Crime Prevention Tips

This page will give you several valuable pieces of information to lower your chances of becoming the victim of a crime.  Remember, a crime can happen to any person, at any time.  Although these tips won't prevent you from becoming a victim, they can help lower the chance that you will find yourself victimized.  These tips are broken down into several categories.

Theft From Autos

One of the most common types of thefts recently has become "TFA" thefts, or "Theft From Auto".  This type is crime is when entry is gained to a vehicle, and property or valuables are stolen from the vehicle.  Often times, a thief will simply smash a window (costing hundreds of dollars to replace), simply to steal several dollars worth of property.  Following these simple tips may prevent you from becoming a victim.

• Roll up your windows - The harder it is for a thief to get into your car, the more likely he/she will move on to the next vehicle.  A vehicle sitting with the windows open makes an easy target
• Lock your car - Almost half of all thefts from vehicles, come from vehicles that are left unlocked.
• Don't leave valuables in plain site - If you can't take your valuables with you when you leave your car, at least lock them in the trunk where they are more difficult for a thief to observe and steal.  This includes purses, cell phones, CD's, and even loose change.
• If you have an anti-theft device... use it - If you have a car alarm, turn it on.  If a thief thinks he/she may draw attention, they will likely move on.
• Make sure your license plates are secure, and stickers are scored - A very common theft in urban areas is the theft of License Plate stickers.  Many thieves will remove the plate, or even cut off the corner of the plate to steal the sticker.  Placing your sticker in the middle of the plate, and "scorning" it with a razor blade will help prevent sticker theft.
• Park in well-lighted areas - If you park on the street, try to park under a light.  Remember, a thief likes to strike a vehicle where they are less likely to be caught.  
• Report all thefts as soon as possible - As soon as you realize you have been the victim of a theft, report the crime immediately.  Not only could a thief use items like cell phones, checks, or credit cards, but if the police don't know where crimes are occurring, they can't look for a suspect.  Often times, officers will arrest individuals with lots of property on them that is most likely stolen - but without a report, there is no way to charge them with a crime, or to return the property to it's owner.

Preventing Auto Theft

In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 29 seconds.  Often times, auto theft is a "crime of opportunity", where a thief chooses a vehicle that is left in a vulnerable condition.  Auto theft costs Americans billions of dollars every year.  The simple truth is, if a thief really wants your vehicle, they will take it.  But, there are a few simple steps you can take to lower your chances of becoming a victim.

• Follow the steps above for preventing theft from your vehicle - Often times, a car thief will steal a vehicle that has lots of valuables inside.  By stealing the vehicle, they can inventory the property at their own leisure.
• Don't leave spare keys in your vehicle - If a thief breaks into your vehicle and finds your "spare" key, it makes it that much easier for them to take the whole vehicle.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while running - A growing trend in auto thefts is thieves that "lurk" around areas where folks often leave vehicles running.  Gas stations, the post office, dry cleaners, and fast food restaurants are all places where thieves will watch for a person who just "runs in" real quick - leaving their vehicle running.  A victim returns to their vehicle after 60 seconds, only to find their vehicle gone.
• NEVER ASSUME THAT LEAVING A CHILD IN THE VEHICLE WILL PREVENT IT FROM BEING STOLEN - Many people think that leaving their child in a running vehicle will discourage a thief.  Unfortunately this attitude has been met with tragic results.  Always remove your children and lock your vehicle - even if you are just making a quick stop.
• Keep accurate records of your vehicle's information - The main thing the police will need if your vehicle is stolen is it's vehicle identification number (VIN).  Often times, the only place a person has paperwork with the VIN, is in the glove box of the vehicle.  Write down the VIN, license number, and any other information about your vehicle and keep it in a safe place.  In the event your vehicle is stolen, you will quickly be able to relate all of the important information.

Preventing Home Burglary

There is no feeling as awful as coming home to find you have been the victim of a burglary.  Not only has your home been violated, but the things you have worked your life to obtain can be stolen in a heartbeat.  There are ways to lower your chances of becoming a victim of a burglary.  Following the steps listed below can help.  In addition, contact the Central Patrol Community Interaction Officer to schedule a home security survey.  This is done free of charge, and may help you secure your most valuable possessions.

• Lock doors and windows - Sometimes, simply keeping your doors and windows locked will be enough to deter a thief.  Make sure that doors and windows are secure in their frames, and they do not move when locked.  Check exterior doors to see if hinges are outside - where they can easily be removed and the door removed from the frame.  And, just because you are home, don't assume it's safe to leave doors unlocked.   
• Provide adequate lighting - A well-lit house will often deter a burglar.  By placing exterior lights at the corners of your home, and aiming lights toward your homes entry points (windows, doors, garage), you can help deter a thief.  Use permanent lights to illuminate windows, and portions of your yard.  Use motion-sensing lights in your driveway, and near doorways.
• Keep trees and shrubs well trimmed - Make sure that trees and shrubs that surround your home are trimmed so as not to provide entry to your home - or to obscure an entry point, allowing a thief to go unnoticed.  Shrubs near windows should be trimmed below window level, and trees should be pruned so that branches don't allow someone access to upstairs windows or the roof.
• Keep shades/blinds lowered when you're not home - Remember that thieves look for two things when searching for a home to burglarize... nobody home (less chance of being caught), and lots of valuables.  If a thief is able to easily peer into your home, they will be able to spot TV's, VCR's, Computers and other items.  They will also be able to note a lack of activity.  When you leave your home, shut the blinds to prevent becoming an easy target.
• Use an alarm system - Remember, a thief looks for a home where they feel they are unlikely to be caught.  If they see an alarm system, they will often move on to the next house.  Signs and stickers will deter some thieves, but a working alarm system will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. 
• Keep track of your valuables - Create and keep an updated list of your valuables.  Keep track of serial numbers of items where they are available.  Keep the list in a safe place such as your safety deposit box.  If possible, use a video camera to record your homes possessions.
• Mark your property - Use an engraver or an ultraviolet pen to mark your property with your name, and the last four digits of your social security number.  This way, if your property is located, it can be easily identified and returned to you.

When you go out of town...

Homes can be especially vulnerable to burglary when the owners are out of town.  Follow these additional tips to help ensure your home is safe while you're gone.

• Stop mail/newspapers - A quick sign that someone is out of town is a pile of newspapers in the driveway, or an overflowing mailbox.  The post office can provide a form which will allow you to have your service temporarily stopped while you are gone.  Also, the newspaper can suspend service to your home.

• Use timers on lights/radios - Put automatic timers on lamps so that they turn on and off throughout the day.  Also put a timer on your radio or TV so that there is noise coming from inside your home.  

• Tell your neighbors - Let your trusted neighbors know that you will be gone, and ask them to keep an eye on your home for any suspicious activities.

• Have someone check on the home - Get a friend or relative to stop by your home and spend some time there.  If you park your cars outside, move them around so they aren't sitting in the same place.  Make sure they pick up any newspapers or mail that may have been delivered.

• Ask for "Extra Patrol" - If you live in Central Patrol Division, call 234-5510, and request "Extra Patrol" for your home/neighborhood.  Officers working your area will try to drive through your neighborhood and keep an eye on your home. (Note: Officers will fulfill extra patrol requests only as time permits - calls for service will be handled first.)

Tips for handling panhandlers

Central Patrol Division station has several locations that are frequented by panhandlers.  Often, these people pray on folks that appear nervous or uncomfortable with being approached.  Although you may think that giving a little pocket change here and there might help, in reality you may be hurting the person asking.  Most of the time, the change you give is used toward drugs or alcohol, and a supply of money from begging - may actually delay the person from receiving help from a qualified facility.  If you encounter a panhandler

• Don't give them money.  There are better ways to assist the homeless (see below).

• Acknowledge a panhandler with a nod, and answer the request for money by saying "No".  Then, walk away.

• Don't enter into a discussion with panhandlers who try to persuade you to give money.

• Walk with confidence - the streets of Kansas City belong to all of us.

• If you are threatened, harassed, or feel aggressive begging has occurred, call the police.  "Aggressive" begging is against the law.

• Don't be fooled - food, shelter, and assistance is available to those in need.

Remember, there are many locations where food, shelter, and medical assistance are  being provided for those who are homeless.  If you wish to assist, then you can make a donation to one of the following agencies:

City Union Mission 1108 E. 10th Street 816-474-9380	Restart Inc. 918 E. 9th 816-472-5664
KC Community Kitchen 413 W. 13th Street 816-474-6524	Kansas City Community Center (KCCC) 1514 Campbell 816-421-6670

Reporting Suspicious Activities

Remember, the police cannot be everywhere.  One of the most important tools in law enforcement is a group of citizens that is willing to be the eyes and ears for the police - when officers are not available.  You can help by knowing what to look for, and when to call the police. Things that you should look out for:

• Persons going door to door - Watch for persons or groups of individuals going door to door.  Try to determine if there is a legitimate reason for them to be in the neighborhood (such as a child participating in a fundraiser).  If you see people looking in windows, or going between or behind houses - call the police immediately. 

• Loitering - Individuals or groups that are standing outside of a home, or business that's closed may be planning a crime.  Watch to see if they seem nervous or if they appear to be watching for the police.  

• Slow moving vehicles - If you see a vehicle that appears to be "cruising" a neighborhood, it may be planning illegal activity.  If you see the same vehicle circling the block, or driving without headlights, it may be casing the neighborhood looking for a place to rob. 

You can assist the police by being a good witness.  If you see suspicious activity, make some notes before you call the police.  Getting a good description could be enough to prevent a crime before it happens, or be the clue that stops a crime spree.

Getting a Description

Below is a sample of information you should try to get if you see a suspicious person or vehicle, and how you should report the information;

Person

• Race/Sex - "White male"

• Age/Height/Weight - "About 20 years old, 5'10", about 150 lbs."

• Hair color/Facial Hair - "Brown hair with a mustache"

• Visible Scars/Marks/Tattoos - "Tattoo on his right forearm"

• Clothing descriptions - "Red shirt, blue jeans"

Vehicle

• Color/Make/Model - "Red Ford Pick-Up"

• Year/Body Style - "Early 90's, Extended Cab"

• License Plate State/Number - "Kansas Tags, ABC123"

• Distinguishing characteristics - "One headlight out"

If you see something suspicious, try to get as much of the information above, and then call 911.  If you're unsure of something, then make it clear to the call taker that you are not  positive, or make sure you are giving an "approximate" answer ( "He was 'approximately' six feet tall").

Remember, getting a good description is not worth becoming a victim yourself.  If you are a witness to a crime, do not become involved while trying to get a description.  Remain in your home or vehicle, and try to observe as much as possible without being noticed.