LASD: Property Crimes On the Rise

While overall crime is actually lower in 2013 than the previous year in Los Angeles County, property crimes remain on the upswing in San Dimas and unincorporated areas of Glendora, Covina and Azusa, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

LASD is reporting a five-year decrease in overall crime throughout the county, but theft and burglary is among fastest growing crimes in the area.

Grand theft auto, burglary and larceny theft were three crimes that increased in 2012, according to LASD data.

Vehicle theft and residential burglary often occurs when the owners leave their properties unlocked and vulnerable to theft, according to the San Dimas Sheriff’s station.

LASD released the following tips to prevent local residents from becoming victims of crimes.

• Laptops, purses, iPads, portable navigation, and other electronic devices continue to be popular targets. Many people leave valuables in plain sight, or keep their cars unlocked. Keeping items hidden, or secured in the trunk (or in your house) can prevent opportunist thieves from gaining access to your valuables. Don’t forget to lock your car, but remember that car windows won’t stop a determined thief.

• A long-time method used by burglars has become more common in the areas we patrol: A stranger knocks at the door. They might ask for a person who does not live at the residence, or offer a service for which they have no license. If no one answers, after a quick look around, the burglar or his friends enter through a rear window or door, often by smashing a window to gain access. If you’re home, answer the door, or at least make noise to send a message that someone is home. Watch for solicitors in your neighborhood and ask for a business license. Any legitimate sales person will carry identification. If you encounter unlicensed solicitors, persons asking random questions at your door, or unfamiliar vehicles in your neighborhood, call the police. The City of San Dimas Municipal Code and the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances requires most solicitors to obtain and carry a business license.

What to do before a crime occurs.

• Get to know your neighbors, and form your own informal neighborhood watch. Report suspicious persons and vehicles in your neighborhood to the Sheriff’s Department at (909)450-2700. If you become the unfortunate victim of theft, it will be important to accurately describe and identify any stolen items. Keep records of your valuables with serial numbers, such as electronics, bicycles, power tools, cameras, and other items popular among thieves. Write down brand, model numbers and serial numbers of items when you purchase them; packing boxes and instruction manuals often contain this information. Photograph jewelry and other non-serialized valuables.
• To form a larger neighborhood watch in your neighborhood, contact the Crime Prevention office at San Dimas Station at (909)450-2763. To report in-progress crimes and other emergencies, call 9-1-1. To report suspicious activities, past crimes, disturbances, or other routine matters, please call the San Dimas Station at (909)450-2700. To help prevent car burglaries, PLEASE always lock your car doors and do not leave property that looks valuable in plain sight in your car.