Crime this season

[patric]

Who noticed in todays Whirled the heartbreaking story of the retired couple who had been burglarized and their pets stolen, all in broad daylight?

quote:"Even though the burglary happened in the middle of the day, no one in the neighborhood saw anything suspicious or was able to provide police with suspect information."

So what advice did the Whirled give readers to "Keep Burglars at Bay"?

quote:"Light it up.  Install lighting around the exterior of your home."

This vague advice is attributed to the Crime Commission, who is like talking to a brick wall when pressed to explain what sort of lighting accomplishes what, or how just any old light from the hardware store is any more effective at repelling evil than a string of garlic over the door.

[patric]

Heavy Duty Door Stops Burglary Attempt


'The store has been a frequent target for burglary suspects in the past. Tulsa Police say because of past attempts, the owner installed extra strong front doors, so when thieves tried to break in early Wednesday morning, they were unsuccessful.'
http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=127929

I couldnt help but notice the worthless "security" lighting running up this guy's electric bill...

[AMP]

With the cost of energy on the rise daily, the increased cost of electrical power to operate exterior lights most likely out runs the small loss of inventory or items stolen in a hit and run burglary.  

What would most used items stolen from the typical home bring at a garage sale?

Just consider it a donation to charity and write it off on next year's taxes.  Most times thieves wont return twice to the same residence.

[Wilbur]

quote:Originally posted by patric

Who noticed in todays Whirled the heartbreaking story of the retired couple who had been burglarized and their pets stolen, all in broad daylight?

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvet" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">"Even though the burglary happened in the middle of the day, no one in the neighborhood saw anything suspicious or was able to provide police with suspect information."

So what advice did the Whirled give readers to "Keep Burglars at Bay"?
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvet" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">"Light it up.  Install lighting around the exterior of your home."[/quote]

This vague advice is attributed to the Crime Commission, who is like talking to a brick wall when pressed to explain what sort of lighting accomplishes what, or how just any old light from the hardware store is any more effective at repelling evil than a string of garlic over the door.
[/quote]



The vast majority of residential burglaries happen during the day.  The burglars don't want to confront anyone, so they'll bang on the door to see if someone is home.  If someone answers the door, they'll make up some BS story about why they and there, then move on.

You and your neighbors can do more to protect each other then lighting up your house.  Get to know your neighbors, what they drive, when they come and go, ......  When you see something out of place, don't make up excuses as to why it might be happening, call the neighbor, call the police, do something!

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by Wilbur

You and your neighbors can do more to protect each other then lighting up your house.  Get to know your neighbors, what they drive, when they come and go, ......  When you see something out of place, don't make up excuses as to why it might be happening, call the neighbor, call the police, do something!

Even at night when some well-designed supplemental lighting might be of assistance, it still takes a pair of friendly eyes to make a difference, so I think that's good advice all around.  Far to many people use bright lights as substitutes for good neighbors (or common sense).

We lost something when we went from walkable neighborhoods to completely vehicle-oriented living, but the pendulum may be slowly swinging back the other way.

[patric]

There's propably not a more brightly-lit spot in town than this one, which strongly suggests that lights alone dont prevent crime.



Video:
http://www.fox23.com/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=20712

(Also imagine what it must be like to live in the area with the glow of these lights on all night).

[sgrizzle]

I always enjoy that "Riverside Toyota" is at 31st and sheridan.

All the light in the world does nothing if no-one is around to see the criminals. Cameras, even tracking ones are relatively cheap now. Add a few of those and hire a 24/7 guard to watch them and you might be able to stop crime. Turn the lights down too. I've noticed Woodland Hills mall goes to 25% on their parking lot lights at night. Not sure if that is new or not, but I'm sure they know the light isn't that important when you have security driving around 24/7.