Recently, the 2nd District of the Montgomery County Police, has experienced a large number of thefts from automobiles and thefts of automobile parts.

Some of these thefts are preventable by taking very simple, yet effective steps.

        We need your help. 

·    Lock your car doors and close the windows completely -- an unlocked door or open window is an invitation to a thief to take any property in your vehicle.

·    Take with you or lock in your trunk any electronic equipment -- if a thief sees property in the car he will take advantage of the opportunity.  Remove GPS systems. 

·     Do not leave electronic device accessories visible -- even though you have locked all devices in the trunk, a cigarette lighter plug or cassette adapter are tell-tale signs there are valuables in the car. 

·    Record serial numbers of any equipment you install in the vehicle -- although this will not stop a thief from stealing property, it will assist the police in recovering and identifying your property. 

·    Park in well lighted, populated areas -- if a thief believes that he may be caught they are less likely to take the chance. 

·    Report any suspicious persons to the police -- if you see someone looking into several cars or hanging around a parking lot call us immediately  at 301-279-8000. 

·    Do not leave money in your vehicle -- a thief may break into your vehicle for even a small amount of change. 

·    Install an anti-theft device that has a visible indicator -- a flashing light or alarm stickers informing a thief of a device may be enough to deter a potential thief from selecting your vehicle. 

·     Install a "Tapered" door lock button -- a door lock that does not have a "head" that can be pulled up by a coat hanger, may be purchased at most auto part stores. 

·    Do not hide a key on your vehicle -- a potential thief could see you hide the key, and then use your key to gain entry into your vehicle. 

·    Park in your garage at home -- if you have a garage at your house, use it; if a thief cannot get to your car he cannot break into it.

Steps to Take After Discovering Your Vehicle Has Been Broken Into

1.   Touch as little as possible.

2.   Try to figure out what was stolen.

3.   Call Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000; the report may be taken over the phone.

4.   Await the officer's arrival or the phone call.
 

Information Needed When Reporting a Suspicious Situation

1.   Description of Person -- observe the persons age, race,
      sex, height, weight, and clothing description.

2.   Description of Vehicle -- license number, make, model, color,
      any noticeable damage, direction of travel.

3.   What occurred -- provide as detailed an account as possible of the incident.

4.   Where incident occurred -- provide specific street numbers if possible.

EMERGENCY: 911

NON-EMERGENCY:  301-279-8000       

Community Crime Statistics Information

Are you interested in what kind of crime is occurring in your neighborhood?

Planning to move into the area, or purchase a new home?

You can request general information about current Community Crime Statistics by calling (240) 773-5125.

Bump Keys

.Home Security Surveys

Please contact Officer Matthis to schedule a home security survey. 
Officer Matthis will come to your residence and provide crime prevention recommendations on securing your home based on crime patterns and/or trends.

This is a free service through the Montgomery County Police Department.

For more home security suggestions, click here.

Contact: Officer Dana Stroman, 301-657-0119 or 240-876-1277.

Neighborhood Watch Training

Officer Matthis is offering free Neighborhood Watch Training to communities.

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear.  Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon.  It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between police and the community we serve.

The training consists of a three-hour session one evening a week, for three weeks.

The training will provide a history of Neighborhood Watch as well as create awareness, help to organize citizens, teach you how to coordinate with law enforcement, identify concerns, issues and problems, and develop strategies.

If your community is interested in having this training, please contact Officer Stroman at 301-657-0119 or 240-876-1277.   

Residential Burglary and Theft Prevention Information

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