Shaw SWG TGS Directory 2024-25

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY | 2024 • 2025 33 • Where possible, cancel all deliveries, or arrange for someone to pick up mail or newspaper • Arrange to have the lawn cut and walkways cleared • Use clock timers to activate lights/radios at various intervals • Store small valuables in a safe deposit box • Ensure all entry points are secured, including mail chutes, milk chutes, garage doors and upstairs windows • DO NOT leave notes indicating you are not at home Helpful hints: • Keep a record of your valuables • Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark―proper identification makes it easier for the police to return your property. When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant • The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item • Be a good neighbor and report any suspicious activity If a crime has occurred: • Call the police • DO NOT enter your home if you think a crime has occurred―the criminal may still be inside • DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence • Note the license number of any suspicious vehicle • Note the description of any suspicious person(s) PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE & BELONGINGS INSIDE Why vehicles are stolen: • To sell the vehicle or parts - Often thieves will take your car out of the city or state. Identification numbers may be altered or removed, ownership certificates forged, parts sold or the vehicle repainted • For transportation - Thieves will use your vehicle to get where they want to go and later abandon the vehicle. They may just drive it around to gain status with their friends • To commit other crimes - Vehicles are stolen and used in other crimes such as robberies, burglaries, drug deals or drive-by shootings • For vehicle “cloning” - Vehicles are stolen, given a fraudulent identification number and then sold to unsuspecting persons who are defrauded of their money. Fraudulent vehicles will be located and seized by the police How to reduce the risk of vehicle theft: • When parking your vehicle: - Turn ignition off and TAKE the keys with you - Park in a well-lit area with an attendant, if possible - Lock all valuables in your trunk before arriving and parking - Completely close and lock doors and windows - Turn your wheels to the side to make it harder to tow continued on page 34