Crime Prevention
Assault
Business Crime Prevention
Car Prowl/Car Theft
Child Safety
Domestic Violence
Graffiti/Vandalism
Theft
Residential Burglary
Robbery
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Theft
Whenever any property is taken, that is theft. Pickpocketing, shoplifting (taking something from a store without paying for it), auto theft and auto accessory theft (car stereo/CD player) are examples of theft. No one implied a threat or used force to take it from you; no one entered your home or place of business to get it; it was there and they took it. That’s theft.
What Thieves Look For
- Easy Pickings: Items left in grocery carts, dressing rooms or desks and wallets protruding from pockets only take seconds to grab.
- Crowds: The noise and confusion of crowds help conceal crime. Be especially vigilant anywhere that is busy or crowded.
- Distraction: When you are distracted you are less able to remember identifying characteristics of a thief and are often even unaware a theft has occurred until much later. Thieves will sometimes cause a distraction, (i.e. bumping into you) or observe one, (i.e. talking on your cellphone) to steal a wallet or purse.
How to Protect Yourself
- Minimize what can be lost: Carry only what you need, small amounts of cash, and only the credit cards you plan to use. Try not to carry anything that is irreplaceable or of sentimental value. If you MUST carry a lot of cash or valuables, store them in a pocket or pouch inside your jacket.
- Purses/Bags: Should be closed, carried in front of the body with an arm held loosely across it. Many people carry a bag out of habit, but if you don’t really need it, travel without one.
Other Types of Theft: Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. It can occur when a criminal steals personal identifying information such as name, birth date, Social Security number or your mother’s maiden name and uses it for their own gain. These thefts can occur through lost or stolen credit or debit cards, non-secure online transactions, personal information recovered from your garbage, and most frequently, stolen mail from your mailbox. ...READ MORE