Crime by the Numbers - Convention Center Area

As the Crime Tracker 3 team looks back at crime trends for 2009 and asks about police priorities in 2010, one area of focus that emerges is Sexual Assault. As 2009 ended, there were more than 1,500 sexual assaults in Metro's jurisdiction, an increase of more than 8%.
Last week, we asked the Captain from Enterprise Area about that trend. The trend is different in the Convention Center Area, because of the nature of that area. Convention Center sees fewer cases of incest and more "acquaintance-related" sexual assaults, especially incidents where the two acquaintances only met the night of the incident.
Captain Charles Hank talks about the subject, and what he and his officers are already doing about it.

Auto burglary was also a concern in the Convention Center area in 2009. We also asked Capt. Hank about that subject.

10 Quick Security Tips

With the holidays comes traveling, and empty homes. So here are some suggestions from the Burglary Prevention Council.

1.) Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

2.) Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

3.) Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

4.) Create the illusion that you are home. by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.

5.) Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.

6.) Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.

7.) Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

8.) Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

9.) Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

10.) Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community.