Crime Alerts
February 25, 2010
I have attached a link to a press release from the Dearborn Police Department which will be sent to the media to remind all citizens of the City of Dearborn's local ordinance that prohibits leaving a vehicle running while unattended.
I would like to advise everyone of recent incidents involving car thefts, mainly due to people leaving their vehicle running, unattended, during the cold weather.
There has also been a rash of reported larcenies and auto thefts in large parking lots. Henry Ford Community College experienced six such incidents in the last 24 hours.
Please think safety at all times. Turn your motor off and secure your valuables.
City of Dearborn Press Release
Rick Gordon, Chief of Police
October 26, 2009
During the past few weeks we have experienced a rash of vehicle break-ins on campus.The preferred method is the smash and grab technique, breaking the driver's or passenger's window and fleeing with whatever of value is quickly accessible. These thefts are not isolated to any particular parking lot. The target of the thieves are pretty much anything of value that is left out in open view. GPS devices have become a very popular target. A common mistake when hiding the GPS is leaving its mounting bracket in plain view. The thief will break into the vehicle assuming the device is somewhere in the passenger compartment. Please help us prevent you from becoming a victim by ensuring your vehicle is locked and either taking items of value with you or placing them in a location such as the truck where they are not in plain view.
Also, to help us serve you better, I recommend that you program the public safety emergency number (313-593-5333) into your cellular phone. Dialing 911 from any campus phone will reach us immediately, but dialing 911 from a cell phone will delay our response. And please, do not hesitate to immediately report any suspicious behavior or activity to the public safety department.
Rick Gordon, Chief of Police
February 6, 2009
The Southeastern Michigan area, including our campus has experienced an increase in automobile theft in recent months. The target of these thefts are older model Honda Civics (up to and including the year 2000) and to a lesser extent the Accord models. These automobiles are easy to steal, and what's more important to the thief, is that unlike American cars, the Honda's parts are interchangeable among their many different model years. These parts provide fast and easy money on the second hand market. If you own a vehicle of this type consider parking in the structure. If that option is not to your liking, take other target hardening measures. The obvious is to ensure your vehicle is locked when you leave and that your valuables are not left out where they can be seen. Consider having an ignition kill switch installed where only you know its location. Another option is the "Club", a device that has been around a long time. It deters theft by locking the steering wheel to the brake pedal. The Club can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Audible car alarms are not as effective as they tend to be ignored. These methods do not, of course, guarantee your car will not be taken, but remember, the thief looks for easy targets. Anything you do to complicate their efforts will lessen the chances of you becoming a victim.
Please also be assured that your Public Safety Officers will continue to do all that we can, through high visibility patrols, to prevent vehicle theft on our campus.
Rick Gordon, Chief of Police