FBI Report Shows Increase in Violent Crimes in Southern Nevada
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News Director, Thomas McAllister
Thomas.McAllister@AlertIDinc.com
(702) 589-1656
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FBI Report Shows Increase in Violent Crimes in Southern Nevada
AlertID’s Partnership with Law Enforcement Protects Families and Improves Safety
Las Vegas, NV (February 9, 2015) – January’s home invasion in Mountain’s Edge brought safety concerns to the forefront resulting in citizens seeking ways to stay better informed, protect their families and communicate with neighbors. Further, according to the most recent FBI Uniformed Crime Report, Southern Nevada posted an increase in violent crimes (murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, and non-negligent manslaughter) during the first six months of 2014.
The City of Henderson, often ranked as one of the safest U.S. cities, continually works to improve safety. “We have already started addressing this by implementing dedicated problem solving units (PSU’s) for each of the three area commands. Based on the work of the PSU’s, two months ago we arrested two suspects in connection with an estimated 40 car break-ins” said City of Henderson Public Information Officer, Kathleen Richards. In addition to cracking down on crime with their current resources, Richards said that the City of Henderson is training 15 new officers and plans to start an academy with 16 more officers.
Recently, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has dealt with a string of home invasions in the Southwest part of the valley that have left residents in fear. Three suspects in last month’s home invasion have been arrested, but police are still seeking two teen suspects. According to Metro’s Public Information Office, “The LVMPD is aggressively investigating this crime and is pursuing leads.” Metro is also encouraging the public to come to their community event, “Take Back the City” with the theme, Help Stop the Violence, taking place at the Cashman Center on February 21st. The event includes music, representatives from each Las Vegas Area Command and over 200 safety resources.
January’s home invasion occurred in the Mountains Edge master planned community. According to Lance Kallfelz of HOA Management, “The communities I manage that are most effective in deterring crime look out for one another. The best way is an organized community watch program. Linking neighbors with text and email blasts about suspicious activity helps.”
AlertID, the nation’s fastest growing neighborhood focused safety network, based in Las Vegas, works directly with law Las Vegas Metro, Henderson PD and North Las Vegas PD. According to AlertID Founder, Keli Wilson, “When we are aware of what is happening in our neighborhoods and have the ability to share information with neighbors very quickly through AlertID, we can not only be the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods for police, we can also help to prevent crimes by being proactive and working together.”
What can you do to prevent a property crime like burglary?
- Be Aware of Dangers in Your Neighborhood: Sign up for a free AlertID account, the free web-based program and app delivers crime, sex offender information and other critical alerts to members and includes a virtual neighborhood watch to so that residents can communicate with neighbors.
- Keep all points of entry locked: Everyone should consider updating their locks with quality keyed knobs and dead-bolt locks – even the best locks cannot protect you if you don’t use them
- Know your neighbors: Neighbors who look out for each other are among the best, and least expensive defenses against neighborhood crime. Neighborhood watch brings citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make neighborhoods safer. (Learn More Here: ly/AlertIDWatch).
- Make sure all points of entry well lit: Indoor and outdoor lighting gives the impression that your home is occupied and eliminates outdoor hiding places. Also, consider installing motion-sensing lights, which turn on automatically as someone approaches your home.
- Hire a trusted company to install an alarm system: Alarm systems control access points to your home and let you know if someone has invaded your space. Check with multiple companies before you purchase an alarm system so you can decide what level of protection best fits your needs and budget.
- Secure your spare keys: Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor and never hide it on the property. Burglars have more experience looking for keys than you do hiding them.
About AlertID
AlertID, Your neighborhood safety network, is free to use and helps protect families and neighborhoods. AlertID’s mission is to help people live safely by providing a secure way to receive trusted public safety alerts and share information with family members and neighbors. AlertID uses technology to help citizens and federal, state and local authorities share information about crime, sex offenders, natural disasters, missing children and severe weather that can threaten public safety. AlertID is accessible to members online as well as by email and mobile app. For more information visit www.AlertID.com
Sources:
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/preliminary-semiannual-uniform-crime-report-january-june-2014 (FBI: Preliminary 2014 UCR)
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