Property thefts on rise

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By Nancy Edwards

How citizens in the community can protect themselves

A recent string of area burglaries has local residents alarmed, and many are beginning to take more precautions. Last month, there were 10 residential burglaries reported by the Fishers Police Dept. More recently, Fishers police arrested two men for breaking into vehicles in a neighborhood and arrested two women for attempting to break into a car.

Many thefts have occurred near I-69, an easy escape route for thieves on the west side of town. The succession of events is not likely to decrease any time soon, according to Tom Weger, public information officer for the FPD.

“As we get closer to the holidays and with the economy and the state it’s in, people are desperate. A lot of people who live outside the vicinity don’t have the means or ability to have nice things that we have,” Weger said. “If they are not willing to take steps to gain items legitimately, they look for and take advantage of them (elsewhere).”

According to CityRating.com, Fishers crime statistics based on research data from 1999 to 2010 show that while violent crime has decreased, property crime has increased (see graph). In 2010, there were 730 incidents of property crime reported and 18 incidents of violent crime. The projected data for 2013 shows a potential of 856 incidents of property crime and five incidents of violent crime.

Art Hennig, a volunteer with the FPD and active member of his neighborhood association board, said he has seen an increase in residents attending neighborhood watch meetings and asking questions.

“Residents are seeming to take notice (and saying) ‘I guess we’re not immune (to theft),”’ he said.

Local residents are encouraged to help themselves and other neighbors potentially reverse the threat of future crimes through being perceptive of their surroundings.

“People need to be aware of what is happening in their neighborhoods,” said resident Shelley O’Connell. “Watch for strange cars hanging around. If something does not feel right, call to have the police check.”

O’Connell, who was the victim of property crime herself when she moved to Fishers nearly four years ago, has since added a security system and flood lights outside her home. Communication through a neighborhood home owners association is an added benefit.

“My home owners association does spread the word out and they are usually very good about giving updates when something happens,” O’Connell said.

The FPD also offers a biannual Citizens Police Academy. The 12-week class is held one night per week and trains citizens on basic crime prevention, neighborhood watches, bicycle patrol, criminal law and how police work with canines. In addition, participants learn familiarization with weapons, self-defense, evidence collection, spotting narcotics and crime investigation. The successful program is going strong after 25 classes.

FPD continues to support other programs designed to enrich safety within the community, including the Citizen’s Fire Academy and the Explorer Academy, similar to the Citizens Police Academy, open to young adults age 14 to 20.

“The answer is a continued relationship that we foster with the community,” Weger said.


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