Property Crime Tips

Property crime has always been a driving force to our crime rate, and with the holiday season quickly approaching, the Dallas Police Department would like to provide a few tips to help the community should you become the victim of a property crime. 

The most effective way to recover stolen property is through the property serial number. Citizens should record their property information, including description, make, model, and serial number on an inventory form. Should you become the victim of a property crime, be sure to provide the inventory list of your stolen property to the responding officer. This helps detectives locate stolen items at pawn shops or identify property items that may have been abandoned by the criminals. Completing this simple process increases your chances of recovering your property and speeds up the time it takes for you to get your items returned.OPID

If you are unable to locate a serial number on a particular item, you should take an inventory of that item and permanently mark it with your Texas Driver’s License or ID number. This can be easily done by utilizing a permanent ultra violet marker and writing the letters “TXDL” and your license or ID number on a non-removable part of the property that can be seen without having to disassemble. 

For more safety and crime prevention tips, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter @DallasPD or visit our web site http://www.dallaspolice.net and click on the Community tab.

Social Media Transaction Safety Tips

The Dallas Police Department has seen a recent increase in social media robberies around 7500 Chesterfield Drive and 7200 Marvin D. Love. We would like to remind everyone to keep the following safety tips in mind when conducting a social media transaction:  

  • When buying or selling items, you pick the meeting location and never change the location 
  • Pick a location that has lots of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
  • Take a second adult with you to make the transaction
  • Avoid meeting at homes and apartment complexes to conduct transactions
  • If the deal seems too good to be true, simply walk away
  • Be aware of your surroundings and be certain that you are not being followed when you leave the meeting location
  • Please call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity or offense. 

Back to School Safety Tips

As summer vacations are winding down and the new school year approaches, the American Red Cross offers some helpful tips for back to school safety.

Keeping children safe is the top priority, especially for younger children and those heading to school for the first time. Parents should take the following steps:

  • Make sure the child knows their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.
  • Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps for students include:

  • Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.
  • Only board your bus and never an alternate one.
  • Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
  • Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
  • Never dart out into the street, or cross between parked cars.

WHAT DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW Drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones. Motorists should know what the yellow and red bus signals mean. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.

GET TO SCHOOL SAFELY If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.

If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.

Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.

When children are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection, and use a route along which the school has placed crossing guards. Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate. 

For more safety information visit http://www.redcross.org. 

Back to School Safety 2016

Let’s Talk Dallas Police & Youth Forum

After a successful launch last year, in which 1,000 youth and 200 adults from across the city participated in an open dialogue with police officers, the Dallas Police Department will host its second annual Let’s Talk Police and Youth Forum.  The event will take place on August 11, 2016, at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas’ Arts District. 

The Dallas Police Department will partner with various organizations, including but notIMG_3121 limited to, Boys & Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, City of Dallas Parks & Rec, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Faith Based Organizations.  The department will engage young people 10-15 years old in a discussion promoting positive interactions between the community and law enforcement. Multiple speakers from law enforcement, professional sports and entertainment will contribute to the discussion.  Breakout sessions will also be held at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

“It’s critical that we build trust with our young people, and Let’s Talk is helping us to do that,” said Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown about the department’s Let’s Talk program.  “We want to start a conversation at the Winspear on August 11, 2016, that we can continue throughout the year.”

The Dallas Morning News has signed on as a presenting sponsor of Let’s Talk.  This is their second year serving as a presenting sponsor.

IMG_3129 Safer Dallas and Rotary Club of Dallas presented $5,000 to Chief Brown at the Safer Dallas Steering Committee Meeting.  “The Rotary Club of Dallas and Safer Dallas are 100% behind Chief Brown and his commitment to community engagement,” said John Forest of the Rotary Club.  “There is no more important segment of our community than our young people who need to know and trust our city’s great police officers.”  Mr. Forest hopes the donation from Rotary Club of Dallas and Safer Dallas will encourage others to participate.  “We urge every organization and company in Dallas to join us as a Sponsor,” said Forest. Sponsors also includes All Star Project, Dallas Mavericks, JPMorgan Chase & Company, UNT Dallas, Dallas Police Youth Outreach Unit, McDonald’s, and Downtown Dallas Inc. Wolfgang Puck, Dallas Wings, and AT&T.

 For more information about Let’s Talk 2016, contact the Dallas Police Department by email at dldpdletstalk@dallascityhall.com or call 214-671-3015. You can register at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-lets-talk-dallas-police-and-youth-forum-registration-25036269155

 Event Details

Date:               Thursday, August 11, 2016

Time:               8:00am – 12:00pm

Location:         Winspear Opera House

                        2403 Flora Street

                        Dallas, Texas, 75201

 

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Summer Safety Tips from KidsAndCars.org

According to KidsAndCars.org, an average of 37 children will die each year because of vehicular heat stroke. The solution to these preventable tragedies is a combination of education and technology. Below are some simple tips parents and caregivers can follow to prevent heat stroke tragedies.

kid in car

  • Never leave children alone in or around cars, not even for a minute.
  • “Look Before You Lock” – Get in the habit of always opening the back door to check the back seat before leaving your vehicle. Make sure no child has been left behind.
  • Create a reminder to check the back seat.
    • Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or brief case, etc., in the back seat so you have to open the back door to retrieve that item every time you park.
    •  Keep a large stuffed animal in the child’s car seat. When the child is placed in the car seat, put the stuffed animal in the front passenger seat. It’s a visual reminder that the child is in the back seat.
  • Make sure you have a strict policy in place with your childcare provider about daycare drop-off. Everyone involved in the care of your child should always be aware of their whereabouts. If your child will not be attending daycare as scheduled, it is the parent’s responsibility to call and inform the childcare provider. If your child does not show up as scheduled; and they have not received a call from the parent, the childcare provider should pledge to contact you immediately to ensure the safety of your child (This is very similar to the ‘absence-line’ used by most elementary, middle and high schools).
  • Keep vehicles locked at all times, even in driveways or garages. Ask home visitors, child care providers and neighbors to do the same.
  • Keep car keys and remote openers out of reach of children.
  • If a child goes missing, immediately check the inside passenger compartments and trunks of all vehicles in the area very carefully, even if they are locked. A child may lock the car doors after entering a vehicle on their own, but may not be able to unlock them.
  • If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. Call 911 immediately. If the child seems hot or sick, get them out of the vehicle as quickly as possible.
  • Be especially careful during busy times, schedule changes, periods of crisis, or holidays. This is when many tragedies occur.
  • Use drive-thru services when available (restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.) and pay for gas at the pump.

Please share these important safety tips with your childcare providers, teachers, relatives, friends, family and neighbors… It could save a life! 

For more information, visit KidsAndCars.org.

Having a Super Bowl Party? Or Going To One?

Make your GAME PLAN if you plan on drinking while watching the Super Bowl. Driving While Intoxicated is a very serious issue. We know there will be a large number of Super Bowl related parties this Sunday. We are in no way discouraging you from having fun, but please be safe while doing so. Have a designated driver or call a cab. 

If you are attending a Super Bowl Party:

  • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast by pacing yourself – eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
  • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
  • Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

If you are hosting a Super Bowl Party:

  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired-driving crash.
  • Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
  • Serve lots of food and be sure to include plenty of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
  • Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired

As always, have fun and be safe!

Robbery of Sam’s Grocery Store on Surveillance Footage

On November 23, 2015, at about 8:30 p.m., a black male suspect entered the Sam’s Grocery Store located at 717 Ann Arbor Ave. and jumped over the counter. The suspect pointed a handgun at the employee and demanded cash. The suspect then fled the store with the cash taken from the register.

The Suspect is described as a black male, 23-30 years old, 5’ 11” tall, weighing 200 pounds. The suspect has a dark skin tone and a dreadlock hair style.  The suspect was wearing a dark blue jacket and dark colored pants.

Detectives only recently were able to convert surveillance footage of this robbery and are releasing it in hopes that someone can identify him.

Case Number                Date  ___      __ _Time         _____              _Location                 ____

273241-2015               11/23/15               8:30 p.m.                    717 Ann Arbor Ave       

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information on this robbery is asked to call Detective Jones at (214) 671-4310.  If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at (214) 373-TIPS (8477).

 

Lock, Take, Hide

CaptureNow that the weather is cooler, more people are out and about in their vehicles. From the Zoo, the Arboretum, the mall or the supermarket, there are a lot of parked, unattended vehicles.

This is also a great season for window shopping – for would-be thieves, wanting to snatch that GPS, purse, smartphone, camera, or whatever is left inside a parked vehicle, in plain sight. One stop, easy shopping.

When you park your vehicle, TAKE your stuff with you and LOCK your vehicle. If you can’t TAKE it with you, HIDE your property before you park. If a theif can’t see it, he doesn’t know it is there for the taking.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween TipsHalloween is right around the corner! Kids love this holiday because they can dress up and get free candy! Let us help your kids have some good Halloween memories with a few safety tips.

Some of you kids already know things that you can do to be safe, like how to cross the street, not to talk to or go with strangers and things like that. However, we adults know how exciting Halloween can be and sometimes you forget to be careful.

Here are some tips that we have just for you kids, to help keep you safe on Halloween night.

  • Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
  • Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
  • Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. WALK and don’t run from house to house.
  • Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  • Be careful when you cross a street. Make sure to look in both directions and make sure that there are no cars coming. If you have a little brother or sister with you, take their hand and help them get across the street, too. If the street has a stop light, wait until the cross walk light tells you that it is okay to cross now, but still check before you cross, look both ways.
  • Choose bright costumes, and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible. (Hint – Try adding reflective tape to costumes and candy bags!)
  • Never, ever go into a strangers house or even ring their door for treats unless your parents are with you and say that it’s okay.
  • Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.
  • Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
  • Never accept rides from strangers.
  • Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
  • Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
  • Make sure children know your cellphone number, their home telephone number, and address in case you are separated.
  • Consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach you easily.
  • Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
  • Teach children to say “NO!” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting, and kicking.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Scammers Calling Citizens and Posing As Dallas Police Officers

Phone Scam

The Dallas Police Department is aware that the public is receiving phone calls from suspects who pose as Dallas Police Officers. Suspects accuse the citizen of missing a required court date or jury duty and demand the citizen obtain pre-paid cards and give the card number to the suspect or face immediate arrest.

These calls can be alarming and are meant to intimidate the citizen to the point that they don’t realize it is a scam until it’s too late.

If you get one of these calls, hang up:

  • The Dallas Police Department would never call or email you to demand payment for a fine you have never previously received a letter about.
  • The Dallas Police Department would never demand that you wire them money or pay using a specific prepaid card.
  • Never give out private information (your Social Security Number or account numbers) to any person who calls you.

If you are a victim of this crime, please contact the Dallas Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit at (214) 671-3517