• Westside Precinct - APO Dianne Williams - 652-6573
• Downtown Precinct - Star Cpl. Willet Williams - 651-6990
• Central Precinct - APO Amber Davis -651-6931
• Soutside Precinct - Cpl. John Simmons 351-3400
• Islands Precinct- Ptl. Matt Stowe - 525-3008

• Do not give out personal information. Credit card numbers, social security numbers and other identifying numbers are already on file with the financial institutions you do business with. Legitimate business will not call you and ask for that information. Remember, if someone has a right to this information about you, they should already have it!
• Report lost or stolen checks. The numbers contained on your checks can give clear access to a thief. Always properly store cancelled checks and examine new checks to be sure none were stolen in shipment. Make sure you store them in a safe & secure location.
• Destroy unused financial solicitations. Before discarding unwanted "Junk" mail be sure to tear-up or shred them since they may contain information that a thief could use to steal your identity. Remember to safely destroy any types of financial statements or receipts since they also contain sensitive information.
• Guard your Automated Teller Machine Card and PIN Number. While these types of cards can make life easier for you they can completely disrupt your life if they fall into the hands of a thief. Always guard your card and PIN and never leave receipts laying around. Also, never allow someone to stand behind you at a Teller machine. Thieves are trained at watching the key pad for PIN numbers.
• Make sure your mailbox is secure. Promptly remove mail when it has been delivered. Thieves often raid mailboxes to obtain credit card information or financial statements.
• Contact the major credit reporting companies. These companies can tell you who or what company has accessed your credit report. A copy can be obtained for a small fee from the company. The three major companies are; Equifax 1-800-685-1111, Experian 1-888-397-3742, TransUnion 1-800-916-8800.

1. Call police and file a report.
2. Contact your bank(s) and financial institutions
3. Contact your credit card suppliers
4. Contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271

Auto Theft

Stolen cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles cause economic hardship for victims, increase everyone's insurance premiums, and may be used to commit other, violent crimes.

Everyday, cars and trucks are stolen from malls, streets, driveways, parking lots and garages, and car dealerships. Vehicle theft can happen any place and at anytime.

A few common sense steps can help you avoid being a victim of the nations fastest growing property crime.

• Never leave your car running unattended.
• Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.
• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home.
• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked this is the number one reason cars are broken into. Put them in the trunk out of sight.
• Always park in busy, well-lighted areas whenever possible.
• Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. These devices are commonly referred to as clubs, collars, or J-bars, and may serve as a deterrent if installed properly.
• Investigate the purchase of an auto security system if you live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle.
• Always leave just the ignition key with the attendant, if you park in a commercial garage or lot. Make sure no identifying information is attached. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.
• Carry your registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
• Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.

Here are just a few safety tips for parking your car in a public or private parking lot.

• Always lock the car and roll up the windows all the way. If you have any valuables or packages, lock them in the trunk.
• If you're staying late, park the car near an exit or the attendant, not in the area that will be empty and remote when you leave.
• As you approach the car, have your keys ready and check the seats before getting in.
• You might also ask the security guard or a coworker to escort you to your car.
• By taking a common sense attitude towards ones security, owners and users can both greatly increase the safety of the parking lot. It may not be heaven, but at least it will be crime free.

Vacation Home Security

So you're going on vacation and want your house and contents to be safe and secure while you're gone? Well here are some tips that will reduce your odds of becoming a victim:

Cancel all regular deliveries

• Papers
• Coupons
• Get a neighbor to take in any free papers & mail.

• All outside doors, garages, & tool sheds are locked.
• Turn off gas & water supplies when on extended trips (contact a qualified plumber or utility service provider).
• Arrange for your pets to be looked after.
• Have someone cut the lawn in your absence.
• Let a reliable neighbor have a key to remove mail and papers from view and to keep an eye on the property for you when you are away.
• Deposit all valuables such as jewelry in a safety deposit box or with trusted friends.
• Do not lock any internal doors. In the event of a break-in it will mean more damage.
• Try to make the house look occupied. Use a time switch for lighting a main room or hallway.
• If your TV or stereo has a timer, use it.

Doors and Windows

• Security starts with properly locked doors and windows, since these are the most common entry points.
• Install dead bolts.
• Use a door brace of some sort for sliding glass doors.
• All locks should be changed when you move into a previously occupied house no mater who you've purchased the home from.
• Don't hide keys anywhere. Keys hidden outside are easily found.

• Don't encourage a burglar by displaying valuable items where they can be seen from a window. Purses and wallets left in plain sight are prime targets.
• Engrave all your property with unique identifiers.
• Make a list of all your valuables, including serial numbers.

• Leave on a radio or TV. Many radios and TV's have timers you can set to come on at specific times.
• Consider putting lights on a timer if you return home after dark regularly, including photo sensitive flood lights.
• If you will be away for a few days:
• Arrange for someone to cut the grass.
• Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on house and pick up your mail and newspapers.

• Noise is the burglar's biggest enemy. Even when the above tips are used an intruder sensing alarm is necessary.
• Physical security like locks and good neighbors or dogs can be easily overcome.
• An alarm system will make so much noise that a burglar will not stay, and is unlikely to run off with anything. Once the alarm is sounded, the intruder knows he has been detected and will waste no time in exiting.
• Of course, if you are present at the time, and are alerted, take any precautionary actions that could save your life.

• Avoid walking or running alone at night, instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
• Don't use headphones while walking, driving, or jogging.
• Always walk in well-lighted areas.
• Avoid the use of short cuts.
• After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
• Always stay near the curb.
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse directions.
• Never display or "flash" your cash, expecially when leaving an ATM.

• As you walk to your car, LOOK around.
• Before you get into your car, LOOK on the inside.
• When traveling, make sure that your car has plenty of gas and is in good working order.
• Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
• Lock your car doors and roll up windows whenever you are in your car.
• Decide on a well-lit traveling route. Let someone know your plans and estimated arrival time.
• Don't open your car door or window to strangers if you feel threatened.
• Park in safe well-lit areas.
• If a carjacker demands your car or keys - give them up - your car is insured and can be replaced - you can't. Remember a survivor is a winner!