A Crime Prevention Tip (HBPD)

A Crime Prevention Tip:

Recently the Haines Borough Police Department has had 3 attempted thefts and a burglary reported. In these instances padlocks were cut off to gain access into a building or cash drops. These attempts have been reported starting at the end of July through to this week. Most of the losses were minimal, often only the cost of lock replacements. Due to the cutting of the locks, the owners or responsible parties for the damaged property were advised to seek better padlocks to help prevent the locks from being easily cut off. It is recommended for securing doors, outside cash drops, or other property like bicycles, trailers, etc. that you use a hardened steel type of padlock with anti-cut sleeves or those designed to help prevent cutting. The most common tool used for this type of lock cutting is a bolt cutter, which is designed like an over sized set of dikes. Padlocks designed for lockers are not a good deterrent for this type of tool.

Most thefts are crimes of opportunity and often result when the perpetrator believes he/she may have an advantage in not being observed and can get in and out rapidly. In the instances noted above all the locations were remote, the offense occurred during hours of darkness (early AM hours), and lighting was in poor repair or non-existent. HBPD has worked with the victimized parties to improve their security.

HBPD can help you as a business or home owner to review your property for risk, and offer suggestions for improvement of security and preventative measures. Taking the time to lock doors at home or on your cars is necessary in this day and age – even in our quiet town. Unfortunately, it is not the law abiding folks we need to worry about; it is those who are not law abiding, and this small number of miscreants creates issues for all of us.

Please call HBPD if you would like a risk assessment, more information on crime prevention, or if you should have information you would like to share regarding the crimes noted above.