(Maureen Robertson)
6.24.20 – San Diego Union-Tribune –
Across the nation, crime followed a downward trend during peak quarantine weeks, as there were fewer opportunities to commit crime. Both violent and property crimes saw decreases in varied degrees, according to the Police Executive Research Forum.
What you need to now
By MARTHA GONZALEZCRIME PREVENTION SPECIALIST JUNE 24, 20208:53 AM
Months of stay-at-home orders have had varied results, but I’d like to focus on those related to crime and safety.
Across the nation, crime followed a downward trend during peak quarantine weeks, as there were fewer opportunities to commit crime. Both violent and property crimes saw decreases in varied degrees, according to the Police Executive Research Forum.
And this makes sense, right? People were not out and about, stores and banks had limited access, as well as bars and restaurants that generally promote gatherings.
As states continue to open up, we will see opportunities for crime return and crime rates rise. Crimes that continue to be problematic as we settle into the fourth month of social distancing include burglaries of commercial businesses left vacant, domestic and family violence, hate crimes, thefts (package deliveries, mail, vehicles, residential), and financial scams.
Here is what you need to know to protect yourself:
- Burglaries: If you own a commercial business, make sure you are checking on it regularly. Take any valuables with you or relocate to a secure space, especially if they can be seen through a window, or if they are items of value that can be expected to be stored there (jewelry in a jewelry store, for example). Invest in a camera system if you do not already have one for remote surveillance, and post a sign indicating that the property is being watched.
- Domestic and family violence: If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Calls are free, confidential and offer support in more than 200 languages.
- Hate crimes: A hate crime is a crime against a person, grou, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group. The law protects against many classes of hate crimes. If you have been a victim of a hate crime, call your local law enforcement agency to report it. You will be asked for the details, so make sure to take notes including exact words said, evidence available, names of all involved, vehicles involved, phone numbers, messages and descriptions.
- Thefts: As more people are staying home, online shopping and socially distanced deliveries have become commonplace. Know when you are expecting a package and move it from a visible area to a more secure area as soon as you can. Mail is also being targeted and can be used by identity theft rings. If you are not using your vehicle as often, make sure that you have locked your doors and taken out anything of value. Even though you are home more, make sure you stay in the habit of securing your home. Doors and windows should be locked, and garage door closed. This is especially important if you have minors at home without constant adult supervision.
- Scams: A variety of scams that have been modified for use during the pandemic. One involves promises of a cure, or medication. To avoid falling for this scam, make sure that you work with qualified medical personnel regarding any new protocols. Another type involves a scammer posing as a distant family member in urgent and dire need for funds. This could be for a COVID-19 test, hospital admission, ventilator access, etc. Hang up and reach that person through legitimate means as a first step to confirm identity. You can then arrange for closer family members to confirm the facts, or other forms of confirmation. Other scams include impersonations. There has been an increase in scam calls claiming to be from the IRS, Department of Treasury, Department of Public Health and other government organizations, requesting identifying information with promises of stimulus checks, contact tracing notifications, waivers on debt and more. They may be after your identifying information, or direct payment for “processing fees”. Scams can happen online, via mail or by phone. The best thing to do is to hang up or close that web page.
Law enforcement has stayed busy and continues to prioritize calls according to severity and urgency of need. Use 911 for emergencies or 858-565-5200 for non-emergencies. Tell the call taker if there are any COVID-19 concerns up front, so that responding law enforcement can prepare appropriately. This has been quite a tumultuous time, but we are here to see you through it.
Stay safe, Ramona.
If you would like more information or have questions, contact Martha Gonzalez, Crime Prevention Specialist at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Ramona Substation, 760-738-2425.