News Article: Buglaries, Robberies On Rise In Santa Fe

 
<http://news.yahoo.com/s/koat/20060531/lo_koat/9295578;_ylt=AnsakKdVQDvd\
JfiSEWH0_j3QxiYC;_ylu=X3oDMTBidHQxYjh2BHNlYwN5bnN0b3J5> Members -- Santa
Fe is experiencing a spike in burglaries and robberies. My advice -- if
you live in or travel to Santa Fe, please maintain situational awareness
at all times. Remember, if at all possible, the best way to win a
confrontation is to avoid a confrontation.

Be safe!

Michael

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Click here for the online story...
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JfiSEWH0_j3QxiYC;_ylu=X3oDMTBidHQxYjh2BHNlYwN5bnN0b3J5>

Buglaries, Robberies On Rise In Santa Fe



Santa Fe has seen nearly four-dozen break-ins and burglaries over two
weekends.



Last weekend, police dealt with 24 break-ins or burglaries, and the
weekend before that, 22.



Police said they have leads, and the damage totals are adding up fast.



For the Santa Fe Police Department, it's hard to say why burglaries are
up.



They can say what might be contributing to the rise in crime.



"Summer is almost in full swing now, so it's warmer to stay out later at
night," said Chief Stan Mascarenas.



But, the robberies have happened in the day, too, and they're happening
nowhere in specific.



"They're throughout the city in different neighborhoods and even in
commercial parking lots for auto burglaries," said Mascarenas.



With the latter, police say it's a crime of opportunity, as purses and
computers are often left in eye view in cars.



Police said if someone walks by looking for something to take, chances
are if they don't see it right away, you're not going to get a break-in.



At home, lock your doors and windows and talk to neighbors. Have them
grab your mail or papers while you're gone.



Police said property crimes are up nationwide. Five of the burglaries
have been at homes. Nine businesses have also been hit. Plus, in the
past two weeks, more than 30 cars have been broken into.



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Some additional tips:



Travel well lighted streets. Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to
buildings. Always try to walk on the side of the street nearest oncoming
traffic.



If you must travel at night regularly, don't carry more than you can
afford to lose. One suggestion is to carry a second wallet containing a
few $1.00 bills and old credit cards, which are normally destroyed or
discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the
second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to give to
the police.



There's safety in numbers! If possible, walk with a companion, either
male or female. An armed robber is less likely to confront two or more,
than a lone individual.



Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.



Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks,
playgrounds, vacant lots, etc.



Be cautious entering your car as someone may be hiding inside. Or, when
leaving your car, someone may be waiting. Park in well lighted areas.



If someone asks directions, keep a polite but maintain a safe distance.



If you are alone and think you are being followed, head for an occupied
building such as a bar, restaurant, gas station, fire station, etc. If
none is available, cross the street in the middle of the block. If there
is street vehicular traffic, try to stop a car for help.



(The above tips were located in the public domain.)