BFPD wishes you safe, happy holiday |
| December 16, 2014 |
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By Michael Meier Public Information Officer As the holiday season approaches, the Bonners Ferry Police Department would like to remind us all to be safe not only on the roads, but also at home and while shopping. The police department has dedicated officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but we still need the communities support in helping us prevent crime. Especially around Christmas which is a time that criminals also like to target vehicles for gifts and items that are left in plain view. When out Christmas shopping we suggest that you place your gifts in the trunk when possible and out of sight of would be thieves, also remember not to leave any prescription drugs in your vehicles, we find that some of the thefts are directed at stealing prescription drugs which can then be sold on the street. We are very fortunate to live in a community that is primarily safe, but it only takes one or two people to try to steal items from your vehicle and home, and that is why the Bonners Ferry Police Department recommends that you get in the habit of locking your car and home doors, and take precautions to prevent someone from stealing your property. Officers also find when they respond to take a theft report that many times the property that has been stolen is hard to identify because the owner did not have a serial number or a good description of the item. Marking and recording your valuable items if they are taken will help in the recovery. We would like you to help us and call if you see suspicious activity, as we said, we have Officers on duty all of the time, and we want to stop the thieves before they have an opportunity to steal from you or your neighbor. If you have questions on simple steps to make your home more secure, feel free to contact the Police department and an Officer can stop by and offer some simple suggestions if you live in the city. Things as simple as battery powered, or solar powered motion lights that can be obtained locally at Radio Shack, Pro-X and Badger Building Supply are easy to install and do not require any electrical connections. Below are some common sense suggestions for improving the security of your property. Simple security measures can help your home stay safe from theft. * Never put large boxes that would alert a thief of your recent purchase for pickup on your curb or outside visible to thieves * Lock all windows and doors (you would be surprised how many don’t) deadbolts are a good investment. * Install a security light that a prowler must pass-battery powered and solar powered are easy to install. * Motion sensor lights reduce power usage and surprise a prowler * Install simple wireless alarm systems on doors and windows * Don’t advertise you are gone and leave a light on, use timers etc. * Notify your neighbor, work together. * Start a neighborhood watch so everyone is alert and watching. * Have your neighbors call for anyone suspiciously hanging around. * Stop your mail so it does not pile up. * Reduce shrub size to avoid hiding places. * Keep your yard neat and clean as if you are there. * Have a police officer do a security audit on your home. * Engrave, mark, photo, and record serial numbers of valuables for identification. * During the winter, don't leave your vehicle running and unlocked, remember it only takes that one person to walk by that decides they need your vehicle more than you do. Help make this holiday season fabulous for all of us, keep your home and vehicle theft proof and identify you valuables for identification in case of theft. Happy Holidays from the Bonners Ferry Police Department! |