District CrimeWatch Specialists

New IMPD CrimeWatch signs provide a visual warning to criminals that residents are trained, watching, and will call the police

CrimeWatch

CrimeWatch Program History

In April 1976, the City of Indianapolis, The Indianapolis News, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee formulated the concepts that have propelled the existing CrimeWatch Program.  The purpose of the CrimeWatch is to create a self-help cooperative effort to reduce crime and the fear of crime in neighborhoods.  This is achieved by citizens, law enforcement, and local government working together.

CrimeWatch is a division of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.  Citizens participating in this program become more aware of crime prevention techniques that can help lower their risk of becoming victims.  A pro-active approach against crime is taken through communication and cooperation of citizens, local government and law enforcement.

Over time, CrimeWatch has developed additional programs in response to the needs of the community.  Programs also promote crime prevention education. The CrimeWatch program continues to find innovative ways in responding to the needs of the community, with crime prevention education being its primary goal.

Organizing neighborhood block clubs has been the primary focus of CrimeWatch since its inception in 1976.  A few concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to organize a block club.

To organize a block club, residents are required to have two meetings; one with the district CrimeWatch specialist and the other with a community relations officer.  Meetings train members in home security and reporting skills. Members are provided with the latest information on local crime patterns. Block clubs are not asked to be vigilantes or to assume the role of the police. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors.  CrimeWatch programs help to build pride and serve as a springboard for efforts that address community concerns. Remember "Great Neighbors Make Great Neighborhoods."

For more information on ongoing projects and programs contact Shirley Purvitis at P1527@indygov.org. 

Topics

Identify Theft—both for adults and juveniles
Most parents do not realize that they are not the only victims of Identify Theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, 29% of individuals who reported being victims of identity theft in the US in 2005 were in the 18 to 29 age group.

Many young adults are vulnerable to identity theft because they are unaware that personal information such as their social security number and mother's maiden name should not be  shared except on a real need-to-know basis.

Many teens lack established credit that can be monitored, allowing perpetrators to use their identities for years without being detected.  It is only when they do such things as apply for a driver's permit that they discover someone else has been using their information. As parents  check their credit history, they should check that of their children as well.  Make sure to impress upon youth that information shared is information lost, especially if it is of a personal nature.

It should also be remembered that babies are given Social Security Numbers when they are born. Thieves can gain access to this number and set up a false identity that they can use for years before being discovered.

Computer users utilizing online web sites should use caution when providing personal information.   Ensure that you are on a secure site, and only give information that is absolutely necessary.  When ordering on line, use only one credit card for the entire family and keep the limit on the card as low as possible. Using additional cards gives the thief additional opportunities to take advantage of you and makes it more difficult for you to keep track of your usage.

Larcenies On the Rise
Larcenies from vehicles, garages, yards, and out-buildings are always a problem for law enforcement.  Do not  leave things in plain view in vehicles for the thief to see. Keep articles locked up, and garage doors down.  Keep a list of articles of all types. If they do not have serial numbers, mark them so they can be identified, and record what numbers or markings you have used.

For a check list and other information on the prevention of larcenies, contact your District CrimeWatch Specialist.

Residence Burglaries and Robberies
Locks, lighting, landscaping, and key control, all go a long way in the prevention of residence burglaries, and  making sure  who is outside your door before you open it can go a long way in prevention of residence robberies.

Strong, reliable locks are essential to effective home security. Even the door from your garage into your home should be as secure as your front and back entry doors.  Solid core doors with good locks and a peep hole for vision are the best.  Doors that have lots of glass are easily broken out.  Also remember that sliding glass doors need to be pinned in the track to keep them from being lifted out, and a lock system of some type needs to be added in the track to keep them from being pried open.

Lighting is one of the most cost-effective deterrents to burglary.  Indoor lighting gives the impression that the home is occupied.  If you are going to be away from home, consider using automatic timers to switch interior lights on and off at preset times (but not all at the same time).

Outdoor lighting can eliminate hiding places.  Install exterior lighting near porches, rear and side doorways, garage doors, and all other points of entry.  Have dusk to dawn sensors so you do not have to remember to turn them on, and use them every night, not just when you are gone, otherwise, you will set a pattern easily detected by the would-be burglars.

Landscaping of your home's walkways and under the windows should provide maximum visibility for the police as well as neighbors. If you are going to plant under windows use plants such as rose or holly bushes. Burglars don't like being poked, and it could draw blood, or even cause injury.  Then when they are caught, we may have evidence linking them to the crime.

Remember the 3 L's  =  Locks, Lighting, Landscaping

Vehicle Thefts? Are you making it easier?
"It sure is cold outside! I think  I will warm up my vehicle. It will take just a minute, so I will go back inside and get the kids dressed or finish dressing myself, and the car will be warm when it's time to go." Well then, you shouldn't be surprised when you open the door to leave and the vehicle is gone.  Someone has stolen it. And not only will they have your vehicle but everything you left inside of it.

Do you get the picture?

If this should ever happen to you, there are a few things you will need to report the incident; your VIN number, make and model of vehicle, etc.  Do you have a copy of your registration and insurance information other than the one in the vehicle?  This will make it a lot easier to make a report,  plus when we locate the vehicle you will need it to recover it.

Also check with your insurance and make sure you are covered in such incidents.

And, when you get gas, don't leave the car running or leave a child in it!  Criminals don't care about the children, they just want a ride.  If it is parked, it should be off and locked.

Is your vehicle the only thing you will loose? Did you leave your briefcase, purse or the garage door opener in the vehicle?  Or maybe all your house or work keys are hanging in the ignition with the vehicle key?

Almost Time for Spring  Cleaning Outside!
Let's start with street cleaning. Has your group requested that your street be cleaned?  In order to properly clean a street, ALL vehicles must be removed from the street prior to the time posted for the clean.

If you have an abandoned vehicle, you should report it as soon as possible to the MAC Center so it can be checked, tagged and, if necessary, towed.  If you do nothing, cleaning the street will do little to improve the look of the area.

To schedule street cleaning call  MAC Center (Mayors Action Center) at 327-4MAC or (327-4622).

While we are at it, litter is also a problem in the city (as it is everywhere). Picking it up, to some, seems like an endless waste of time. Nevertheless, taking care of litter lets others know that you care about how your neighborhood looks, and goes a long way in attracting  others that will also care. Litter is a law violation and officers will be on the look out for violators, along with the environmental officers who watch for illegal dumping. Remember, if you see someone dumping trash illegally, please report it to the police as soon as you can. Get as much information about the vehicle as possible, (use your Crime Watch Report Form). If you only notice a location where trash has been dumped (with no one around) call the MAC Center 327-4622 and report the location. 

With spring and spring rains on the way, street gutters and drain inlets need to be kept free of debris in order for water to flow properly.  To report a clogged street drain call MAC Center 327-4622.

Remember the cleanliness of your neighborhood is  ultimately up to you. The City will do what they can, but we must also take responsibility for picking up trash and keeping after those that fail to keep their property clean.  It seams like an endless, thankless task, but your property values are at stake especially if you live in an older home.

Also, how is the lighting in your area? Are there street lights out? Don't assume that someone else has reported it. Get the pole number and call IPL at 261-8653.

If you have property that is abandoned or trashed in your block, please remember to advise Health and Hospital at 221-2173.

To reserve a dumpster schedule for a community clean up in your area, call KIBI (Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.) at 264-7555 or visit their web site www.kibi.org.

For More Information and Tips
Contact the Citywide office at 327-3781 P1527@indygov.org, or your District Specialist.
 

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