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This time of year, we tend to see an increase in burglaries and thefts. Here are a few safety tips to try and prevent you from becoming a victim. You can also go to the San Rafael Police Department webpage at http://www.srpd.org/beinformed/ for a more thorough checklist.
SAFETY TIPS
1) Before leaving for the day ensure all doors and windows are locked and secured
2) Before going to bed at night make sure the garage door is shut and that all main access doors are locked.
3) Ensure that vegetation surrounding the house is cut back so that windows and doors can be seen from the street or easily seen once an officer is in the back yard.
4) Motion lights are a great idea.
5) Lock all valuables inside a secure container, a safe or something similar, that has been securely fastened to the floor, wall or heavy duty shelf.
6) Remain vigilant and contribute to the neighborhood watch program.
7) Report any suspicious activity to the SRPD. Provide as much detail as possible such as a license plate or suspect description.
8) Lock you car doors and don’t leave anything valuable in the car. Remove garage door opener from the car.
9) Consider an alarm.
SRPD Lieutenant Dan Fink safety tips:In response to last month's child enticement case, we were asked to send out some information as to what to do if this happens again:
Parents
A. Call 911 immediately and report the following;
- Location of incident. Direction the suspect was last seen.
- Description of suspect. Attempt to remember as much information as possible. Begin from the top down- Hair, facial hair, shirt, pants, race, height, weight and age. Any unusual jewelry, tattoos, marks or scars.
- Description of suspect vehicle. Very important to attempt to obtain the license plate number. Look for anything on the vehicle that stands out like bumper stickers, damage to vehicle, damaged or tinted windows.
- If you have a cell phone and if it's safe to do so, take a photograph of the suspect and/or suspect vehicle. You could also video record via cell phone. Please remember to do this ONLY if it is safe to do so.
B. Parents should talk to their children regarding this topic.
Children
- Do not talk to strangers.
- Do not stop walking if a person is following you. If you feel you are being followed, find the first adult, house, or business you see and let them know you are being followed.
- Do not ever stop and talk to person that is inside a vehicle.
- Do not ever enter a car or approach a car if a person asks you to get in.
- Make as much noise as possible if someone attempts to grab you and place you in a vehicle. Scream as loud as you can and fight as hard as you can.
- Report suspicious people or vehicles to an adult immediately. Follow all the steps as above.
As always, please do not hesitate to call 911. Also please do not assume that someone else has called the police. Often times, we hear about crimes that happened days earlier from the neighborhoods but find out that the police were never notified the day of the crime. Time is our enemy in theses cases. The sooner we know about the information, the more likely it is we are able to solve the crime. If anyone has any other questions, please call Sergeant Jim Correa at 415-485-3195 or Lieutenant Dan Fink at 415-485-3148.
Anyone with information about a crime in San Rafael is asked to call San Rafael Police at 415.485.3000 or Crime Stoppers at 800.222.TIPS (8477). This phone number will accommodate all languages. Callers can remain anonymous and may earn a possible reward. Tips can also be made online at
The San Rafael Police Department has joined a number of law enforcement agencies nationwide by utilizing the popular video sharing website YouTube to share neighborhood crime information with community members.
The San Rafael Police Department has already been using a social networking site called Twitter, which allows important information to be released to subscribers quickly and efficiently. Our partnership with YouTube will extend that level of communication and allow for the release of videos. Videos may simply be informative to the public; or allow for the quick release of surveillance video of a crime which may lead to the identification of suspects in a crime case. Historically, the public has been vital in providing tips, which lead to the apprehension of suspects. Tips can always be made through the Bay Area Crime Stoppers website http://bayareacrimestoppers.org) or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. All calls are confidential and tipsters may be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000.
As part of our community oriented policing philosophy, we believe this program will assist us in continuing our goal of having a high level of communication and assist us in participation with our community members. To participate, go to: http://www.YouTube.com/mysrpd. For further information contact Lt. Dan Fink at 415.485.3148 or dan.fink@srpd.org
San Rafael Police Department Spring Newsletter link below
http://www.srpd.org/downloads/newsletters/spring11.pdf
SRPD tips to keep in mind when a solicitor knocks on your door: - Always keep your door locked, and ask who it is or look through a peek hole. If you are not comfortable, do not open the door.
- Ask to see a photo ID and a permit. If they work for a legitimate company, they will have both.
- Do not give any information that you would not normally provide to a stranger (credit card numbers, ID info).
- If you feel the subject is suspicious, call the police immediately at 485-3000 and give a description of the subject and any vehicle description and direction of travel.
Motorcycle traffic officers are now assigned a beat to handle any incoming traffic complaints. All Motorcycle officers work days. In addition a Traffic Officer roams in a car throughout the city. If you have a traffic complaint, you can click this lin
or you may directly e-mail COPS@srpd.org.