November 26, 2008

Dear Community Friends,

SPD Blotter

Citizens often wonder what is happening when they see Police carrying out their responsibilities in their neighborhood.  There is an easy way to satisfy your curiosity.  We now have a way for you to get the information that you are looking for in a timely manner.  The Seattle Police Department has launched the SPD Blotter.

The SPD Blotter went on line in September 2008.  It provides a near real-time recap of significant crime events.  You can review events from all over the city, or look specifically at events in the police precinct area.  You are able to review recent events, that happened last night or over the weekend.  The archive feature allows you to review previous events in the SPD Blotter.

There are three ways to get the SPD Blotter:

·         You can go to the SPD website and view the latest entries on our home page.

www.seattle.gov/police.

·         You can access the Blotter directly by going to its specific web address,

http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/.

·         You can subscribe to the Blotter so that it automatically arrives to you via email.  Go to http://feeds.feedburner.com/spdblotter to sign up for this feature.

Crime Prevention During the Holiday Season

The Seattle Police Department would like to remind you of some simple steps you can take to guard yourself against crime this holiday season.

Personal Safety

q       Rather than shopping alone, go with a family member or friend.

q       Be aware of your surroundings when using ATM’s.  Do not keep your PIN on your person.

q       Avoid carrying a large amount of cash.  Use credit cards or checks

q       Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.  Criminals may try to distract and confuse you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Vehicle Safety

q       Do not leave anything of value in your car.  Packages and shopping bags should be hidden away from sight.  Do not just cover them with a coat or blanket.

q       Park in a lighted area, and lock your car doors.

q       Never leave your keys in the ignition. When warming up your car, do not leave it unattended.

q       Do not drink and drive.  When attending holiday celebrations, consider designating a driver or taking a cab.

Make your home safe from burglars.

q       Do not hide your key outside the door, under mats, flowerpots, over moldings, etc.  Rather leave a key with a trusted neighbor.

q       Have good safe locks on all doors.  Use auxiliary deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.  Lock the doors when you go out, even for just a minute.

q       Install an alarm that can detect entry.  Post a sign on doors and windows showing that the residence has an alarm.

q       Do not let strangers into your home.  Use a peephole or talk through door. Ask for identification.  Post “No Solicitors” to avoid having to deal with sell people.

q       Do not leave house and car keys together with attendants at public parking lots.  Your house keys can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your plate number.

q       Do not give information to strangers on the telephone or online.  Do not answer any questions, hang-up and/or delete.

q       Report to Police any strangers loitering in your neighborhood or people asking strange or vague questions about your neighbors.

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald

http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

This web page is update every week on Tuesday.