Hello everyone.

I just wanted to update everyone on the recent rash of burglaries that occurred in Highland Park, particularly around Callowhill.  Thanks to the cooperation of the residents, great descriptions and willingness to trust their instincts, we arrested a person by the name of Francis (Frank) Laffey.  Mr. Laffey is from Morningside and is being charged with a minimum of nine burglaries.  Currently, he is incarcerated.  We will continue our investigation to determine if he is responsible for any additional burglaries.  To that end, I have offered to post pictures of any unidentified property our detectives may have in their possession.  The detectives will respond back to me in a few days.  They were absolutely impressed that Highland Park had an electronic networking system.

I few of you have asked for TIPS to help reduce the chances of being a victim.  Here are a few that I remind myself of on a daily basis.

• Never leave the garage door up/open, even for a few minutes.  I know we think we’ll only be gone for a minute…but the average burglary takes less than 5 minutes.
• Install window locks if you want to leave the windows open for air.  Locks also help if you have small children or pets that you want to protect.
• Lock or chain your ladders or scaffolding equipment.  Most thieves aren’t carrying a ladder or tool to assist them.  They’re banking on us to provide their equipment.
• Lighting…inside and out.  Motion detectors are great.
• Those of you with dogs…kudos.  Burglars hate noise and dogs are noisy.
• Running out during the day…leave a radio or television on.
• Bushes/shrubs…keep them neatly trimmed.
• Etch your property!!! Please use your OLN from your drivers’ license.  That number never changes and we can track you via DMV. Make a video log of your valuables.
• Always take your cell!!! I have instructed my teenage daughter to do the same. Camera phones can capture images of suspicious persons, license plates of vehicles, accurate make/models of vehicles, ect.

Finally, I can arrange to have the detectives from the Burglary Division attend a meeting in Highland Park or the Zone 5 Public Safety meeting to assist with tips and prevention strategies.  Stay safe and thanks for staying involved.

Cmdr

RaShall M. Brackney, Commander

Zone Five Station

Penn Circle West and Ansley

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206

(412) 665-3605