(Harford County, MD – November 10, 2008) There’s a lot we can do to keep our communities safe; and helping to keep communities safe is part of the Sheriff’s Office mission. The three elements necessary to commit a crime are desire, ability, and opportunity, also known as the crime triangle.
By increasing the risk of apprehension, increasing the effort required to commit an offense, and reducing the rewards available to the offender, it is possible to reduce the risk of victimization. By removing the opportunity for a criminal to commit a crime, we break the crime triangle and make it much more difficult for a criminal to operate in our community. The main objective of crime prevention is to reduce the opportunity for crime.
Amazingly 30-50 percent of home and apartment burglaries happen because a door or window was left opened. Therefore, the Sheriff’s Office encourages the community to be aware of their surroundings and immediately report suspicious incidents, persons, or vehicles. Citizens can reduce the opportunity for burglary by following these simple measures:
– lock all doors and windows, especially when not at home;
– maintain proper control over your house keys and garage door openers;
– make your house look “lived in” by using timers on lights and televisions;
– utilize proper security lighting;
– trim bushes and trees away from windows and doors;
– use peepholes before opening the door to anyone;
– and join or start a neighborhood watch program.
The Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit offers to Harford County numerous educational programs that address crime, prevention, personal safety & security, drug education, and protection of property.
If you are interested in having a deputy speak to your club, church group, or organization regarding a home security survey or another crime prevention program, please call 410-638-3625 or email your question to the Community Policing unit at communitypolicing@harfordsheriff.org
They forgot to mention’ the owner ship of a Dog. & home owner who has proper training of a fire arm.
I would prefer to be judged by 12 then carryed by 6
Vet amen !
GD!
well done by the Sheriff’s Office…may I be permitted to add just a few more to their already well-thought out list:
take the screen out of the second floor window (if you have one)…that way shots fired from that window will not damage the screen or allow mosquitos in during the summer.
keep your “Just In Case” Mossberg near the door fartherest from the road or driveway…when you need it, you can’t be gawking around looking for it.
if and when someone you don’t know comes onto your property and they don’t acknowledge you by calling out your name…which of course would mean they know you, and perhaps you do no recognize their new car, or the truck they are riding in…well, if they don’t call back with your name, instead they yell , “Hey Dude, we’re lost!!!:”…then dial 911 before you do anything.
with the inexpensive little ‘cameras’ that connect to your computers, rig one up with a wide=angle view of your home or business…at least that way you’ll have a way to I.D. the louts who are preying on what is yours, wanting to make it theirs.
when you have something delivered or picked up, say by LazyBoy or Purple Heart, have a young pal, wear a ski mask and stop them at the lane or door, and ask for driver’s licenses or other I.D. before coming into your home. The guys in the truck may not be crooks, but they most times go back to the city or ‘hood’ and tell others of your layout, your belongings, your age, how many live in the house, things that crooks need to know to complete their ‘triangle’…be wise, pick up stuff when you can, don’t let box trucks on your property…better yet, if you have things to be donated, give them to local churches and homes…we have folks right here in Harford county who need our help and our love….help those around you, don’t send it away. Retired Sgt. Wendell Baxter knows many families who need our help with clothing, furniture and other household items….and you can trust him
Hiram you must be and ole’ Bel Air boy. I remember wendell doing his ”Thing” on the Bel Air P.D. they wanted me to join them, after my stint in the Marine corp’s 4 years of semper fi’s.
Did’nt like a swing shift & still don’t.
Thats why I like central air….no holes in the screens.
All kidding aside…a little common sense does make sense.
GD!
(shhhhhhhh !!!….) whispering…a few claymores on the fromt lawn would do the trick and you dont even have to move your eyes from the tube and miss a minute of dancing with the stars.
Go Dagger !
Thats a joke for any of you that are on medications that distort your perceptions of reality.
Go Dagger !
!! “salesmen only use top button” !!
Couldnt resist (chuckle)
GD!
Mamma; “honey what was that boom”? Papa; ” nothing dearest, just another salesman at the door”.
RichieC it was good advice Hiram gave. it may prevent a burglary.but if all else fail’s. mr smith & mr wesson are nice to have a round.
Vet No doubt…just having a laugh..
The removal of opportunity is paramount in breaking the triangle…and Hiram’s “no box truck” suggestion also has merit as when that big screen is delivered its an invitation to do a little daytime shopping for some. Kinda like a crooks homing device.
Go Dagger !
I can tell you a story’ about a box ”truck” that occured several years ago. the neighbor advised me he was moveing…. so a few day’s later a box truck appeared at his house…. & needless to say his house was robbed.