Police Report: Helping Lemoore's citizens better understand the PD

On a bi-monthly basis the members of the Lemoore Police Department will address various issues and concerns in this spot and help the citizens of Lemoore better understand their police department and get to know, and work with its members. This spot will serve as a way for our community to get answers to their questions and, as a team, address neighborhood concerns, therefore making our neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable for each and every person.

As a team we can stand shoulder to shoulder to continue to reduce crime, eliminate nuisances, and maintain the quality of life that Lemoore residents are accustomed to and deserve.

I want to welcome you to the first of many articles from the Lemoore Police Department. Every two weeks an article will be placed discussing current crime trends and ways that we as a community can address those trends and issues. There will be articles that explain what we as a police department confront on a daily basis and how we, as a community, can work together towards finding solutions. This first article will address vehicles stolen during 2013 and preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the number of thefts in 2014 and the years to come.

During 2013 there were 88 vehicles stolen within the city limits of Lemoore. Of the 88 vehicles that were stolen 66 vehicles were taken while the vehicles were parked in front of the owner's residence or within their apartment complex. Some of these thefts occurred when the owners of the vehicles turned the ignition on to allow the vehicle to warm up while the owners returned to their residence and went inside for several minutes. When the owners returned to their vehicles they found that the vehicle had been stolen. Many of the vehicles stolen during 2013 could have been avoided by taking the following steps:

1. Never leave your vehicle running while you are away from the vehicle even if it is only for a few seconds or a few minutes.

2. Never leave your keys inside your car or in the ignition.

3. Always lock your door while your vehicle is unattended.

4. Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other.

5. Keep your keys in a secure place and make sure all your keys are accounted for.

6. Keep information on your vehicle readily accessible in case the vehicle is stolen. The quicker we get the information out to officer and get your vehicle entered as a stolen vehicle, the better chances we have of recovering it.

7. Make sure your neighborhood is well lit. If a street light is out contact the city and ensure that it gets replaced.

   The Lemoore Police Department is committed to reducing crime in our city and together we as a community can achieve that goal. Anyone wishing to know more about crime and statistics from 2013 is encouraged to review the Lemoore Police Department Annual Report that will be presented to the city council, and posted on the City of Lemoore website.

   The Lemoore Police Department is also looking for volunteers to join our neighborhood watch program as block captains. Block captains serve a very important role in keeping their neighborhoods safe and working as a liaison with the police department to identify and work to resolve various issues within a neighborhood. Anyone interested in learning more about this program is encouraged to contact C.S.O. Soledad Perez at 924-9574.  Anyone having questions or comments about this article can contact me at the Lemoore Police Department at 924-9574 or 925-6857. I am excited about our new program and look forward to hearing from you. Working together we can maintain a safe city.