Police Reach Out to Residents to Solve, Stop Thefts

Still coming up empty-handed in the effort to develop of pool of suspects related to a , Port Washington police are asking the community to take a proactive step to help stop and solve the crimes.

"We encourage all citizens to work with us in an effort to curb these thefts by practicing these simple, yet effective situational crime prevention strategies and to minimize your chances of becoming a victim," a press release from the said.

"Situational crime prevention" practices help to reduce the opportunities for criminals to commit crime, change criminals' ideas about whether they can get away with a particular crime and make it seem harder, riskier and less rewarding to commit crime, the release said.

Police suggest community members take the following steps to help out:

• Reducing temptation: Park vehicles as near to residence as possible, illuminate parking area during hours of darkness, keep valuables out of sight.
• Target removal: Remove potential targets of theft from view.  Better yet, remove such items from vehicle when unattended.
• Property Identification: Mark property, and record makes and models, descriptions and serial numbers of moveable items.
• Protect valuables in your car: Remember to always lock your car doors, close your windows, take the keys and hide anything valuable from prying eyes.  The popularity of GPS units, radar detectors, expensive stereo equipment, laptop computers, and cellular phones appear to encourage car prowlers. Any vehicle with a visible cellular phone, radar detector, visible power cord or mount, briefcase, purse, gym bag or other valuables left in sight may be a target.  Motorists should also wipe suction cup marks from the inside of the windshield, because they are a sign that a GPS unit might be in the car.  Other property often stolen from vehicles includes: stereos, purses/wallets, checkbooks, sunglasses cameras, CDs, spare change, auto parts, power tools, tool boxes, hand tools.

Police are also asking that community members keep a watchful eye and report suspicious activity to the department as soon as possible. Examples of reportable activity include:

• If you witness any suspicious persons or vehicles, try to obtain a description of the person(s) or vehicle(s).
• Call 911 immediately to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity you may observe.
• If you become a victim, report the theft to the police immediately.

If you have any information regarding these thefts call the anonymous TIP Hotline at 262-268-7682. You may qualify for a cash reward.