Historical April 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Operation SafeStreet attributes an increase in burglaries from 1985 to 1986 in part to the mild weather. January-March 1985 there were 24 residential burglaries: January-March 27, 1986 there were 28.
The significant difference was January: in 1985 there were 6 burglaries, in 1986 there were 15.
The reverse is true of March: in 1985 there were 13, in 1986 there have been 4.
We need to be reminded that as warmer weather increases all of our activities, it unfortunately increases criminal activity as well.
The SDCC Safety Committee offers these tips for the protection of yourself and your property. Be discreet: Criminals make it their business to know your schedules and routines. Alter your patterns from day to day. Use your back door to bring in new purchases especially TV’s, stereos, etc. Be conscious of how and when you load your car for vacation and the arrangements you make for mail and deliveries while you are away.
The only people who should know you are gone are the people you tell. Be alert: Look out your window when you hear an unfamiliar noise; if you’re suspicious, call 911. Don’t second guess your instincts.
A person walking down your alley carrying a T.V. is suspicious; call 911.
When the police respond, talk to them; describe what you saw If you get up during the night for any reason, take an extra 30 seconds to look out your front or back window. Secure your home: Exterior doors should be of solid core construction and equipped with quality deadbolt locks. Equip windows with secure locks and pins. Leave a light and a radio turned on when you’re away. Be sure your address is visible from the street and from the alley. Secure the perimeter of your home: Close off your gangway with a gate; keep shrubs and bushes trimmed; be sure bicycles, lawn mowers, etc. are properly secured. Use porch lights: Light is one of the best deterrents to crime. Turn on outside lights, front and back, from dusk to dawn. Protect your person: When you are walking, be alert and use common sense.
At night walk close to the curb nearer street lights and away from doorways. Walk with another person if possible.
If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body, even under your coat. Place cash and credit cards in a wallet that you can slip in a pocket, out of your purse.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1986.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1986_04.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
