FLORENCE, Ariz. – The prevalence and potential of criminal activity as it relates to residential burglaries as well as crimes related to vehicles is always of concern to citizens. Based upon statistics and common trait behavior of criminals who use these as opportunities to victimize residents, it is important to know some basic tools to prevent yourself or a friend from being victimized.
Never leave anything of value inside your vehicles: Your vehicle is a mobile device and you should always consider that no location is a safe location for it.
Be aware of carports, garage doors and open areas as potentials. Leaving garage doors open, hiding keys outside to the residence, leaving gates unlocked, lack of security devices, and unsecure windows are just invitations to criminals who count on these poor habits to victimize the resident.
Supply proper lighting to darkened areas of your property criminals do not like exposure. Having proper and strategically placed lighting will not only illuminate dark hiding spots but allow you to survey your property surroundings safely.
Report any and all suspicious activity a vast majority of criminal acts including serious crimes go unreported due to either complacency or lack of education as to what is potentially going on. Rather than investigating the suspicious behavior yourself, call 911.
Get involved in your neighborhood there are many programs that you and your family can get involved with as well as getting to know your neighbors.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office provides many volunteer services and programs that can assist in starting a Block Watch, Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (GAIN), Neighborhood Watch, POSSE, Explorers, Safety and Crime Prevention Fairs, Victim Services and Citizens on Patrol (COP).
Sheriff Babeu stated, “The majority of the crimes investigated by our office are reported by the citizens we serve. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and criminal activity as soon as it occurs. Working together we can all make Pinal County a safer place for our families.”
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