Public safety and crime prevention are hot topics these days. In recent months BWNA has been alerted to a number of car thefts, vandalism, and miscellaneous property crimes. The City of Portland Crime Statistics website indicates that in Beaumont-Wilshire over the last year, crimes are primarily those related to property. Of these, larceny makes up 42% and motor vehicle thefts 25%.
How can you reduce the risk of being a victim?
Improved visibility around your home can make it hard for a criminal to hide. Consider these additional steps:
- Trim back vegetation.
- Add security lights with motion sensors.
- Install security cameras for another layer of protection and to know when someone comes to your home or when a delivery is made.
How can you deter theft of cars or items from them?
- Don’t leave anything visible in your car. Even something of no value to you may present a target to a would-be criminal.
- Lock your car doors and keep all windows closed.
- Use a steering wheel lock, such as The Club, or a tire lock (boot).
- Add a car-theft tracking device. While not a theft-deterrent, it may aid in recovering your vehicle.
A resident reported a car was stolen from his garage recently, and acknowledged the garage door may have been open. This is a reminder to make sure your garage is closed and locked.
While these steps can deter criminals, they do not always stop them. A neighborhood incident of an attempted car theft occurred despite security cameras, a steering wheel lock in place, and security lights. Thankfully, a neighbor scared the thief away by shining a light and calling out.
In another case a stolen car was booted by police only to have the thief return to replace the booted tire with the spare and drive away. As the saying goes: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Property Crimes Reported in Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood (February 2022 to February 2023)
| Crime | Count | Crime | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 0 | Larceny Offenses | 102 |
| Bribery | 0 | Motor Vehicle Theft | 60 |
| Burglary | 24 | Robbery | 3 |
| Counterfeiting/Forgery | 0 | Stolen Property Offenses | 0 |
| Embezzlement | 0 | Vandalism | 44 |
| Extortion/Blackmail | 0 | ||
| Fraud Offenses | 11 | Total: | 245 |
Source: portland.gov/police/open-data/crime-statistics