Thieves Lurking In City
Police Warn Citizens To Be Aware Of Potential For BurglaryBy Robert Rizzuto, rrizzuto@post-journal.com
Criminals are always on the lookout for an easy target, no matter the season or side of the city.
They might break into a home or perhaps a car, but with many of the reported incidents, people simply do not lock their doors, according to Lt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department.
''It's an ongoing problem and it happens all year 'round,'' he said of various thefts in the city. ''They usually like to strike when people aren't around.''
CAR SHOPPING
Stealing from parked cars isn't a new trend or idea, but the items a thief may walk away with have changed over the years. Since several electronic devices have shrunk in size and become more popular and readily available, they have also become a hot target for thieves.
GPS systems, iPods, satellite radio receivers and, of course, CD players are small, easy to conceal and easy to turn around for a quick buck.
''The thieves usually go after unlocked cars or for things left in plain sight,'' Samuelson said. ''Most thieves won't go through the trouble of breaking into a vehicle if there isn't something of value visible through the window.''
He said if your car is outfitted with the latest digital gear, you shouldn't leave it inside when you walk away. If you have to leave it inside though, putting it in the glovebox, trunk or under the seat may be the second-best alternative.
Sometimes, thieves may also look for checkbooks, credit cards or just loose change for a fast score, then move on.
Since cars are typically broken into during the night, another option may exist for those concerned with prying eyes and hands in their vehicle.
Car alarms can be useful as a deterrent, Samuelson said, as long as they aren't over-sensitive and constantly going off.
If your car alarm is always going off and the neighbors always hear it, they will be less likely to look outside when they hear it.
But when properly tuned and maintained, a car alarm can be the very thing that saves you a headache in the morning, Samuelson explained.
Some of the new alarm systems include a two-way page function that will notify you personally if someone is attempting to or has entered your vehicle. Many of these systems can be purchased online for less than $100.
''If I was a thief and a car alarm went off at 3 a.m., I'd get out of there pretty quickly,'' Samuelson said. ''People should always lock their car and take all valuables with them whenever possible.''
BURGLARIES AND HOUSEHOLD LARCENIES
The criminal mind isn't limited in creativity or persistence when it comes to trespassing and taking what they want. Throughout the year, burglaries and theft from around the house is reported from neighborhoods all over the city.
Samuelson said leaving a door to your home unlocked, even for a short period of time, can make a thief's job even easier.
Burglaries in Jamestown typically center around smaller items, such as video game systems, personal prescriptions and of course other electronics, according to Samuelson.
A burglar can get into a home a number of ways. Unlocked windows and doors are inviting and should be the first line of defense against crime in the home, he explained.
It may be simple for someone to climb through an open window and take their time in the home if left unattended, but if someone has to spend a lot of time on the outside of the house looking for entry, they are more likely to be seen. An unlocked second floor window could also leave you vulnerable, especially if there is a ladder nearby or the house is built in a way which makes it easy to climb. Criminals also steal things from porches, yards and unlocked garages.
Bicycle thefts are frequent and very common in the city, Samuelson explained.
''We see a lot of bicycle larcenies in the city,'' he said. ''I even had one taken from my garage last year.''
A good first step to prevent a bike from getting stolen is to properly secure it by using a chain or bike lock and not securing it to the wheel of the bicycle.
''Many times people will have nothing but a wheel sitting there when they return to their bike,'' Samuelson said. ''If you use a bike lock or chain, attach it to the frame.''
Recording the serial number of the bike and taking a picture of it can also be useful in case it is stolen.
The lieutenant said that if people take every precaution to secure and keep track of their personal property, it will make the job that much more difficult for the criminals.
''I've been doing this for 15 years and I can tell you that these crimes are always going to be here,'' Samuelson said. ''But if people see something suspicious, they should get a description and if there is a vehicle, a plate number and direction of travel. I'd rather send officers and have it be nothing than find out someone was victimized and no one knew until it was too late.''
Anyone who sees what might be a burglary or larceny in progress is asked to call the Jamestown Police Department at 483-7536 or call 9-1-1.
