South Precinct Email Community Newsletter August 7, 2009

Dear Community Friends,

You may recall that back in late June 2009, Seattle Police officers served warrants on south Seattle locations that were found to be buying laptops and other electronics stolen in residential burglaries. As a result of those warrants and the recovery of hundreds of stolen laptops, we saw a decrease in laptop thefts. However, in the past few weeks, it appears that laptop thefts from residential burglaries are on the increase. We wanted to provide you with some security tips specific for your laptop computers.

• Don’t Leave Laptops in Plain Sight. Often, our laptops sit on a table near a window and in clear view. When not in use, store the laptop away, out of plain view from the home exterior.
• Record Your Laptop Serial Number, Model Number and Approximate Value. This helps us locate stolen property when we have the serial numbers. In the event the laptop is recovered, there is a much better chance of having the property returned to you.
• Engrave Your Laptop. Using an engraving pen or etcher, etch the item with your driver’s license number, or if a company laptop engrave the company name and the last four digits of the company tax ID number. Handheld engravers are available at most hardware stores for less than $25. Also use this tool to similarly engrave your other electronics (desktop computers, DVD players, gaming systems, etc.). Property that is obviously engraved with a person’s or company ID makes that property less attractive to thieves.
• Password Protect Your Laptop. Make it more difficult for someone to access you system and the data in your files.
• Back Up Your Data. This is especially important if you use your laptop for business. Using a $20 thumb drive to save copies of your files and keeping that drive someplace safe is a better alternative than losing all that data and having to rebuild from scratch.

Below are some commercially available products you may want to consider. An Internet search on any of these terms will provide you additional information, specifications and sources for these items. While the Seattle Police Department does not endorse any one product or company over another, the writer acknowledge Computer Security Products, Inc as the source for some of the information below.

Laptop Security Cable Locks
Think of it as a bike cable for your laptop. Some of these connect to your laptop’s built in security slot and have combination or keyed locks. Just loop the cable around an immovable object and secure it to the laptop security slot. These items range in price between $20-50.

Laptop Tie Down Security Brackets
These come in many varieties. Some secure the laptop to a surface by bolting the bracket to a surface while others connect to a cable. They can secure the laptop in either an open or closed opposition depending on the type you get. The price range on these is about $100-$120.

Laptop Lockers
Laptop Lockers are safes designed to securely store laptop computers and other valuables. They can be mounted anywhere and deter theft and unwanted access. These cost around $125.

Computer Tracking Software. These “LoJack for Laptops” software tracks the location of a computer hard drive when that system accesses the Internet and notifies theft recover teams as to it’s exact location. Seattle Police recovered several laptops in the past 12 months as a result of this software.

These are just a few ideas. Check with your local computer hardware store or check the Internet for other laptop security options.

Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!

Captain David Emerick, South Precinct Commander Mark Solomon, Crime Prevention Coordinator

Night Out Against Crime is tomorrow from 6-9!

We are looking forward to seeing you all there for a great night out.

It is a potluck so please bring something to share. The address is 2360 20th ave. south and the corner of Bayview.

We'll have our BBQ out for use.

If you have questions feel free to call me at 206-726-5961. Hope to see you all there!

Lee

Be on the lookout - for this man of interest

Man sought in fatal South Park stabbing

Police are searching for a man who fatally stabbed one woman and left another in critical condition early Sunday in South Park.

Police ask for public's help: Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Seattle Police Department's homicide unit at 206-684-5550 or Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS, or send a text-message to "crimes" (274637).

South Precinct Community Notification - July 17, 2009

Community Meeting Regarding Registered Sex Offenders

The Sexual Assault Unit of the Seattle Police Department will be holding a community meeting on Thursday, July 30th at the New Holly Gathering Hall (7054 32nd Ave S., Seattle, WA 98108) from 7-9pm. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the community information regarding registered sex offenders that reside in the south Seattle community.

Please join your neighbors at this meeting. You will get information regarding community notification, how to check for registered offenders in your area, get safety and prevention information, and have an opportunity to ask questions of our sexual assault detectives.

Community Meeting Regarding Registered Sex Offenders
Thursday, July 30, 2009, 7-9pm
New Holly Gathering hall
7054 32nd Ave S Seattle
Doors open at 6:30pm; program begins at 7pm

For questions or for more information, please contact The Seattle Police Department Sexual Assault Unit at 206.684.5575. Please advise if you need interpretation services.

Captain Les Liggins, South Precinct Commander

Mark Solomon, Crime Prevention Coordinator

Night Out Against Crime Tuesday August 4th

Join us! Mark your calendar.

More details to follow...

NEW EMAIL FOR CONTACTING THIS BLOG MANAGER:
beacon@leemonkey.com

Sorry for the inconvenice.

Sincerely, Lee

A few TIPS, phone numbers...for inclement weather situations

It is cold out, so here is some helpful information when dealing with extremely low temps:

1. Do not leave water running in unoccupied buildings.

2. Please don’t use hair dryers to thaw frozen pipes!
3. Know where the main water shut-off valve inside your home is located and how to shut it off. Contact Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 386-1800 for questions about shutting off water mains and the tools needed to do so.

4. If a water pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop excessive flooding. If you cannot turn off the main shut-off valve, Seattle Public Utilities customers can call (206) 386-1800 and a crew will turn off the water at the meter for a standard service charge.

5. If an inlet or street drain appears to be blocked by snow or debris, try to safely clear a channel to provide a path for the runoff. If the drain cannot be cleared, or if the cause of the blockage or flooding is uncertain, call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 386-1800.

6. Melting/run-off can cause landslides...Seattle property owners with structures affected by or endangered by a landslide may contact the Department of Planning and Development at (206) 684-7899, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., for a rapid evaluation of damage.

7. Power outages are a pain - call Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light at (206) 684-3000 to report power outages and/or downed power lines.

Thanks and let's all have a safe holiday!

Cheers - Lee

Spray painting vandals paint side of car

Hi neighbors, looks like vandals are out and about in our neighborhood. The side of our car was spray painted black last night. If you see anyone acting suspicious, especially wielding an aerosol paint can, don't hesitate to confront them or call the police.

Have a great thanksgiving everyone!

Your neighbor @ 23rd and Bayview - Lee