Crime Watch
Crime Watch - Surveillance Video Request Form
Provide all information requested. Incomplete forms will be returned.
This City of Carrollton link offers a 'do it yourself' Crime Search capability. Select 'Crime Search' off of this link, and from there you can customize your search by address, date, nature of crime or Police Beat (our beat is 324, though it incorporates a larger area than Bel Air of Josey Ranch). http://maps.cityofcarrollton.com/interactivecitymap/
Link to WFAA news report on Neighborhood Surveillance Cameras.
Be Aware of Electronic Technology & Theft
"Be alert to an ATM crime that confiscates your ATM card!!
See the attached file for how it can be done."
Be Aware of Electronic Technology & Theft
Crime Watch - we advise residents to practice common sense safety precautions:
AT HOME . . .
- Never open your door automatically to solicitors. Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers. Don't be afraid of asking . . . if they are legitimate they won't mind. Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses. Know who you are letting in.
- If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself, or decline! Never let a stranger into your home. Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone.
- Lock your doors and windows. Three quarters of the burglaries involving older persons involved unlocked doors and windows.
- Set your alarm system at night as well as when you are away.
- Do not hide your keys under the mat, in the mailbox, or in other conspicuous places.
- Keep outside lights on when going out at night, and overnight, especially on porches and alleyways.
- Keep your home well lit inside and out; keep your drapes and curtains closed.
- Keep your garage doors down and locked. Theft takes only minutes.
- Vary your daily routine.
- Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on your neighborhood. A concerned neighbor is often the best protection against crime.
- Notify neighbors and the police when going away on a trip. When you are gone for more than a day, make sure your home looks and sounds occupied . . . use an automatic timer to turn on lights, radio or TV. Cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for someone - a neighbor's child perhaps - to mow the lawn if need be. Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
- Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resale-able appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave copies in a safe place.
- Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
- Install and use a peephole.
- Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you won't be home at a certain time.
- Never give out information over the phone relating to your Social Security Number, your bank accounts, or other identity and account related information.
- If you advertise something for sale, do not put your address on it.
- If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime.
- Remember, you should report ALL suspicious or criminal activity by calling 911 immediately. Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities.
VEHICLES . . . vehicle crime.pdf
- Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.
- Park your car inside your garage, and lock it. Consider removing your garage door opener. Remove all valuables from sight.
- If you must park outside, be sure to lock your car. Bring all valuables inside, as well as your garage door opener.
- Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car.
- Never leave your car running unattended.
- Always leave just the ignition key with the parking attendant, if you park in a commercial garage or lot. Do the same when you take your car for repairs. Never attach your name and address or Identification card to your key ring.
- Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.
- If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Avoid getting out of the car and making yourself a target before police arrive.
- At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.
- Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route.
- Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab it.
- When returning to your car, check the front and back seat before entering.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Always park in busy, well-lighted areas.
- Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Commonly called clubs, collars or J-bars, these devices can act as a deterrent if installed properly.
- Consider the purchase of an auto security.
- Carry your registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
- Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.
WALKING . . .
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you think you are being followed cross the street, change directions, or go to a public place where others are present.
- Dont wear headphones, be aware when on a cell phone.
- If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. The point is to get away FAST or draw attention to yourself. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend accompany you in high risk areas . . . even during the daytime.
- Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings, use well-traveled areas, and walk confidently.
- Stay away from buildings and doorways; walk in well-lighted areas, avoid dark or deserted areas.
- Have your key ready when approaching your front door or car.
- Don't dangle your purse away from your body. Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are purse snatchings and street robberies.
- Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need. Keep one hand free.
- Never accept a ride from a stranger, or get to close to a car if someone is asking for directions.
WHILE SHOPPING . . .
- Carry your purse very close to you, don't dangle it from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart. Never leave your purse unattended.
- Don't carry any more cash than is necessary. Many grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller cards instead of cash.
- If you must use an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), select one in a busy area.
- Don't display large sums of cash, use checks or credit cards where possible.
- Have your key ready when approaching your car.
- Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in to steal them.
BANKING . . .
- Many criminals know exactly when government checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which sends your money directly from the government to your bank. At many banks, free checking accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has all the information.
- Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that are too-good-to-be- true.
- You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.
- Never give your money to someone who calls on you, identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never ask you to remove your money. Banks need the use of your money, and they don't want one of their customers to invite crime by having large amounts of cash around.
- When someone approaches you with a get-rich-quick-scheme involving some or all of YOUR savings, it is HIS get-rich-quick-scheme. If it is a legitimate investment, the opportunity to contribute your funds will still be there tomorrow-after you have had time to research it.
- If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to your local police or Prosecuting Attorney's office. Con-artists count on their victim's reluctance to admit they've been duped, but if you delay you help them get away.