Crime wave elicits prevention strategies

By Niesha Lofing - nlofing@sacbee.com

Last Updated 1:26 pm PDT Tuesday, July 1, 2008

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Being aware of your surroundings is an effective way to yourself as well as fight and prevent crime, police say.

Recent home-invasion robberies and street holdups in Natomas have increased concern among area residents, who fear they could become victims. The incidents also raised questions about self protection and crime prevention in general.

Sacramento Police Sgt. Matt Young emphasized that no material possession is worth sacrificing a life.

"If it appears that this certain thing is all the person wants, give it to them," Young said. "There's nothing anyone owns that is worth their life."

He also emphasized the importance of resisting an assailant who demands a victim get into a car, which happened during two recent robberies.

"They should try anything they can do to avoid that situation," Young said.

Victims also should try to remember features of a robber or assailant. Elements to remember include prominent facial and physical features, clothing and vehicle details.

"It's a very difficult, very traumatic time, but they should do the best they can to remember things," Young said.

Elements to remember include prominent facial and physical features, clothing and vehicle details.

"The more information we have about their appearance, the more likely we'll be able to identify the person," Young said.

Young offered these suggestions for self-protection:

• Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles.

• Write license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles.

• Don't pull into your garage or driveway if an unknown person is lingering outside your home.

• Network with neighbors.

• Protect your home with alarms, signs.

• Don't leave garage, windows or sliding doors unlocked or open.

Young said one of the best things residents can do to thwart criminals is to treat them kindly.

If you see a suspicious person walking in your neighborhood, look them in the eye, say hello and be friendly.

"Criminals are allergic to good people," he said.

Residents should alert authorities if they suspect criminal activity, however.

"Always err on the side of caution," Young said, adding that residents can either call police with information or file reports online.

"I can't tell you how many series of burglaries and robberies we've solved by citizens taking time to file complaints or call us," he said.

For more information on filing a police report, go to www.sacpd.org. To contact non-emergency police dispatch, call (916) 264-5471.

About the writer:

Call The Bee's Niesha Lofing, (916) 321-1270.

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Crime wave elicits prevention strategies

By Niesha Lofing - nlofing@sacbee.com

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