CRIME STATS
Virginia Highland Security Patrol
September 21, 2020 through October 24, 2020
Directed Patrols: 29 | Drop ins/Park and Walks: 26 | Suspicious person: 7 |
Alarm Response: 2 | Suspicious Vehicle: 0 | Parking Complaints: 0 |
Noise Complaints: 0 | Out of town Checks: 12 | Abandoned Auto: 0 |
VAHI Patrol Member Contact: 6 | Lost Person: 0 | Street Obstruction: 0 |
Wanted Persons: 0 | Intoxicated Persons: 0 | Found Property: 0 |
Criminal Trespass: 0 | Info for Officers: 4 | Shots Fired: 0 |
Calls for service (cell Phone): 3 |
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News and Notes
NO SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS THIS REPORTING PERIOD THRU 10/24/2020
Holiday Safety Tips:
For Your Car:
- Be mindful of your parking spot and park as close as possible to the store. Try to shop during the day, but if you must shop at night, park in well-lit, high-traffic areas
- Try to avoid parking near cars with dark tinted windows, or cars that obstruct your view
- Do not leave car doors unlocked or the windows down /sunroof open, even if you’re just making a quick stop. Thieves are good – and fast – at what they do
- Avoid a smash and grab – don’t leave anything in plain view in your car that could perceived as valuable (criminals don’t know that your duffle bag only contains gym clothes)
- Prior to arriving at the mall, lock all valuables in the trunk of your vehicle. When at the mall, do not take packages to your car and then return to the store. Packages should be secured in the vehicle trunk only before leaving to go home or to another shopping center
- Don’t fumble for your keys when you arrive at your car. Have them ready to use before leaving your home, job or the mall
- Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within distance of your car door. And only unlock the driver’s door, unless others are riding with you
- If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort
- Do not leave your vehicle unlocked at a gas station, even while pumping gas
- When banking, be aware of your surroundings in drive-up ATMs and when returning to the parking lot from a walk-up ATM or inside the bank
- At home, park your vehicle in your garage or lock your door when taking packages into and out of your house. Do not leave your keys, garage door opener, valuables (such as laptop computers, tablets, backpacks or purses) or items with personal information in plain view
While Shopping:
- Shop with a friend. There’s safety in numbers
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Carry only the credit cards you intend to use
- Do not carry a wallet in your back pocket. It should be in your front pants pocket
- If you carry a purse, wear the straps across your body instead of around your arms or shoulders. Consider using a fanny pack instead
- Don’t buy more than you can safely carry. Ask a friend or store employee to help you carry your purchases to your vehicle
- Thieves or robbers often look for “high value” shopping bags with your purchases. When possible, slip bags/purchases in a plain bag
- Use ATMs and credit card readers wisely. Have your card ready before approaching the machine and use ATMs in high traffic areas. Test them for skimming devices
- Shopping with children?
- Teach them how to ask mall personnel or store security employees for help
- Make a plan, and identify
Personal Safety:
- Dress casually and comfortably
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you
- Be aware of your environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas
- Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by your devices – it’s easy to be caught off-guard while talking on a cell phone or posting an update on your tablet. Smartphone theft is a year-round problem, and the last thing you want is for your phone (and packages) to end up under someone else's tree!
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings
- Consider having a chemical agent or loud audible alarm in your possession
- If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you're really scared, yell to attract attention and scare off the thief
- Keep a record of all of credit card numbers (and issuer information) in a safe place at home. Notify your credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused
If you see someone or something suspicious, please report it to the police. When driving or out walking, keep an eye out in the neighborhood, what you see and report just might prevent a crime.
Reminder: All members call 911 first if you see a crime in progress or a suspicious person or activity, and then call the Virginia Highland Security Patrol Phone.
