After you unwrap them, put them together and plug them in—write down those serial numbers! Having the serial numbers for your new electronics, bikes, scooters, tools and other gadgets could help you get them back if stolen. While you’re at it, take photos, too!

For items without a serial number, note the brand, make, model, size, color and identifying features such as markings, stickers, etc. Store the information and photos in a safe place.

If something is stolen, call the non-emergency police number 817-392-4222 to make a report, or go online to file a police report. Provide as many details as possible to increase the chances of items being returned to you if they’re recovered by police.

More tips for protecting your stuff:

- Putting product boxes on the curb advertises to thieves. Instead, break down boxes and place them in the recycling cart, or take them to a city drop-off station.

- Consider purchasing an inexpensive etching tool to mark valuables with your Texas driver license number.

Northwest Police Division is seeing a small but noticeable uptick in thefts from vehicles and thefts of packages from porches. Without your help, these crimes will continue.

Most thefts involve items stolen from unlocked cars and trucks. Thieves simply open a car door, reach in and grab phones, loose change, credit cards, keys and even guns. Please lock your vehicle and remove valuables every time.

Porch pirates are more active during the holidays, so have a plan to retrieve your packages before they do. Set up text or email delivery notifications, have purchases delivered to a store or locker for pickup, or work with a neighbor to watch for expected deliveries.

NW 25th Street Crime Watch

Detective Case Hudson explained what happens after a business owner files a theft or vandalism report with police. Knowing the process can help business owners recover their property faster. NW 25^th Street Business Crime Watch members met at Pollos La Pullita in November but will take a break for the holidays.

North Main Street Business Crime Watch

The next meeting is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Artes de la Rosa, 1440 N. Main St. All business owners and managers along North Main Street, from north of downtown to 23rd Street, are invited to attend or send a representative. See the informal meeting agenda in the upcoming events section of this newsletter.

Free Signage for Businesses

While supplies last, Northwest Police Division is offering free signage to businesses who want to remind their customers to hide valuables, lock cars and take their keys. We thank Comfort Suites at Lake Worth for installing signs on their property at 5825 Quebec. Contact your NPO or Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent, dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov, if your business is interested in Hide, Lock, Take signage.

Longhorn Crossing Apartments invited us for a resident get-together that combined crime prevention with holiday fun. While kids (and even some adults!) decorated gingerbread cookies, we talked about holiday shopping safety—both online and at stores. Residents also learned about the MyFW app, an easy way to report safety issues to the City of Fort Worth including streetlights out, traffic signals not working, road hazards and more. Invite us to your next community meeting by contacting your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) or Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent: dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov

Reserve at Quebec

NPOs Sergio Martinez and Kirk Massey stopped by the Reserve at Quebec apartment complex after-school program to get to know kids who live there and share information about how and when to call 911 in an emergency.

Mercantile Square

NPO José Zenteno introduced himself to some of the youngest residents at Mercantile Square Apartments. He explained why knowing your home address is an important part of being able to get help in an emergency.

Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program

Congratulations to Lakeview Apartments, 6501 Shady Oaks Manor Dr., and Villas of Marine Creek, 3000 Creekside Dr. Both communities have earned their Crime-Free Multi-Housing  designation, after completing the three-phase program through the Fort Worth Police Department. The program provides training for property managers, assistant managers and leasing agents at complexes with eight or more units. It also requires inspection of lighting, landscaping and other physical aspects that help prevent crime. You can still register for a Dec. 4 training.

In the past, fully certified properties have reported up to 70% reductions in police calls for service. Benefits include lower maintenance and repair costs, increased demand for rental units and improved personal safety and satisfaction for tenants, landlords and managers. If you’d like more information, contact Officer Brittany Jones at Brittany.jones@fortworthtexas.gov or 817-392-4715.

Our Christmas Toy Drive is underway through Dec. 9, and we couldn't do it without YOU! Please drop off a new, unwrapped toy or two for a needy child. We also accept gift cards or cash to purchase toys and make sure everything goes to someone in need. Officers often encounter families who are struggling but may not qualify for aid. They'll share your donations directly with families who need help.

Best Years Club

NPO Massey spoke to Best Years Club members last month at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center. He covered how to report a crime, detailing when to call 911 for emergencies and when to call the 817-392-4222, the non-emergency number.

Food Giveaway Traffic Support

NPOs Moncada, Salazar and Flores assisted with traffic at El Rancho Supermercado, 3220 N. Main St., for the grocery store’s annual Manos y Corazones Unidos (Hands and Hearts United) campaign. This year’s event gave away 1500 boxes of food and water, primarily to families in Diamond Hill and Northside neighborhoods.

Career Day

At Dolores Huerta Elementary career days, younger students got to check out the back of NPO José Zenteno’s patrol car. Older students chose which careers to explore and asked lots of great questions.

A Place to Rest

We give our heartfelt thanks to Canales Furniture for donating a bed and mattress set for a fellow officer in need of assistance.

OPOM Updates

The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM) shared updates last month with Fort Worth residents and Northwest Police Division employees. Director Bonycle Sokunbi gave a brief overview of the office’s monitoring, mediation and community outreach activities. OPOM is a resource for residents who have complaints, compliments, feedback and suggestions for ensuring accountability and trust in local law enforcement.

Nominate an Outstanding NPO

The 2024 Fort Worth Neighborhood Awards applications are out, and registered neighborhood associations and HOAs have until Thursday, Jan. 2 to turn in their nominations. The annual Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards recognize outstanding efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and keep them safe.

If a Neighborhood Patrol Officer has helped your community in 2024, download the form and answer three questions about how they’ve served your community. While you’re at it, nominate an outstanding Code Compliance Officer, too! There’s also a new award this year for Distinguished Service to Veterans. Learn more about the Fort Worth Neighborhood Awards online.