By Officer Tim Mitten
Community Action Officer
Black Mountain Precinct
Phoenix Police Department
Another year has come and gone and the holiday season is upon us. It is a time for reflection, celebration and renewal and as we do these things let us all remember the less fortunate or those having difficulties, temporary or permanent. There are many ways we can assist, from the donation of time, money or gifts to even the small things like being courteous or polite during this hectic season can go a long way. There are many strange and unfortunate events that occur here in Arizona, across this great country and in the world and we all should look to our own neighborhoods to help improve our communities in any way possible.
The Desert Ridge Community Association police patrols will be increased during the holiday season so if you see an increased police presence in your neighborhoods it is more than likely the officers hired by your association. The end of this year will conclude our fourth full year of this highly successful program so look for some statistical updates in this magazine, online or at one of the HOA meetings in the spring of 2016. If anyone has any questions about this program and its operation, feel free to contact me through email or phone.
This time of year also brings along many events to attend, family to visit, traveling, shopping and much more. I know not many of you will think of crime prevention during these festive times but a few simple reminders that can be made part of your daily routine will help reduce the opportunities for you and your family to be a victim. Below are some good reminders on crime prevention for around the house, while out in public and in general.
When walking to and from stores, mall, etc keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings, Walk with a purpose, do not divert your attention by texting or talking on the phone, digging for car keys or be burdened with too many bags or packages.
Park in a well lite area, do not park in dark or faraway places. I know it is difficult to find good parking, but do the best you can. If you go in at daylight hours and think you might be inside until it is dark, park as if it was dark.
Roll the windows on your car all the way up and LOCK your car. Do not leave valuables, packages, or even gym bags, etc in plain view inside the car; put them all in the trunk. Gym bags or other bags in view may not have anything but a few items of clothes in them but the thieves do not know that and will try anyway.
When parking your cars in your driveway or on the street at home, get them in the garage if you can. If not remove all valuables, garage door openers and lock the car. Many thieves will break into a car just to take the garage opener and then use it to take items from the garage or enter the house.
Do not keep large amounts of cash with you or display cash when shopping. Take with you only what you need for the day. Be on guard while at ATM’s.
Keep a constant eye on your children. ALWAYS know where they are and keep them in sight. Children are easily distracted by the decorations and excitement of the holidays and may wander off in only a couple seconds.
Do not drink and drive, please use a designated driver, call a taxi or uber. This time of the year many people have holiday functions from work or family and drink when they usually don’t and make a bad decision and drive. Please enjoy the season but drive responsibly and patiently. Everyone has a lot to do and if we can exercise patience on the roadways we can reduce accidents.
Make sure the doors and windows to your home are locked, the front lights are on all night and keep a watchful eye for suspicious activity. If you are expecting deliveries and you will not be home, ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up when they arrive. Please call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 if you see suspicious activity.
Do not respond to any “great deal” or “too good to be true” emails from companies, especially ones you do not know. They are more than likely scams and are trying to get your bank information. Only use secure websites that you know are valid businesses. Do not respond to solicitations over email or phones that sound phony or suspicious.
Please drive carefully, schools will be out on winter break and many kids will be out in the neighborhoods trying out new bikes, toys, etc and you need to be ever mindful of their presence.
Lastly, be patient. The crowds are larger, people are rushed and stressed. Some people do not like the holidays and can act out so please exercise patience when out and we all can enjoy the holidays in our own joyful way.
If you are going to be out of town for a winter vacation, tell a trusted neighbor to watch over your house, do not post on social media that you will be gone and call the Black Mountain Precinct at 602-495-5002, ask for a Vacation Watch and officers can check on your house while you are gone, if the radio calls allow them to.
Thank you again for another year of working together. I am always looking for ways to help improve your community’s quality of life by making sure your neighborhood is safe and secure so if there is anything I can do or if you have any questions on any matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at 602-495-5238 or at tim.mitten@phoenix.gov.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
