As Memorial Day weekend approaches, many of you may be getting ready to go on short vacations to see family, friends or loved ones. Keep in mind that criminals are aware of dates when more residents may be likely to be gone and they may be looking to commit crimes of opportunity over this long weekend. We want your vacations to be as stress-free as possible, including returning to an untouched home and vehicle.
This is a reminder to lock your doors, lock or pin your windows, and keep valuables out of your vehicles. Attached are two forms: preventing residential burglary and preventing theft from auto/auto theft. Please view them and feel free to print and distribute as many copies as you’d like to neighbors, friends, family, loved ones, or others you think may be interested.
If you would like some tips on protecting your home while on vacation, please visit the City of Minneapolis Police Dept site for the tips.
You can find additional crime prevention tips at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/.
Remember please:
1. Please pass this information on to your neighbors if they do not receive these emails (copy emails and paste them into a new message rather than forwarding them). Tell your neighbors how to sign up for these alerts – visit http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/signup.asp.
2. Please let your block club members know about these events.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 on any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles.
4. Watch for people on the street before exiting your home or vehicle.
5. When you get into your car, lock your doors and do not just sit in the parked vehicle.
6. Do not carry excessive cash, credit cards, or other items. Bring only what you need.
7. Write down the numbers and contact information for all your credit/debit cards so you can call and cancel them immediately if they are taken or lost. Keep this information in a safe location.
8. Get involved with (or start) your neighborhood Crime & Safety Committee.
9. Know your Neighborhood Associations.
10. If you have information on a crime please call the MPD Tips Line at (612) 692-8477.
11. If you witness a crime, try to look for this information:
1. People: Estimated height, weight, build, age, race, gender, distinguishing features, and clothing.
2. Vehicle: License plate number, make, model, year, and color.
3. People and vehicles: Time they came/left, and what direction they were last seen headed.
4. Also note if a weapon is involved.