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

The City of Kent is activating Severe Weather Shelter at Kent Lutheran Church.

Kent Lutheran Church, 9 P.M. to 7 A.M.
336 2nd Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032-5849

9 P.M.  – Check-in and registration
7 A.M. – shelter closes, clients must vacate

The severe weather shelter (SWS) will be in operation Monday night 12/07/09 and Tuesday night 12/08/09. Priority is given to homeless families with children who are living on the streets or in vehicles, but the SWS will also be available for single women and men.  The SWS will be operated by Catholic Community Services staff, and volunteers from Kent Lutheran Church.

Doors for the SWS will open at 9 P.M.  Clients must register at the door.  As with all shelters, rules for the health and safety of all clients and staff and the broader community will apply.

Please spread the word

SAFETY & SECURITY in DOWNTOWN KENT

KDP’s Safety & Security Committee along with the Youth Services Center is hosting an evening for our businesses to share their concerns about our homeless youth.  Learn tools to communicate better with our youth and learn of the options our homeless youth have.

This is an opportunity for you, as a business, to educate yourselves while continuing your efforts to make a difference in downtown Kent.

The meeting will be held at the Kent Lutheran Church, on August 6^th, Thursday, from 5-7 PM.

Please, make time to attend this meeting so that we can all deal with our homeless youth together. Thank you.

John Hinds & Garry Stewart, Chair
Mike Heinisch, Executive Director

Greater Kent Historical Society & Museum Invites you to a FREE Family Fun & Safety Awareness Event

Sunday, July 26, 2009
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Kent Senior Activity Center – 600 E. Smith Street

Kent Fire Dept., Kent Police Dept. and Tri-Med Ambulance will be on site with personnel & displays to educate about family safety.

FREE   Balloons – Magician – Face Painting – Games & more

Food & beverage vendors on site

Hot Dogs – Popcorn – Beverages – Candy – Ice Cream

SPECIAL  TREAT:   J. P. Patches Show on the Senior Center Stage at 1:00 pm

There will be a $5.00 ticket charge for the J.P. Patches Show only.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 10^th until sold out.  For reservations, call 253-854-4330.