get to know your neighbors and once a trust is developed, consider asking them to close your garage door if you forget.
• Install a deadbolt on all doors that lead from the garage to the interior of the residence. Keep all doors locked even if the garage door is closed.
• Deactivate your automatic garage door opener and manually lock your garage door anytime you are going to be away overnight.
• Remove the key and lock the doors of a vehicle parked in the garage even if the garage door is closed.
These are simple yet effective steps you can take to minimize the potential that you will become the victim of a crime. Remember, criminals are looking for an easy crime. When you leave your garage door open you are making it even easier for them.
If you have any further questions please call Officer Fowler at 760-777-7376.
Keep the faith!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Automobile safety
Getting away from the neighborhood for just a moment....Here's a new resolution for you...in addition to preparedness in and about the house for anything up to and including earthquakes, etc....Take a moment to consider how you can best be prepared in the family auto in the event something happened. It may be a little different for everyone, but I offer this info for your consideration.....
In the event of an accident or other significant occurrence, be prepared to record an accurate account of an emergency event for the police and your insurance company. Keep a pen and notebook along with a disposable camera in the same location you store your proof of insurance and registration
First-aid kit
Gloves (both latex and work)
Hand tools
Pocket knife
Flares (warning triangles or reflectors)
Blanket
White flag or cloth
Bottled water
Flashlight with extra batteries
Jumper cables
In the event of an accident or other significant occurrence, be prepared to record an accurate account of an emergency event for the police and your insurance company. Keep a pen and notebook along with a disposable camera in the same location you store your proof of insurance and registration
First-aid kit
Gloves (both latex and work)
Hand tools
Pocket knife
Flares (warning triangles or reflectors)
Blanket
White flag or cloth
Bottled water
Flashlight with extra batteries
Jumper cables
Saturday, January 9, 2010
#1 Resolution for 2010 Neighborhood Watch
Report all suspicious activity to law enforcement, unless you know who and what is going on, it must be suspicious. Grab a pad and pen and write down anything you can see or that you remember... number of people, descriptions, kind of car(s), color, license number (even a portion) anything else that stands out, a limp, a hat, a sports jersey, fancy shoes....anything and everything but don't spend too much time because you can continue writing after you call the police.
In an emergency call 911 BUT if you don't feel it's an emergency...All you have to do is call the non-emergency phone number (760) 836-3215 and press 5 - Just tell the operator that you have seen something that strikes you as out of the norm and would they please send an Officer to investigate. Make sure you give an address and nearest cross street so they can reference the area quickly. If you remember, tell them you are in 4OC1 (Four Oh Charlie One is what they call our subdivision).
Please be safe in your viewing and reporting and Thank You for watching...I, too, will be watching for you. I hope you enjoy a Safe and Secure New Year.
Keep the faith!
In an emergency call 911 BUT if you don't feel it's an emergency...All you have to do is call the non-emergency phone number (760) 836-3215 and press 5 - Just tell the operator that you have seen something that strikes you as out of the norm and would they please send an Officer to investigate. Make sure you give an address and nearest cross street so they can reference the area quickly. If you remember, tell them you are in 4OC1 (Four Oh Charlie One is what they call our subdivision).
Please be safe in your viewing and reporting and Thank You for watching...I, too, will be watching for you. I hope you enjoy a Safe and Secure New Year.
Keep the faith!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
This year I resolve ... to be a 'great' neighbor
Well, the New Year is upon us and according to Nostradamus, we have 2 years left as the world is going to end in 2012 so let's make it worthwhile... LOL
I know your schedule keeps you busy and you've added resolutions to the mix; however, just one more...
Try something new...When leaving or returning to your home, take a slightly different route each time so that you begin to know the neighborhood, even if that means a slightly longer trip to the store. Taking a slow tour of some extra streets you might keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood. When we all do this, there will be many eyes watching out for you, too! Remember we are not police officers or licensed security officers. OBSERVE (suspicious activity) – REPORT (to law enforcement) – AVOID (confrontation). Our safety is the priority. Our safety is the only priority.
Happy New Year - hopefully a safe and secure one. Keep the faith!
I know your schedule keeps you busy and you've added resolutions to the mix; however, just one more...
Try something new...When leaving or returning to your home, take a slightly different route each time so that you begin to know the neighborhood, even if that means a slightly longer trip to the store. Taking a slow tour of some extra streets you might keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood. When we all do this, there will be many eyes watching out for you, too! Remember we are not police officers or licensed security officers. OBSERVE (suspicious activity) – REPORT (to law enforcement) – AVOID (confrontation). Our safety is the priority. Our safety is the only priority.
Happy New Year - hopefully a safe and secure one. Keep the faith!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Grinch Alert!
What a wonderful time of year.....
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
The houses are all trimmed ... outside and in
The presents are teeming ... that Santa brought in
The burglars are greedy ... and don't really care
Into your house ... they surely will dare
In through the garage ... or window ajar
Searchin for treasure ... to getaway in a car
Peeping high and low ... while you're in the yard
Old Rover is nappin' ... not much of a guard
They found the Ipod ... the Iphone and cash
Out thru the door ... in a great big ol' dash
Your neighbor was watching ... and wrote down with great care
Their car type, their description ... and the color of their hair
On to the phone .. calling La Quinta's finest
"911" answered the operator ... her voice was the kindest
"They stole Christmas, They're getting away" ... you did utter
"They jumped in a car" ... your heart all aflutter
"It was new and blue ... and the door had a dent"
"They got the neighbors cash ... and presents they'd been sent"
"We're on our way, don't worry ... please stay on the line"
The officers were dispatched ... and wasted no time
They caught the burglars ... returning the presents and cash
We rejoiced and regaled ... we threw quite a bash
Neighborhood Watch had won ... and proved hands down
By Gosh and By Golly ... "There's a new Santa in town"
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Seasons Greetings!
Just a short note to extend all the best of the holiday season to you and your family. We have so much to be thankful for in this day and age ... and state of the economy. We all have our lists and when you check yours, please add our brave young men and women overseas and our veterans that preceded them.
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