All articles tagged with #crime prevention
The Metropolitan Police in Merton conducted Operation Frostwatch, seizing 37 illegal or dangerous e-bikes and scooters, making 57 arrests, recovering weapons, and securing a closure order to combat crime and anti-social behaviour linked to gang activity and street offences.
Flock Safety, an AI startup with a vast network of surveillance cameras and new drone technology, aims to eliminate almost all crime in the U.S. within a decade, despite facing privacy opposition and competition from established players like Axon. The company leverages AI and American-made drones to enhance law enforcement capabilities, while also expanding into traffic management and city improvements, with ambitious growth plans and ongoing regulatory challenges.
Teenagers in Washington D.C. feel unsafe due to the federal police takeover, which was initiated by President Trump to combat crime, but has led to fears and distrust among youth, especially in minority communities, highlighting concerns about policing tactics and the root causes of violence.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has hired a personal security detail after one of his cars was broken into, highlighting the growing trend of pro athletes securing their homes and families against potential threats. Tagovailoa emphasized the importance of safety for his family, especially with the FBI investigating a possible crime ring targeting athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Despite the cost, Tagovailoa believes the security measures are necessary given his high profile and earnings.
Google Maps' Street View feature, while useful for navigation and finding local amenities, can also be exploited by criminals to plan home break-ins by assessing property value and security systems. To mitigate this risk, users can blur images of their homes, faces, or cars on Street View using the desktop version of Google Maps. This precaution can help protect against potential theft and personal harm.
Chicago police are investigating three armed robberies that occurred within 15 minutes on the North Side, with victims being robbed at gunpoint by multiple male suspects in black sedans. No injuries were reported, and the suspects remain at large. In addition, a nearby Lululemon store was also targeted by burglars around the same time. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling are set to announce a robbery prevention strategy in response to the incidents.
Three Sheetz gas stations in Greensboro, North Carolina, have deployed K-9 units as an additional security measure following a series of robberies and carjackings, including the fatal shooting of an off-duty cop. The specially-trained dogs provided by American K-9 Interdiction are aimed at ensuring the safety of customers and employees, but their deployment has received mixed reactions from local residents and customers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism and mockery on social media after announcing a plan to combat crime in Oakland by installing 480 high-tech cameras along freeways and in the city. Critics accused Newsom of pushing a "surveillance state" and questioned the effectiveness of the initiative, suggesting that focusing on keeping criminals in jail would be more effective. The plan, part of a $10 million security program, aims to improve public safety and protect employees, but social media users expressed skepticism and concern about privacy and potential misuse of the surveillance system.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond attributes the recent spike in homicides to victims' involvement in "nefarious activities" and a lack of witness cooperation. He emphasizes the need for witnesses to come forward and cooperate with investigations, stating that arrests could be made if more people provided information. Thurmond highlights specific cases and urges residents to join the Connect Birmingham program, which allows police access to outdoor security cameras. He also addresses the prevalence of firearm-related conflicts and the police department's efforts to combat the situation.
Toronto Police faced backlash for advising residents to leave their car keys within easy reach for thieves to avoid potential violence during break-ins. The advice, which was quickly criticized, was given as car thefts spiked nearly 25% in 2023 compared to the previous year, and home invasion and auto thefts have risen 400%. The department later backtracked and suggested other ways to prevent auto thefts, such as parking vehicles in garages, adding extra exterior lighting, and installing security cameras.
Toronto police initially advised residents to leave car keys on their front porch to prevent home invasions, but have since retracted the advice, acknowledging better ways to prevent auto theft motivated home invasions. The police are concerned about a 400% increase in home invasions and break-ins for auto theft occurrences in 2023, and have issued new safety advice including parking vehicles in garages, ensuring well-lit driveways, installing security systems, and reporting suspicious activity. Auto theft in Canada is a significant issue, with a car being stolen every six minutes, and a recent case involving a homeowner defending his family resulting in legal complications.
Miami Beach is bracing for a potentially tumultuous spring break weekend, with Gov. Ron DeSantis deploying state troopers and resources to preemptively combat potential crime. The city is attempting to distance itself from the chaos of previous years, which included hundreds of arrests, two homicides, and over 100 firearms seized. Newly elected officials are taking a stricter approach, implementing measures such as nonresident towing rates, DUI checkpoints, and curfews to maintain safety and protect the city's reputation. While some business owners are unhappy about the impact on their profits, others welcome the focus on safety and hope for a more positive and responsible crowd during spring break.
A man in Massapequa arranged to sell his Rolex watch through Facebook Marketplace, but the transaction took a dangerous turn when the buyer attempted to steal the watch. The buyer lured the seller into his car, then reversed the car, knocking the seller to the ground. The seller jumped onto the car's hood, but was eventually thrown off. A police officer witnessed the incident and the seller urged the officer to pursue the thief. The police are now searching for the suspect's car, and the seller advises others to be cautious when selling high-value items online.
The governors of New York and California have made retail theft a top priority for 2024, announcing plans to crack down on organized retail crime with new legislation and increased funding for law enforcement. The proposed measures include harsher penalties for theft offenses, targeting repeat offenders and professional thieves, and providing financial support for police departments and district attorney's offices. However, experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such laws and their potential impact on marginalized groups. Despite the lack of clear national data on theft offenses, both governors are taking decisive action to address the surge in retail theft and its impact on businesses and communities.
As the holiday season brings an increase in package thefts, law enforcement agencies are offering tips to avoid falling victim to porch pirates. Suggestions include using package tracking, installing video doorbells or security cameras, utilizing "package pick up" or "hold at location" services, using Amazon lockers, considering a porch lockbox, requiring a signature on delivery, purchasing a mailbox sensor, scheduling deliveries for when someone is home, and purchasing insurance for high-value packages.