Another Purse Missing

A patron of a local bar reported her expensive purse missing the other night - either she lost it or someone stole it. Again, ladies, always keep a hand on your purse!

Home Burglaries

Two home burglaries in the neighborhood yesterday - remember to make your home look occupied so it is not attractive to burglars!

Time to Think About Others

As we approach the holidays, we typically start thinking about how we can help others who are not so fortunate. Of course, it is something we should do all year long. Check with charitable organizations, churches, and schools to see if they need money and/or items for the less fortunate. The help you give might be just what a struggling person needs to keep them from a life of crime.

More Burglaries, Etc.

There have been several BMV's and burglaries in the past few days, including one on Cedar Springs in which a driver's car window was broken and the victim was robbed at gunpoint. Of course, the usual refrain, be careful and aware of your surroundings when you're out and about, particularly at night.

Holiday Shopping Tips - Safety

Here are a few tips courtesy of North Texas Crime Prevention Association:

Shop before dark when possible.
Shop with a friend.
Never park in an unlit area.
Lock packages in the trunk of your car and keep doors locked and windows closed.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

More on Aggravated Robberies - ATM Bandits

Four aggravated robberies in Dallas have been thieves forcing people to ATM's at gunpoint where they empty their bank accounts. Be careful when you go to an ATM anyway - you never know who is watching.

Home Burglary in Knox Park Area

An apartment on Buena Vista had its door kicked in and contents stolen during the day yesterday. Remember that it is the holiday season and these types of burglaries happen more often because thieves know we're hoarding stuff for the holidays. Make sure your home looks occupied when you're not home.

Aggravated Robberies and BMV's

'Tis the season for robberies and BMV's. In the past few days, there have been three persons robbed at gunpoint - one in Uptown and two at Knox Henderson. The suspect in the robbery outside Manny's Restaurant in Uptown was apprehended - the other suspect is still at large. In addition, more and more BMV's every day. Remember to stay safe - be aware of your surroundings, safety in numbers, and take your stuff out of your cars.

Purse Snatching

There was a purse snatched from a woman's shoulder in the WalMart Grocery parking lot at about 10:00 last night. Remember to look around and be aware of your surroundings and do not carry your social security number in your purse! In addition, we're in the holiday season now and thieves know that people are carrying money and credit cards right now. Be careful!

Huge Increase in BMV's

The past few weeks have seen a huge increase in BMV's - most occur within a few blocks of each other. It makes me think the activity is organized again. So, do not leave anything in your car, even for a few moments and always report suspicious activity to 911.

BMV, BMV, BMV

Several more BMV's in the neighborhood lately - take the usual precautions. Remember, the holiday season is upon us and there will be a rise in burglaries and thefts. In addition, make arrangements for your packages - don't leave them at your door for days on end as that does signal an empty home. Make arrangements with a friend or neighbor to hold your packages till you get back from you travels.

Great Tips from FW Police

DOs
--- Leave outside lights on at night and keep lights on in more than one room.
--- Secure all doors and windows.
--- Always lock your door when going to the rest room.
--- Keep car doors locked at all times; even if you are going into a place for a short time.
--- Always look in your back seat before entering your car.
--- Always have keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay. Never walk across the parking lot digging in your purse for your keys. Have them in your hand before leaving a building.
--- Always park in well lighted areas.
DONTs
--- Do not jog alone!
--- Do not enter your residence alone if anything seems suspicious!
--- Do not walk alone!

November 5

Another middle-of-the night BMV across the street - the thief got an iPod device of some sort. It's difficult to find witnesses to these crimes in the night so make sure you don't leave anything for them to steal.

November 4

An "suspicious" individual "with a limp" was spotted yesterday morning peering into car windows. It sounds like someone on the hunt for the valuable stuff people continue to leave in their cars. Remember to take your stuff with you or hide it very well.
In addition, another wallet was removed from a woman's purse in a restaurant. I advise all women to buy a purse hook that will keep your purse close to you and in your sight at every moment. Let me know if you need more information!

Lone Star Towing

From Dallas Morning News today:

Dallas pulls license of towing company tied to complaints at Fair Park 11:23 AM CT

11:24 AM CST on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
By RUDOLPH BUSH / The Dallas Morning News
rbush@dallasnews.com

The city of Dallas has revoked the license of a controversial towing firm that hauled dozens of cars away from lots surrounding Fair Park during this year’s Texas/Oklahoma game.

Citing a long list of violations against Lone Star Towing — and 40 complaints stemming from the Texas/OU game alone — the city’s transportation regulation director, in conjunction with the city attorney’s office, pulled the firm’s license in a letter sent today.

In revoking the license, the city determined that Lone Star’s violations were intentional and firm principals were aware they were not following city regulations.

Lone Star can appeal the decision within 10 days.

BMV's

Another BMV restaurant parking lot yesterday - another navigation system gone. Please remember to take your stuff when you leave your car. It gets dark earlier so it's also easier for the thieves to move about undetected and harder to get a good description of them. In addition, as we move into shopping season, the burglars know they can get good stuff from cars.

Towing

Copy and paste into your browser - link to story on barkingdogs.com about Lone Star and its (probably illegal) governmental entity fee. http://www.barkingdogs.org/news/node/484

Car Taken at Gunpoint

A Bentley convertible was stolen at gunpoint from its owner yesterday from a parking lot in the 2800 block of McKinney. Plese remember to be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car.

Assaults and BMV's

There have been a couple of late-night assaults recently - they both happened late at night and occurred in or near bars. Be careful when you're out clubbing! Also, three BMV's in the area - three GPS systems, iPods, etc. taken. Remember to take all that stuff out of your car when you park it!