Odessa Citizens: Be
Alert!
There a list of injury
accidents and felony criminal activities reported to the police on a separate page.
Information is from local Sheriffs or Police reports. Numbered addresses of crime
victims' private residences and locations where crimes occur are rounded to the nearest
hundred block. This is a reprint of the Odessa American Blotter & Courtbeat
Columns since July 1999.
Be alert for combination of theft and possession charge in your Street
Block!
Read the Odessa American Daily Newspaper for complete details
daily. This is a summary for your benefit: ALWAYS BE ALERT!
Watch for activity in your neighborhood! Join the Neighborhood Watch!
see
data since 9/27/1999
How to Prevent a Burglary
Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows. This
includes on all sliding glass doors as well. Make it not only difficult but also time
consuming for a burglar to gain entry.
- Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you
are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
- Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially items
that can be easily carried.
- Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away;
an empty garage broadcasts your absence.
- When you aren't home, use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at
varying intervals as though your home was still occupied.
- Don't keep large amounts of cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
- If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call
yourself. Don't invite them in.
- Don't hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know
all the good hiding places.
- Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors
and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be theives.
- Invest in a good security system along with motion sensor lights installed out
of reach
- Don't leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break in your
home safely locked away in a garage or shed.
- Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog and go
out of town, have someone come in and care for your dog in your home.
- Always double check doors at night and lock all windows.
- Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves, videocameras, with your
driver's license number. (Engraving tools are usually available through your local law
enforcement agency.) Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of
all valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
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update: 02/08/2003
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