2011 NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY

Crime Trends

Trying to predict when the next robbery, burglary or other serious crime is going to happen is similar to trying to figure out the next six numbers in the state lottery. So the next best thing your police department can do is to look for patterns in crime, inform the public and ask them to be aware of their surroundings at all time and report suspicious activity immediately. During our investigations, we try to determine if victims were followed from businesses such as banks and shopping malls. Recently there have been a couple of robberies where this indeed was the case. The victims had just left these locations, and we suspect maybe our victims were being watched and then were either robbed or their car broken into at their next stop. Although rare, we ask that you do your best not to become a victim by being alert to your surroundings and following some simple tips:

• Walk in well-lit areas. If possible, never walk alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, go to a crowded area and not drive home.
• Do NOT carry large amounts of money.
• Carry keys in your hand when walking to your car or about to enter your home.
• If you observe suspicious persons or activities, call Law Enforcement to investigate (Sheriff's office non-emergency number is (281) 341-4665 or 911 for emergencies)

If a robber confronts you:

• Do not take actions that could jeopardize your personal safety or the safety of others.
• Remain calm, and do as you are told.
• Carefully observe the physical characteristics of the robber.
• Be a good witness. Note as much detail about the suspect(s) as possible (age, race, height, facial hair, speech, clothing, odor, etc.).

After the robbery:

• When it is safe, notify the police by calling 911.
• Law enforcement will ask for the following information: location of robbery, whether anyone is injured, the exact time the robber(s) left and their direction of travel, the kind of weapon used, description of the vehicle, the robber(s), their clothing, appearance or unique features, money or items taken and other information to assist responding officers.
• Protect the scene of the crime. Do Not Touch Anything! You might destroy evidence.
• Ask all witnesses to stay until law enforcement arrives.
• Write down all suspect information immediately and do not discuss the robbery with anyone until questioned by the police.

Courtesy of the Public Safety Advisory Committee

Due to recent safety issues in our community, the New Territory Public Safety Committee would like to make some suggestions:

� Please make an extra effort to ensure that your elementary age children are supervised walking to and from school.

� If you own a Toyota truck or SUV, parking it in the garage will prevent the possible theft of your catalytic converter.

� Talk with your children about bullying and ways to deal with it.

� Please don't encourage solicitors. As long as residents continue to buy, they will continue to come. You can respond through the door that you're not interested so they know someone is home. (Knowing someone is home will also discourage potential burglars.) If any resident feels pressured or threatened by a solicitor, you are encouraged to call 911 or Sheriff's Dispatch, 281-341-4665. Also, a "No Soliciting" sign on your door may discourage bell ringers.

New Territory is still rated as one of the safest communities in Fort Bend or Harris counties - BUT we still need to practice common-sense safety.

� Make sure you're not followed home while walking or driving.

� Carry your cell phone/pepper spray/whistle when walking alone.

� Lock up and be vigilant.

� Keep your garage door closed unless you are in the front yard.

� Don't leave tempting items in your car (phone, GPS, backpack, etc.).

� When leaving home, be on the lookout for strangers or unknown vehicles.

If you see someone suspicious, contact Sheriff's Dispatch immediately. This number reaches both the Constable and Sheriff's deputies and the closest unit will respond. Call 911 or Sheriff's Dispatch, 281-341-4665.

If you have questions for the Safety Committee, e-mail

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The Polly Klaas website has a free Child Safety Kit to help you teach safety to children of all ages.  You can click here to order your kit.

At www.McGruff.org  there are kid friendly tips on home safety, community safety, vandalism, bullying and many more topics.

For teens & tweens, visit Netsmartz kids online for safety tips.  The site has opened up the world to us. Along with other potential dangers, children often don't realize that actions they take online now can be found later and may influence how they are perceived by future employers or the community. Learn how to help your children make good choices online.

Summer is a time of freedom for school age children!  They can be anywhere and everywhere.  Please practice safety around cars.  You can go to www.kidsandcars.org. for statistics and other information.

SOME SAFETY TIPS
Some things we can do to protect our families and property:

�	While driving through the community observe your surroundings for suspicious activities
�	While driving home, check the rearview mirror occasionally to be sure no one is following you. If that is the case, make several turns to see if they also turn. If so, don't go home and drive to the nearest well-lit busy area and call the police
�	Keep your cell phone nearby, even when working in the yard
�	A home alarm system is good, a monitored system is better.  Put your alarm on entry mode alert so you can hear a beep whenever an outside or garage entry door opens, even when the alarm is off.
�	If going on vacation consider requesting a vacation watch, setting a light timer and asking neighbors to keep an eye out for strangers around your home.
�	Remove valuables from inside your vehicles BEFORE you arrive at your destination as  thieves can see when you lean down to put an item under the seat. Covering items with a shirt still gives thieves an incentive to break in.