|
January 21, 2021
Happy New Year!
So far, this year has already been busy with an increase in mail and catalytic converter thefts. I've included more information about both topics below to provide some tips on what to look out for and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these crimes. These incidents aren't unique to American Canyon, our neighboring communities are facing the same struggles. In fact, recently we've been partnering up and catching some of these criminals.
ACPD nabs two suspects involved in catalytic converter thefts
ACPD assist NSO deputies in nabbing 3 catalytic converter thieves
ACPD doing foot patrols in efforts to investigate and find catalytic converter thieves, results in two arrest and stolen gun arrest
We know, like you do, that working together is our best defense in keeping American Canyon a safe place to live, work, and play. That's why this week, on our Facebook page, we put out a call for all super sleuths in our community to help us find more information about a recent mail theft:
On 1/10/21, between 3:00 and 3:30 am, an unknown suspect burglarized community mailboxes along Bluebell and Ring Neck. Please check your cameras, possible vehicle involved is white sedan. Contact Officer Heuschel at (707) 253-4451 if you had any mail taken in the theft. Case numbers are NSD21-000092 & NSD21-000093.
Although we're still unable to meet in person, I'm happy to set up Zoom Neighborhood Watch meetings with you and your neighbors. Email me and let's schedule a time to hop online and connect the best we can until the pandemic conditions improve. Attendees of recent meetings have appreciated the opportunity to connect with their neighbors and hear about what's going on in their neighborhood.
Watchfully,
Jeff Scott
Community Resource Officer
|
|
Mail theft is a pernicious problem that can have long term effects. Criminals use pieces of information they gather from mail to commit fraud in various ways to include identity theft and check/credit card fraud. Unfortunately the federal government has no reliable system for tracking mail theft. Postal Inspection Service data showed that mail theft reports soared by 600% over the past three years, from about 25,000 in 2017 to roughly 177,000 through August of last year. |
|
|
Thieves employ an array of strategies to steal mail, experts say, largely dictated by geography and population density. Criminals often target collection boxes that dot street corners and amass large amounts of mail.
Given the current environment it is important to take measures to protect ourselves. The best way to prevent mail theft is to call (707) 253-4451 if you see suspicious activity! So, what’s suspicious?
- If you see people hanging around the mailbox, especially people you don’t recognize.
- If you see markings on the mailbox that it’s been tampered with, or it is broken.
If you find a pile of mail.
- If you see a car following the mail delivery person, or parked nearby just sitting there.
Here are some things you can do to help protect your mail:
- Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, or give to a letter carrier.
- Pick up your mail promptly after delivery.
- Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight.
- Don’t send cash in the mail.
- Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
- Tell your post office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
- Report all mail theft to a Postal Inspector by calling 877-876-2455.
|
|
Catalytic Converter Theft |
|
|
We're also seeing a rise regionally in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicle exhaust systems. Toyota Priuses are the most common vehicle type being targeted right now, although several have been stolen from various other makes and models. Catalytic converters contain platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves sell the converters to scrap yards for several hundred dollars per piece. It can cost you on average up to $2000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is illegal to drive your car without one. The resulting gap in your exhaust system also makes the car run poorly until it is fixed. Thieves usually look for easy targets when it comes to catalytic converter theft, and a few simple steps help make your vehicle a less likely target:
- Always park in well-lit areas when possible.
- If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use.
- Park close to a building entrance or to the nearest access road when parking in a public lot.
- Security devices are available that attach to the converter, making it harder to steal.
- Having the converter welded in place also makes it more difficult to remove.
- If you have a security system on your car, calibrate it so vibration sets it off. This ensures the alarm activates if a thief tries to saw off the converter.
- Video surveillance around your garage or driveway is also useful.
- Engrave your VIN number onto your catalytic converter to make it easier to identify in case it does get stolen.
|
|
|
|
