Los Rios Police Department/Crime Prevention

general crime prevention tips

The reason crime happens is well known. Crime happens because there is a CRIMINAL to commit the crime, a VICTIM who can be victimized by the criminal and the LOCATION or OPPORTUNITY for a crime to occur.

You can reduce the likelihood of being the victim of criminal activity if you take away the OPPORTUNITY for the criminal to make you his victim.

The following are recommended strategies to help prevent being a victim of crime. The suggestions contained here are specific to Los Rios Community College District and are a result of over 20 years experience in the investigation and analysis of campus crime. These suggestions are being made to help increase awareness about the most common crimes at the colleges.

Opportunity Theft

Opportunity theft is the most prevalent crime on any college campus. In the campus bookstore, never store your backpack or valuables in the open wooden cubicles located just inside the store entrance. If you can have a friend watch it or take it to your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take your unattended valuables and be out the front door.

In the Library, always maintain possession of your books, laptops and valuables. Never leave them unattended to search for a book or leave to use the restroom. Victims often tell us that they left only for a minute and came back to find their property gone. One solution is to ask a friend to watch your gear if it is not practical to take with you.

Bicycle Theft

Always lock your bicycle to a fixed metal rack in a designated bicycle parking area. A metal U-type lock is recommended. Take with you any parts that are quick-release and cannot be secured. Always record your serial number. It is a good idea to engrave your frame with your drivers license or identification card number. The department has an engraver and can loan it to you at the front counter.

In addition, it is recommended that you license your bicycle with the Los Rios Police Department so that the serial number and description is readily available just in case the bicycle is stolen. The Police Department is open for bicycle registration when the front counter is open.

By the way, the chances of recovering a stolen bicycle increase when a serial number has been entered into the California-wide stolen property data base. Minimize your loses ahead of time. Do not ride to campus on a high dollar bicycle.

Motor Vehicle Theft

Always lock your vehicle and use a club-like device to lock the steering wheel. Equip your vehicle with an alarm system that includes a flashing LED that can be seen from outside the vehicle. This, at least, puts the amateur vehicle thief on notice that taking the vehicle may not be worth the hassle. Arrive early and park smart. That is, park in an area with a high concentration of foot traffic or with people present. Or, if you park at night, park nearest the best lighting.

Consider adding a vehicle anti-theft system to your vehicle such as Lo Jack or one that works with a global positioning system. Each system allows the vehicle, if stolen, to be tracked by the police for a speedy recovery. Also, be informed. Check with your insurance company to see what makes and models of vehicles are the most often stolen.

Crime and Suspicious Circumstances

Always report crime and suspicious circumstances immediately. The chances of an apprehension and recovery of property greatly increase when citizens call the police right away.

Purses, Backpacks, and Briefcases

Do not carry what you cannot afford to lose.
Do not advertise what you have in your purse or backpack.
Carry purses/backpacks close to your body. Protect them by holding your arms across them.
Carry keys, wallet or other valuables in your pockets.
Always keep your wallet, purse, backpack closed or zipped up.
Do not leave your purse or backpack unwatched. Purses and backpacks hung on chairs are easy targets.

Walking

Always be alert to where you are.
Pay attention to others around you - are you being watched or targeted.
Use well lit areas were many persons are around.
Occasionally look behind you .
Do not carry large sums of money or unused credit cards and identification.
Do not resist a robber - due as asked and follow the instructions given.
If you fell someone is following or watching you - go into a populated location and ask for help - call the police.