A few years back, I was assigned to Zone Four Station and there was a similar problem of thefts of inspection stickers from parked vehicles. Zone Four did directed patrols and undercover patrols in order to catch the thief in the act although most thefts. However, most occurred at night under the cover of darkness and were difficult to detect unless a porch light or street light was on nearby. The reports really made a difference in identifying patterns and identifying the serial numbers from the inspection stickers. The investigation eventually lead to the arrest and prosecution of a suspect. Commander Thomas Stangrecki Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Major Crimes 1203 Western Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (412) 323-7800 -----Original Message----- From: neighborhood-bounces@highlandparkpa.com [mailto:neighborhood-bounces@highlandparkpa.com] On Behalf Of Roberta Shope Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 9:24 AM To: neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Subject: RE: [Highland Park] Car break-ins My own locked car was broken into several years ago - the thieves stole my inspection stickers, and in the process messed up my driver side door (it has never been quite the same since) and cracked my windshield. Getting the stickers replaced was also not easy - the garage initially charged me a full inspection price and only later refunded the extra charges. At the time, the officer thanked me for reporting it, said there had been a pattern of such thefts, and that the investigation was ongoing. So, I can certainly empathize with my fellow crime victims, and I know that such crimes are not always preventable, no matter what we do. We just need to take reasonable precautions and do what we can, which includes reporting it to the police promptly. Roberta Shope ________________________________________ From: neighborhood-bounces@highlandparkpa.com [mailto:neighborhood-bounces@highlandparkpa.com] On Behalf Of mlr5813@aol.com Sent: Monday, January 25, 2010 6:26 PM To: Roberta Shope; neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Subject: Re: [Highland Park] Car break-ins On our block cars were broken into that were locked and nothing was visible. The locks were pried out of their "socket" or the windows were smashed. The glove boxes were rifled but there was nothing to take. Someone or some group seems to be casing all of HP each evening and has been for about 2 years. We are disgusted and contemplating moving out of the city. -----Original Message----- From: Roberta Shope <RobertaShope@howardhanna.com> To: neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Sent: Mon, Jan 25, 2010 9:55 am Subject: [Highland Park] Car break-ins It really disturbs me that anyone would ever: 1) leave their car unlocked and/or 2) leave valuables inside their car I'm beginning to think that our neighborhood must have a reputation as an "easy target" among criminals everywhere. Being aware of suspicious behavior and promptly calling the police when a theft occurs should certainly help, but our number one priority should be to stop making it so easy for would-be thieves. If it means checking your car door when you leave to make sure that it's locked and doing a quick visual sweep to make sure you're not leaving anything behind, then that is what we should all be doing. And when this current crime wave ends, we can't let down our vigilance or it will surely return, to the detriment of ourselves and all of our neighbors. So let's help each other by doing our best to secure our neighborhood. Roberta Shope -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information contained in this transmission including any attached documentation is privileged and confidential. It is intended only for use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copy of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify Howard Hanna by replying to this email. Please delete all copies of this message and all attachments. All properties herein are subject to change in sales terms, prior sale, or withdrawal without prior notice; Howard Hanna is not responsible for changes in sale, availability or for any errors in information presented. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Howard Hanna (412) 967-9000 www.howardhanna.com -- <http://lists.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood> -- <http://lists.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood>