By Officer Scott Bradburn, Keller PD

 

The citizens in Keller are often sending me information related to current crime trends as well as interesting bits of information relative to crime issues. It is good to know the employees at Keller are watching out as well. One bit of information sent by an employee struck me as very important. After researching it, I concluded that, while the exact details of the incident may or may not be true, the criminal acts could in fact happen, and are worth mentioning. Please take time to read these comments. This could very well hit home with you as it just might be describing things you do!

 

As you know, many of us are adapting to the changes in technology. With portable GPS it is easier than ever to install it in your car and navigate to your next location. A quick plug in to the car and a mount to the windshield and you are ready to go. Besides the GPS think about the other electronics in your car. You may have your cell phone, a computer or hand held video game, a personal data assistant and possibly an MP3 player. This is becoming quite common.

 

With this mixture of so many electronics, surely someone might also have their checkbook in the car, garage door opener, wallet or spare money. Now picture this. If you drive to a local child's soccer game on a Saturday, how many cars would you happen to see? And out of all those vehicles, how many car owners do you think have those exact items listed above in their car? I would venture to say, quite a few. Many of those items could be in plain view, perfect for a vehicle burglary.

 

Now, what if that successful vehicle burglar hooked up a stolen navigation system in his car. He hit "home" on the navigation system and it displayed and mapped out the residence. The burglar had also stolen the garage door opener. Now, he is headed to the house to break in.

 

What if the successful burglar stole a wallet. He has a purchase/debit card in his hand along with a stolen cell phone. The unsuspecting victim may be inside a business shopping. The thief turns on the cell phone and spots "hubby" on the phone. He sends a text message to "hubby" stating, "I am at the store and punching in the PIN, it’s not working. I must be brain dead today. Please send me the PIN" Hubby sends the PIN without thinking twice and the thief is on his way to the bank to clear out the account.

 

These stories have the potential of happening. You must safeguard yourself. Be aware and be careful.

 

I recommend electronic items be taken with you when you leave your vehicle. This includes any of the items mentioned in the stories, and garage door openers. If you don't want to take the items with you then secure them in the trunk or another safe place. If you can, lock your glove box or trunk access lever from inside. Consider changing "pet names" on your cell phone to common names that would not be known by criminals. If a text happens to appear requesting a PIN, make a phone call to the person to verify it is them. Also, be aware of text messages requesting you meet with them. Make the phone call and verify the person sending the text is the same person you are speaking with.

 

Keller Police want you to be safe in this fast paced world. Don't give the criminals a break. Make the difference and safeguard yourself, everyday!

 

Thank you,

 

Scott Bradburn

Community Relations

Keller Police Department