FIRST RESPONDER CONFERENCE

The First Responder Volunteer Conference is being held on Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Mesa Public Safety Training Facility, 3260 North 40th Street.

The conference theme is "Are You Ready?" and will focus on developing individual family disaster plans. By attending this training, you will not only help yourself and your family, but can help us bring the information to your friends, neighbors and business associates. You are invited and encouraged to attend. Please pass this information on to anyone you feel would be interested. Seating is limited.

To reserve your seat, please call Susannah Long, 480-644-5163 or e-mail to Susannah.Long@mesaaz.gov.


VACANT HOMES COST EVERYONE...

...homeowners, neighbors, neighborhoods and police. They are a magnet for burglaries and can make surrounding homes more vulnerable as well. If neglected or vandalized, a vacant home can decrease property values for the entire neighborhood and increase police calls for service. If you have a vacant home, try to make it look occupied.

Utilize timers to turn on outside lights at night. A timer for an inside light is also a good idea. Close the curtains so burglars can't "shop" the home. Keep the yard maintained and clean. Give neighbors your phone number and ask that they call police first and then you, if they notice any suspicious activity around the home. This includes "repairmen," as burglars can sometimes pose as being there to work or pick up appliances.

Ask neighbors to pick up and dispose of any advertising left on the property. Repair any damage to the home immediately. Make sure the windows and doors of the home are secure and check the home often. Be a good neighbor by taking care of your vacant home!

CHILD SAFETY

The kids are back in school, the weather will be cooling off soon, and more people will be using the parks and community play areas. As parents, it is your responsibility to make sure you children are not in harm's way. NEVER leave your child unattended at a playground or park. An adult or responsible teen should always be in visual contact with children.

Remind your children not to leave bikes, skates, skateboards or other expensive toys in the front yard, even for a few minutes.

Remind your children when they come home from school to make sure the door they enter the house through is locked behind them. For more safety information, please visit www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature/default.aspx.


COOL WEATHER CAN BRING TROUBLE

The weather will be cooling soon and the dog days of summer will be a thing of the past. While it might be tempting to leave doors and windows open to get the cool air and perfect temperatures that Arizonans suffer through the summer for, it can also bring trouble!  Most residential burglaries occur through an unlocked door or window -- please take precautions and NEVER leave a door unlocked (unless in use) OR a window open, unless you are physically in the room where the window is.  At night, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked. If you insist on leaving the window open, make sure you secure the window with a thumb lock on the frame so the window can only be opened a certain amount. Criminals need just a few inches in order to get access or jimmy it open, so make sure it's secure and, if open, only open a few inches. Protect yourself and your family by taking these simple precautions.


EASY SHOPPING FOR CRIMINALS

Criminals are looking for easy targets, which includes anything available for the taking. This means valuable items in your vehicle (purses, wallets, laptops, other electronics, etc.) which are easily available, and items in open garages, which are easy to obtain. Your bikes, golf clubs, electronics, tools, etc. are simple to take when the door is open. Even doors open just a few inches gives the opportunity for someone to force the door open and remove your items. Keep your garage doors solidly closed at all times when not in use.

CRIME PREVENTION CONTACTS

Should you have any questions about securing your home and property, personal safety, business security, Operation Identification, child safety, requesting a speaker, Neighborhood Watch, or any crime prevention issues, please contact your district crime prevention officer. All of our literature can be found online at www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature/default.aspx.

Central District (Broadway north to city limits; Horne west to city limits)
Patty Gallagher
480-644-2033
patty.gallagher@mesaaz.gov

Dobson District (Broadway south to city limits; Horne west to city limits)
Jerry Quarles
480-644-2539
jerry.quarles@mesaaz.gov

Red Mountain District (east of Horne; west of Higley; north and south to city limits)
Lindy Marino
480-644-3921
melinda.marino@mesaaz.gov

Superstition District (east of Higley to city limits; north and south to city limits)
Terri Teten
480-644-3692
terri.teten@mesaaz.gov

Metro Resources / Elder Abuse / Fraud
Karen Stegenga
480-644-5014
karen.stegenga@mesaaz.gov