Time for a crime prevention reality check as the new year begins: are you a hard target or a soft target for crime? Hopefully the former—i.e., you’ve taken common sense steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for criminals—particularly regarding property crime such as home burglary or car prowls. These types of crimes occur when there is a combination of property left unprotected and bad guys who know they can get away with a crime—a perfect formula for “crimes of opportunity.” In most crimes of opportunity, it takes only a few seconds for a thief to break in and steal valuables. Making it easy for thieves to be in and out quickly provides opportunity.
Being a hard target begins with making it more difficult for thieves by securing and locking your vehicles, homes, and garages. Here are some additional tips:
Vehicle
- Don’t leave anything that may look appealing to steal in plain view in your vehicle. (Most commonly stolen: gym bags, backpacks, briefcases, cell phones, laptops, cash/coins, jewelry, mail.)
- If you must leave any packages or valuables in the trunk, place them there prior to your arrival at your destination. Lock the trunk with the valet key, so that thieves can’t easily pop the trunk open from the latch inside the vehicle. (Remember, it’s all about time—thieves want to be in & out quickly.)
- Don’t leave any signs of having electronics, such as connector cables or docking stations.
- Keep your glove compartment locked, and park in well-lit areas.
Home
- Don’t leave keys in your vehicles.
- Lock windows and doors, and don’t leave garage doors open, even in the daytime.
- Improve security: 1-inch throws on deadbolts, strike plates with long screws, locks on windows and gates.
- Install motion-sensor lighting and do not leave ladders or other devices for easy access to 2nd floor.
- Eliminate hiding places for intruders by trimming bushes and trees.
- Plan before you leave on vacation to stop delivery of mail and papers, arrange to have your lawn maintained and garbage cans put out for collection, and set lights and radios on timers. You can request a Hold Mail Service at UPS.COM (https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/).
Mail and Packages
- Don’t have packages shipped to your home if nobody is there to bring them inside in a timely way; rather, have packages shipped where you know someone will be available to receive them—neighbor, relative, work.
- Research package delivery alternatives, such as Amazon Locker or UPS Store, and others.
Reporting Crime or Emergencies
NON-EMERGENCY — 503-823-3333 (e.g., a stolen bike or suspicious activity that is not life-threatening)
EMERGENCY — 9-1-1 (e.g., emergencies that require immediate police, fire, or ambulance response, such as a crime in progress, a fight, a shooting, or a medical emergency)
ONLINE REPORTING — https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/cor/ (Submitted ONLY if there is NO known suspect information, online reporting is convenient and allows you to add information to a previous report, report lost property, and alert police to suspicious activity, a theft from a location or a vehicle, or vandalism—none of which is taking place at the moment of reporting. Visit the website for more details.)
NEIGHBORHOOD RESPONSE TEAM (NRT) OFFICER: The NRT for Beaumont-Wilshire is Craig Andersen (craig.andersen@portlandoregon.gov). Contact him for chronic nuisance issues such as drug houses or other ongoing crime or livability issues that require collaborative problem solving.