Neighborhood Watch: Summer 2010 Issue

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Neighborhood Watch

Fountain Valley Police Department


10200 Slater Avenue, Fountain Valley CA 92708
Paul A. Sorrell, Chief of Police
Police Phone Numbers Neighborhood Watch
Non-Emergency: 714-593-4485 / 714-593-4486 Office: 714-593-4488
Watch Commander: 714-593-4487 Neighborhood Watch Advisor: Lt. Mike Simko
Crime Prevention Office: 714-593-4526 Report Graffiti: 714-593-4604
Crime in Progress: 9-1-1

Summer 2010 Issue


Hello Neighbors:
As the weather has warmed up, it is now time to really get to know your neighbors. When
was the last time you stopped by to say “Hi,” wave at a neighbor or just go in and have a cup
of coffee or soda and visit?
Below is a list of suggested information for emergency purposes that you might want to get
from your trusted neighbor so you can be watching out for each other.

Name:
Address:
Home and Cell Phone numbers:
Work information: Company name, address and phone number
Emergency contact number and information:
Email address:
I have most of my neighbors’ phone numbers and it has come in handy with suspicious activity in the past. I
encourage you to get to know your neighbor. You don’t know when you will need them or they will need you!
Be aware, be alert and be safe.
Thanks,
Patty Keith
Neighborhood Watch Volunteer Coordinator

KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE AND SECURE


With warmer weather approaching, it is tempting to leave doors and windows open when away. DON’T!! Bur-
glars are opportunistic. They look for unlocked or open doors and windows to access your home. The easiest and
fastest way for a burglar to break into your home and steal your valuables is through an unlocked or open door
or window. Locking your doors and windows when you leave makes it more difficult for a criminal to break into
your home. Locking your home is only a start in crime prevention. Installing a monitored alarm, locking rear
yard gates and displaying a Neighborhood Watch sticker will educate the criminal that you have taken extra steps
to keep them out. Displaying the sticker indicates neighbors look out for each other by reporting suspicious
persons immediately to the Police Department. We will provide a Neighborhood Watch sticker for your windows
free of charge. You may pick up a sticker at the Fountain Valley Police Department’s Crime Prevention/Neighbor-
hood Watch office. You may also want to take time to mark your property (Operation I.D.) for quick identifica-
tion. The Police Department will lend you an electric engraver. Engraving your property takes minutes. Please
visit the Neighborhood Watch section of our website at www.fvpd.org for additional burglary prevention tips.
COMMUNITY POLICING If you have a concern regarding crime trends or are seeking assistance in solving
neighborhood issues, please contact the Watch Commander at 714-593-4487

30 www.fvpd.org Fountain Valley Police Department


Neighborhood Watch
GOING ON VACATION?
The Fountain Valley Police Department offers a great service to our
residents…VACATION HOUSE CHECKS. The Retired Senior Volunteers
(RSVP) will check on your home while you are on vacation. You may
register for this service at the Police Department or on our website at
www.fvpd.org

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO “MOVE IT OR LOSE IT”


Don’t be surprised if you see a Police Officer or Retired Senior Volunteer placing a “Move It or Lose It”
burglary prevention notice on your windshield.
Burglars are selective as to which vehicles to break into. They typically look into vehicles for valuables
such as a GPS device, cell phone or MP3 player left in plain sight. When they see these types of valu-
ables, they break the window, grab the item and flee the area. These crimes take seconds to commit.
The “Move It or Lose It” notice contains tips intended to help you safeguard your property. By taking
the time to read this notice and follow these tips, you can help reduce crime.
We ask you to follow these simple tips.
DO DO NOT
Always lock your car. Leave engine running when you are away.
Keep your windows rolled up. Leave items in plain view.
Lock valuables in your trunk. Keep original ownership papers in vehicles.
Park in well-lit areas. Leave garage door openers in your vehicle.
Pay attention to your surroundings.

Fountain Valley Residents


Are you aware that Neighborhood Watch In-Home meetings are happening all around you? It’s a great
way to meet your neighbors and learn about crime prevention tips to keep your community safe.
Contact the Neighborhood Watch office if you would like to host a meeting. We will come to your home
or can host the meeting for your neighborhood at the Police Department. A police officer and Crime
Prevention specialist will update you on the happenings in your neighborhood. Please call the Neigh-
borhood Watch office at 714-593-4488 or the Crime Prevention office at 714-593-4526 to schedule a
meeting.
For more information on protecting yourself from crime, call the Fountain Valley Police Department
Crime Prevention office or visit our website at www.fvpd.org. If you are interested in joining the Foun-
tain Valley Neighborhood Watch team, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Sherri Larner at 714-593-
4526 or [email protected].

714-593-4485 www.fvpd.org 31
Neighborhood Watch
The Fountain Valley Police Department and Recreation & Community Services Division are working together to present:

The 27th NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2010


and MOVIE IN THE PARK
FEATURING: KUNG FU PANDA
Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park
16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 starting at 5:00p.m.
(The movie will begin at approximately 7:30p.m.)
“National Night Out”
A program designed to:
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
Generate participation in local crime prevention programs
Strengthen police-community partnerships
Send a message to criminals that neighbors are fighting back
Neighborhood Watch personnel will be available to discuss crime pre-
vention. We will have Fountain Valley Fire and Police personnel available
including West County SWAT, Motorcycle Officers and a K9 demonstra-
tion. Police Explorers will provide free child fingerprinting. McGruff, the
crime fighting dog, will be in attendance and there will be clowns, face
painting and games for the children. You are encouraged to bring chairs
and blankets for the movie. Popcorn and hotdogs provided free until we
run out. Visit www.NATW.org for further details.

Workout Safety
Do crooks get more from your workout than you do? Do not make it easy for thieves to make you their next theft
victim. “Harden the target” by following these simple steps:
• Never take purses or wallets or large sums of cash to the gym.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle.
• If you are unable to leave valuables at home, store them in your vehicle’s trunk.
• Place valuables in your trunk before arriving at the gym, never in the parking lot.
• Make sure you lock your vehicle.
• If possible, take only your workout gear and driver’s license to the gym.
• Secure your car keys in a locker while you work out or keep them in your pocket. Do not
place them on the floor while working out in the gym (We have had thieves steal the keys
as the owners were working out).

32 www.fvpd.org Fountain Valley Police Department


Neighborhood Watch
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying po-
tential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers
of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster
cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to
the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards will help reduce
the impact of earthquakes.
Six Ways to Plan Ahead
1. Check for Hazards in the Home
Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Strap water heaters to wall studs and bolt it to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
Store hazardous chemicals in closed cabinets and on bottom shelves.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from glass, windows, mirrors, pictures, or heavy items.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, utility lines or overpasses.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on
earthquakes.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire.
Teach all family members how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First-aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Non-electric can opener.
Essential medicines.
Cash and credit cards.
Sturdy shoes.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
Develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long
distance.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
Publish emergency information on earthquakes in your local newspaper. Localize the information by printing the
phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
Work with local government and American Red Cross officials to prepare reports for people with disabilities on
what to do during an earthquake.
Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
Interview utility company representatives about shutting off utilities.
Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and
neighborhood and family emergency plans.

714-593-4485 www.fvpd.org 33

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