Spring into Action
This is the time of year where we take time to enjoy as much of the outdoors as we can before it gets too hot outside. It’s a great time of the year to be outside and get things done around the yard too. However, don’t let our beautiful weather allow you to become complacent. At this time of year, there is a noticeable spike in crimes of opportunity. People are more apt to leave bicycles, yard tools and other personal property lying around. They also leave garage doors, gates and sheds open and wonder why things get stolen.
Windows can be easy entry points for a criminal to gain access to your home. So if you do get a chance to work in the yard this spring, make sure that your trees and bushes are trimmed back allowing a clear view of your windows. This makes it difficult for criminals to hide outside your home. Letting in fresh air is fine when someone is home, but when you leave the house make sure that you close and lock all of your windows. If you have a screened security door, make sure it’s locked when you have the front door open, even when you are home.
When it comes to crime in Desert Ridge, our biggest area of concern is car burglaries. We still see a number of incidents where resident’s cars are broken into because they are leaving valuables in plain sight, or even leaving their car doors unlocked. Please, take an extra moment to be vigilant instead of a victim.
Desert Ridge continues to have some of the lowest crime rates in the Phoenix metro area, but we can do even better. The best way to reduce crime is through prevention. We need to keep an eye out at all times, not only for our own homes and autos but for those of our neighbors as well.
We have fantastic anti-crime programs in Desert Ridge with our off-duty City of Phoenix Police Patrols, our Silent Witness matching grant program, and even our Urban Tactical security patrols. But we need your help too. Communicate with your neighbors and keep looking for things that are out of place in your neighborhood. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to Crime Stop at 602-262-6151.
If you’re interested in learning how to start a neighborhood block watch program, please contact the Desert Ridge Community Association office at 480-551-4553.
