Vehicle prowls are on the rise, so please remember to remove ALL valuables from your vehicle. It only takes 30 seconds for someone to break into your car and steal your purse, garage remote, CD case or other valuables. Be safe – take everything with you!

And if your garage remote is stolen, Garry Stewart of Doorman Service in downtown Kent says you can erase the code for the remote so that thieves can’t use it to break into your home!

Click here to review the latest crime stats of the City of Kent.

Auto Theft Prevention – Top 10 List  (thanks to the City of Kent for providing this info.)

1. Remove all valuables every time you park.
2. Lock all doors.
3. Completely close all windows.
4. Install and use an alarm system.
5. Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
6. Consider installing a steering wheel locking device such as The Club. Clubs are available at a reduced cost through the Kent Police Foundation.
7. Park in well-lit locations.
8. Avoid parking in isolated areas.
9. Remove your GPS system, including the suction cups that are mounted on your windshield.
10. Call 9-1-1 at the sign of any suspicious activity.

Contributed by the Kent Police Department

Residential burglaries in Kent are on the rise! In particular, Kent burglary trends have shown that homes of Asian families are targeted because of unsecured valuables. Recently there have residential burglaries during the day time, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Burglars are gaining access by punching holes in smaller windows next to front doors, punching holes in windows or smashing/prying rear slider doors. In each incident, cash, jewelry, and other valuable items have been targeted; especially “hidden” quantities of money. In some cases, the burglars knock or ring the door bell first. If no one answers, they are going to the back of the house to gain entrance through the sliding glass door.

Here are some ways to help prevent from becoming a victim:

- If you choose to keep cash and other important items in your home, keep them locked in a safe. You may also use a safe deposit box at a bank.

- Keep valuables such as purses, laptops, iPods, and jewelry out of plain sight from windows and doors and locked up if possible.

- Keep all windows and doors locked whether home or not, including back sliding doors.

- Install protective window film to smaller windows next to doors. This helps prevent breaking of glass and denying access to inside of front door.

- Do not leave your garage door open, even if you are at home.

It is important that neighbors be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Whenever you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately and then notify security. We encourage residents to call 9-1-1 even when something suspicious, such as an unknown person or car in the neighborhood, is occurring.

For more information go to www.kentpoliceceu.com, or contact Stacy Judd with the Kent Police Department at (253)856-5883.

There are ADT Ohio security systems available which provide 24/7 home monitoring protection.

The Kent Police Department released the crime stats for last week, July 20-26, 2010, along with some helpful crime prevention tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Punched door lock and smashed windows:  According to Kent PD, these are two popular methods for thieves to use to gain access to your vehicle. To prevent this, always lock your car doors and remove valuables from your vehicle. These items are the most appealing to would-be thieves:  GPS units, tools, computers, spare change, sunglasses and cell phone charges.

Full-time DUI patrols are in force:  This summer special full-time DUI patrols are patrolling local streets and highways to keep drunk drivers off the road. Kent PD recommends that you be safe and be smart by finding alternative transportation if you’ve been drinking:  (1) take public transit; (2) designate a driver to remain sober; and (3) take a taxi.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle: Did you know that it is illegal to leave your vehicle running with a child in it? In addition, running cars with kids in them are easy targets to thieves, and it is unsafe to leave your child or pet in the car during the summer time. When outdoor temps are 80 or above, the inside temp of your vehicle can escalate to as high as 130 degrees in just an hour!

For more tips like these or to learn more about crime prevention, contact one of the Kent PD’s public education specials:

West Hill – Cesi Velez, 253-856-5884

East Hill – Stacy Judd, 253-856-5883

Valley – Sara Wood, 253-856-5851

From Sara Wood, public education specialist from the City of Kent Police Department:

• Last week’s crime stats
• Sex Offender Level III Notice
• Landlord/Property Management Training in Federal Way – May 12
• Hondas:  popular targets for vehicle theft - We are still seeing a steady trend of Hondas being targeted for vehicle thefts. If you haven’t already, consider purchasing The Club, an steering wheel locking device. They can be purchased through Kent PD for $15.00.

Thank you for being partners in crime prevention!

Along with this week’s crime stats, the Kent Police Department cautions Kent residents to protect their vehicle and belongings. In particular, car prowlers are looking for these items:

• GPS units and holders
• Laptops, iPods, cell phones and other electronics
• Sports equipment and shopping bags
• Mail and money

Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.

If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com

City of Kent Police Department reported crime stats for the week of February 2 – 8, 2010.  Included in the stats are vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, residential burglaries and commercial burglaries.

The report also includes crime prevention tips. In this week’s stats, readers are reminded how to identify a suspect:

“A key element to crime prevention is identifying a suspect. Here are some items the police department would utilize if you are witness to criminal activity: Male/Female, Height, Weight, Distinguishing features, Eye color, Skin color, Clothing, Birth marks, Accent in voice, Direction of individual, and any other details you can remember.”

Here are the crime stats from the Kent Police Department for the week of 10/27 – 11/02/09, along with helpful crime prevention tips!

• The cold weather in the morning brings those opportunistic vehicle prowlers and thieves. NEVER leave your car running and unattended in the morning. We have seen cars stolen out of driveways as the bad guy is lurking and waiting for you to leave your car while it warms up.

• The cold weather in the morning also brings holiday shopping. Remove all shopping bags from your vehicle every time you park. Or, if you can’t remove them completely, conceal them in your trunk before you get to your final destination.

• The cold weather also brings darkness earlier. All of us are heading to our cars at the end of a busy work day and it is already dark outside. Make sure you have your car keys in your hand before heading out the door towards your car. Walk with co-workers if possible. Trust your “gut” feeling. If something feels funny, go back inside and ask for someone to walk you to your car. Move your car to a closer parking spot sometime during the day. And, remember to drive carefully out there with your eyes open for pedestrians!

• Copper wire and pipes have been getting stolen lately. If you spot a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of your street, document all the information you can on the vehicle and the people associated and call 911. Don’t just assume they are there to do work. And, if you notice street lights out suddenly that were functioning, document it and call 911. Thieves are taking wire out of light poles, electrical boxes, and more in front of neighbors and passing cars. Keep your eyes and ears open!

Here are Kent PD’s crime stats for the week of 10/20 – 10/26. Thanks to Sara Wood from Kent PD for providing these!

Crime Stats – 10/20 – 10/26

Follow the Kent PD on Twitter

From Sara Wood, Kent PD

Here are the crime stats from 9/15 – 9/21/09. Don’t forget to review the tips and post these for employees and residents!

From Sara Wood of the Kent Police Department:

Kent PD Crime Stats, week of 9/8 – 9/14/09

Of important note…

Kent Police arrested three individuals associated with metal theft from commercial properties. Stolen property was also recovered!

We continue to see smash/grab burglaries to businesses. Suspects are breaking glass windows and doors! While police do their job and review video to track down suspects, make sure you do your job!

1) Secure your business.

2) Review your cash handling practices.

3) If you have a surveillance system please ensure it is working.

4) Do a rock survey of your property and remove all objects that can be used to throw through a window to gain access.

5) Last, but certainly not least, keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious people, vehicles and activity. Remember, if it feels “funny” or “weird”, it probably is. This is usually the time to call 9-1-1 to report all that you can about the situation.

Crime Stats for the Week of 9/1 – 9/7/09 provided by Kent PD along with this service message to Kent Businesses:

Last week, we saw an increase in burglaries to businesses. In most of these burglaries, cash from the cash register was taken. If you handle cash in your business, consider doing these basic steps to prevent the criminal from choosing your business:

· Drop cash at close of business and leave cash register empty.

· Leave cash register “till” door open so it is obvious that there is no cash in it.

· Post signage in and around your business of cash handling practices, ie. “Only $50 cash on hand at any time”.

· Install security film to your windows and any glass doors. Smashing windows continues to be one way criminals gain access to businesses.

We are also seeing an upswing in metal theft in the Valley area. If you deal with metal or copper at your business, now is the time to secure it and inventory what you have.

Crime stats:

Download the Kent PD Crime Stats for the week of 8/18 – 8/24/09 here, including Vehicle Prowls, Vehicle Thefts, Residential Burglaries and Commercial Burglaries.

Crime update:

The Kent Police Department arrested a suspect responsible for at least 8 burglaries of downtown businesses. Over the past few months, there have been several smash and grab type of burglaries (suspect smashes a glass window or door to gain access to the business). The suspect, who lives within walking distance of the downtown area, was arrested last week.

As a reminder, to prevent these types of crimes, you can secure your business by purchasing security film that is installed in windows and on glass doors. Security film can be purchased at most window stores. Also, consider removing all large rocks or objects that can be used to throw through a window.  As always, continue to keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious activity and do not hesitate to call 911. Thank you for being partners in crime prevention!

Provided by the Kent Police Department on 8/26/09.

Attached are Kent crime stats for the week of 3/17 – 3/23/09. Data includes Vehicle Prowl Locations, Vehicle Theft Locations, Residential Burglaries and Commercial Burglaries.

ilp-weekly-summary031709-0323091

Tips for Making Homes Secure:

1) Make sure all exteriors doors and windows are locked. If they are unlocked, this makes it so much easier for the burglar to gain entry!

2) Do not leave keys under door mats! Doing so is only inviting the burglar in. Leave spare keys with a trusted neighbor or friend.

Crime stats provided courtesy of the Kent Police Department. This information is public. For questions, please contact the Kent Police Department directly.