Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Now that you've gotten that new piece of electronics, sports equipment, jewelry, etc., take a few minutes to add it to your property inventory list. Document it by recording the make, model, serial number, description and take a photograph of it. Then engrave it with your driver's license number. Engravers are available to check out from the Mesa Library. With jewelry specifically, record where it was purchased (if you know), a detailed description and photograph it to show its detail since it can't be engraved. If your property is ever stolen and recovered by police, having your driver's license engraved on it will help police return it to you quickly. Having a detailed description and photograph of your jewelry will help in the identification and return process as well.

If you don't have an inventory program, there are many free ones you can download; search 'free home inventory.'  Some even have an App to go along with the PC-based program. More information on the Operation Identification program can be found here.

As you enjoy this holiday season....

...however you choose to observe it, know that the men and women of The Mesa Police Department are out there, proud to watch over as you do so. No matter how dark, wet, cold, or dangerous it gets, we will be there ever watchful, ready to come to your aid or bring justice to those who seek to victimize you.  Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.

Scott of Mesa wrote us the following:

"I was hiking the tower mountain on Brown just west of Ellsworth. When I reached the middle section I had to sit down and recover. I was unaware at that time, that I was severely dehydrated. When I too...k this shot I was sitting in a little shaded area. Jokingly I call this shot "He's not dead!" I made it down on my own that day. Yet I was transported the following day when attempting to hike again. When I took the time to do some post work I could see we were looking at each other. So I would just like to say Thank you to the Mesa Police Department for all the hard work the officers do. Hope you enjoy the pictures." - Thank you Scott for sharing, Merry Christmas!

Online Active Shooter Training Course

The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have put together a free online active shooter training course. This course provides guidance to individuals so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation. The course takes about 45 minutes to complete and can be found here.

A seasonal crime prevention poem written by one of our crime prevention officers --

'Tis the season of Christmas and crime doesn't stop.
They target your homes and stores where you shop.

Your Mesa police officers are working for you.
We do what we can, but we need your help, too.

Be alert and aware of all that's around;
A person, a car, or even a sound.
 

Secure your belongings; keep them out of view.
Prevention is key in all that we do.

And so we exclaim as we work through the night,
"Lock It or Lose It" to keep holidays bright!

Get To Know...

Through this feature you will get to know a bit about the men and women who work for the Mesa Police Department. Detective Eloy Garza is in the spotlight this month. He is currently assigned to the Chief's office as an Executive Officer Adjutant and City Council Liaison. We recently asked him the following:

Q:  Tell us about your typical work day?
A:  There is no typical day in the Chief's office! I will say this about the last 5 years I have been assigned to this position -- I have had the pleasure to learn from three Chief's (present and past) and 8 Assistant Chief's (present and past). I feel fortunate to experience what most officers do not during their career.

Q:  What do you do when you aren't working?
A:  It goes without saying, spending time with my family. However, I also volunteer for several non-profit organizations (Special Olympics, Mesa YMCA and National Latino Police Officer Association) and lead the college ministry at my church.

Q:  Where did you work before joining Mesa PD?
A:  I worked for McHenry County Sheriff's Department for 2-1/2 years and Algonquin Police Department for 4 years. Both agencies within the Chicago Proper Area.

Q:  What music is on your iPod/mp3 player?
A:  Hillsong United, Chris Tomlinson, One Direction and Kiss. (I grew up in the late 70s/early 80s, so a lot of hair band music.)

Q:  What is your favorite meal?
A:  Really! My mom's chicken enchiladas.

Q:  What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A:  Current TV - Modern Family;  Current Movie - Batman

Q:  If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would you go and why?
A:  Hawaii. It is been a destination of choice for my wife and I forever and we have some of our best memories there.

Q:  If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
A:  My super power would be mind control. If I could control your mind and thoughts, I would not have a need for any other power. Let me practice it now -- You are going to have a great day and a joyful heart!!

Q:  What is your greatest accomplishment?
A:  The most glorious moments in life are not the so-called days of success, but rather days we overcome adversity and feel challenged by life. Facing adversity and acknowledging I have the ability to accomplish great things now and in the future is and will always be my greatest accomplishment.

Q:  What sound do you love?
A:  "I love you" from my wife and children.

Q:  If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
A:  Speak, read and write many languages.

Watch for future installments of the "Get To Know..." feature!

Ask a Cop

Ed, from Mesa, asked about vehicle exhaust/muffler noise levels while operating on a roadway:

Below is a link to the City Code covering this topic. 

Mesa City Code

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Don't put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (high end electronics, gaming systems, DVRs, etc.). Break the boxes down and deposit them in your trash, recycle bin, or take them to a dumpster away from your home. Boxes left whole easily advertise what gifts you received and what is available to steal from your home.

More holiday safety tips and videos can be found here. 

Blue Santa Visits NYPD Families Hit Hard By Hurricane Sandy

Here is some of the media coverage from the Blue Santa event in Queens, NY.  The event was very emotional for everyone involved.  The Mesa Police Association adopted 15 NYPD officer’s families who lost their homes and much more during Hurricane Sandy. Several officers and Blue Santa then flew to New York to present the gifts. Officer Ed Farrugia and others were able to raise over $8,000 for the event. The Blue Santa provided wrapped toys to each child and $500 in gift cards from Visa and Target to each family.  View the video here or view it on our Facebook page

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. Surviving an Active Shooter Event

Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones in Portland.  Please view the "Surviving an Active Shooter" training video.

Media Release

On December 11, 2012, an exhaustive two-year collaborative criminal investigation, led by The Mesa Police Department, came to a successful conclusion with the arrest of several suspects and service of 4 search warrants at various valley locations.

In September 2010, the Mesa Police Department began an in-depth investigation into the business practices and operations of S.W.A.T. Towing / Auto Citi Towing, previously located at 310 S. Alma School in Mesa. The investigation was initiated after numerous complaints and calls for service at this address. The allegations followed a similar pattern indicating that S.W.A.T. / Auto Citi Towing employees had illegally towed vehicles that were properly parked, damaged vehicles during the tow process and refused to release the vehicles without a cash only payment.

Our detectives began with an arduous in-depth background investigation on the business and its employees going back to 2009. Over the next two years, dozens of victims were identified and contacted. Undercover operations were employed which confirmed the criminal activity. The investigation also revealed that some victims actually lost ownership of their vehicles to the tow company, who then fraudulently acquired those vehicles by way of applying for abandoned titles. They would later sell them at M&P Auto Sales, a connected used car lot in Chandler.

This was a complex, long-term investigation into a company whose illegal tactics and practices have victimized hundreds of people in and around the City of Mesa. With assistance from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, and the Arizona Auto Theft Task Force, Mesa Police detectives were able to bring a measure of justice to those victims. The charges filed include Illegal Control of an Enterprise, Participating in a Criminal Syndicate, Trafficking in Stolen Property, Auto Theft, Forgery and Fraudulent Schemes. Anyone victimized by S.W.A.T. / Auto Citi Towing is encouraged to contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2324.

Mesa PD Mobile App - Coming Soon!!!

 

This is a sneek peek at our mobile app currently under construction.  Should be up and available in approximately 2 months.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Be aware that thieves and pick pockets also do some of their biggest business during the Holidays. Ladies, don't dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect set-up for a purse-snatcher. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm.

Place your credit cards, checkbook or cash in your front pockets. Avoid carrying these items all together in one wallet or purse. If the thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.

If you go to an automatic teller machine (ATM), try to go during daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well-lighted and visible to passing traffic or inside a grocery or convenience store. Whenever you go, be aware of your surroundings, including people around the machine. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.

More holiday safety tips and videos can be found here.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Whether you are leaving your house to go shopping or out for an evening of parties, lock your doors and windows. Don't leave the drapes open with your nicely wrapped presents in plain sight. Presents displayed around your tree can be a pretty sight, but can also be tempting to burglars.

If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail and take flyers/business cards off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day.

While your are out of town, don't post where you are on your social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc.).  "Having a great time skiing with the family in Aspen!"  is a sure sign that your home is unoccupied. Wait until you are home to post the "Had a great time...." message and photos.

Don't post your family name on your mailbox or on your house. A burglar can call directory assistance to get your telephone number and call your home while in front of your house to confirm you are away

More holiday safety tips and videos can be found here. 

If you plan to use fireworks as part of your New Year's or 4th of July celebrations, please make sure you are doing so safely and legally.

For more information on fireworks in the City of Mesa, visit the following pages:

http://www.mesaaz.gov/fire/flse/Fireworks.aspx

http://www.mesaaz.gov/fire/prevention/pdf/FIREWORKSNOTICE-AZMesaREVISED.pdf

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

If you are shopping online, be sure to use a secure browser. Keep your personal information private and shop with companies you know are reputable. Do not give out your Social Security number, e-mail address, telephone number or address unless you know who is collecting the information and how they will use it. Save all transaction information, including e-mails and records of any phone conversations.

If you are dining out, valet parking is nice, but don't be too lax. Don't leave any personal items or your garage door opener in your vehicle and NEVER leave your house key with the attendant. Give them only the key they will need to park  your vehicle.

Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of the men and women of The Mesa Police Department who are working this holiday:

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.  It is our privilage to serve this community.  Enjoy your loved ones today.  We have the Watch.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

With the craziness of Black Friday and Holiday shopping, please be cautious and aware at all times while you are out. Additional safety tips can be found here.

• Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle; clean out your car before heading out to shop.
• Lock all packages in the trunk when you leave a store, before heading to the next one. If you wait to put your purchases in your trunk when you arrive at the next store, thieves in the parking lot could see you putting the packages in your trunk and target your vehicle after you have gone in to shop.
• If you have a vehicle that doesn't have a trunk, put shopping bags on the floor and toss a blanket over them so they are not in plain sight.
• If you have a pickup, be sure to keep the tailgate and bedcover locked.
• Avoid carrying a bulky purse; try putting just your ID and the cards/cash you will need in your pockets.
• If you must carry a purse, don't put it in a shopping cart. Keep it closed and close to you at all times.
• If you must put your purse in the shopping cart, don't use the "baby seat." Instead, put it down in the cart and cover it with the items you are going to purchase. When you get to the checkout, you can put those items up first and your purse will be ready for you to use. BE SURE TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR SHOPPING CART AT ALL TIMES IF YOU HAVE A PURSE IN IT.
• Never leave a purse or wallet in your vehicle.
• If you are purchasing high dollar items, try to plan your shopping so you can take these items home and lock them up before continuing to the next store.
• Have your keys ready in hand before leaving a store. Purse snatchers and thefts from your bags can happen when you are distracted and searching for your keys.
• Thefts can also happen while your back is turned as you are loading your purchases into your vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

CRIME STATS - OCTOBER

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 10/01/2012 through 10/31/2012.

DOBSON		CENTRAL
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Subjects Disturbing	427	Subjects Disturbing	437
Check Welfare	316	Check Welfare	366
Loud Music/Noise	212	Other Agency Assist	258
Other Agency Assist	185	Suspicious Activity	207
Suspicious Activity	184	Loud Music/Noise	150
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Rape	1	Homicide	1
Robbery	6	Rape	2
Aggravated Assault	10	Robbery	6
Breaking & Entering	2	Aggravated Assault	13
Theft	65	Breaking & Entering	7
GTA	1	Theft	86
Alcohol/DUI	78	GTA	1
Other Assaults	37	Alcohol/DUI	77
Disorderly Conduct	13	Other Assaults	68
Drugs	51	Disorderly Conduct	17
Fiscal/Forgery	17	Drugs	43
Loitering/Runaway	6	Fiscal/Forgery	26
Sex Offenses	3	Loitering/Runaway	6
Vandalism	19	Sex Offenses	5
All Other	141	Vandalism	20
		All Other	250
TOTAL	450	TOTAL	628

RED MOUNTAIN		SUPERSTITION
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Subjects Disturbing	396	Check Welfare	318
Check Welfare	387	Burglary Alarm	248
Burglary Alarm	281	Subjects Disturbing	235
Suspicious Activity	257	Other Agency Assist	216
Other Agency Assist	198	Suspicious Activity	196
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Robbery	1	Aggravated Assault	4
Aggravated Assault	12	Breaking & Entering	9
Breaking & Entering	5	Theft	107
Theft	71	GTA	1
GTA	4	Alcohol/DUI	54
Alcohol/DUI	72	Other Assaults	23
Other Assaults	54	Disorderly Conduct	29
Disorderly Conduct	33	Drugs	30
Drugs	61	Fiscal/Forgery	10
Fiscal/Forgery	20	Loitering/Runaway	5
Loitering/Runaway	16	Sex Offenses	2
Sex Offenses	4	All Others	68
Vandalism	17
All Other	143
TOTAL	513	TOTAL	368

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Have those personal papers shredded instead of tossing in the trash or the recycle and help protect yourself against identity theft.

The City of Mesa will be holding a shred-a-thon from 8am to Noon on Saturday, November 17 at the East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E Decatur St. This is no cost to take advantage of this service, but there are restrictions. Visit www.mesarecycles.org for additional info or call City of Mesa Customer Service at 480-644-2221.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Be wary of potential scams related to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. While there are many legitimate relief organizations, consumer scams tend to pop up after a natural disaster. Here are a few tips for charitable giving:

• Donate to reputable charities rather than ones you don't recognize.
• Don't judge a charity by its name. False charities use names that closely resemble the real thing.
• Don't let callers play on your sympathy.
• Don't be pressured. Give only when you are comfortable with the charity.
• Avoid cash donations; make checks payable to the organization, not the individual you are speaking with.
• Internet scams may emerge on social media and through unsolicited emails.
• Be cautious of social media postings, emails and websites claiming to have exclusive video or pleading for donations. The postings often include malicious code that attempts to infect your computer with viruses, spyware or Trojan horses.

Run.Hide.Fight.

Unfortunately, active shooter incidents in the workplace or other large public venues have become a reality in today's society. Although infrequent, the impact of these events has far reaching effects, not only on the victims and their loved ones, but on their communities and our nation as a whole. Law enforcement nationwide has responded decisively with a variety of dynamic training approaches designed to direct first responders during incidents of this nature. Many citizens have probably imagined themselves in similar situations and wondered what they would or should do. Law enforcement is now reaching beyond the ranks of our first responders and offering citizens some guidance. This video was created by the City of Houston and is designed to assist citizens with some scenario-based training regarding active shooter events.
View the video here.  (Video is available in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese here.) This video contains dramatized scenes of violence that may be disturbing to some viewers.

Media Release

Firehouse Subs Presents New Dog to Mesa Police Department

Firehouse Subs is a well-known supporter of public safety. The Mesa Police Department is very proud to announce that the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is providing more than $10,000 in support by the donation of a new police dog (K-9). Kira, a 2-1/2 year old Belgian Malinois, is the latest addition to the Mesa Police Department K-9 Unit. She is trained for drug and narcotics detection under the direction of her handler, Officer Bryan Cochran.

One of the biggest challenges in law enforcement today is stopping the flow of drugs in our communities. Highly trained drug detection dogs, such as Kira, are an integral part in keeping these drugs out of our community. Donations of this type by Firehouse Subs show how vested they are in our city. It clearly shows that they are not just another business, but a partner in making the City of Mesa a great place to live.

Come and meet Kira and join us in thanking Firehouse Subs for their generous donation.

Firehouse Subs
1829 N. Power Rd. #109
Tuesday, October 30 at 2:30 pm

View video from the event here.   View photos from the event on our Facebook page here.

Cool Nights + Open Windows = Access for Thieves

With the wonderful cool nights we are now having, make sure you are not leaving your windows or Arcadia doors open at night. Open windows are an invitation to thieves. Screens can be easily removed and a thief can then enter your home while you sleep. More Crime Prevention Tips can be found here.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Keep your little ghosts and goblins safe this Halloween by following some simple tips. More Halloween Safety tips can be found here.

• Choose light or brightly colored costumes and use light-reflective tape.
• Masks restricts vision; make-up doesn't obstruct vision.
• Toy weapons, wands, brooms, etc., should be made of cardboard. They are much safer than plastic, wood or metal.
• Put your child's name, address and phone number INSIDE their costume in case of an accident or they get lost.
• Plan your child's route and only visit homes in your neighborhood that are well lighted.
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Tell your children to NEVER go inside a home when they are trick or treating.
• When crossing a street, stop, look and listen.  Look both ways before crossing.
• Watch for cars backing out of driveways.
• Don't eat unopened candy. Look for any discoloration, torn wrappers or holes.
• Fruit and soft candies should be cut into bite-sized pieces before eating.
• Homemade treats should be avoided unless you are absolutely sure they came from a safe source.
• Don't play pranks. Damaging property is a crime.

CRIME STATS - SEPTEMBER

The following are the top 5 calls for service and arrests for each patrol district -- 09/01/2012 through 09/30/2012.

DOBSON		CENTRAL
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Subjects Disturbing	422	Subjects Disturbing	417
Check Welfare	338	Check Welfare	319
Other Agency Assist	164	Other Agency Assist	221
Suspicious Activity	159	Suspicious Activity	187
Loud Music/Noise	152	Civil Matter	147
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Robbery	1	Homicide	2
Aggravated Assault	10	Robbery	2
Breaking & Entering	5	Aggravated Assault	12
Theft	53	Breaking & Entering	13
GTA	1	Theft	67
Alcohol/DUI	90	GTA	4
Other Assaults	36	Alcohol/DUI	110
Disorderly Conduct	8	Other Assaults	61
Drugs	31	Disorderly Conduct	39
Fiscal/Forgery	13	Drugs	53
Loitering/Runaway	7	Fiscal/Forgery	15
Sex Offenses	3	Loiter/Runaway	8
Vandalism	28	Sex Offenses	7
All Other	128	Vandalism	25
		All Other	358
TOTAL	414	TOTAL	776

RED MOUNTAIN		SUPERSTITION
Call Type	Frequency	Call Type	Frequency
Check Welfare	389	Check Welfare	296
Subjects Disturbing	380	Burglary Alarm	268
Burglary Alarm	269	Subjects Disturbing	241
Other Agency Assist	234	Other Agency Assist	204
Suspicious Activity	225	Suspicious Activity	180
Arrests	Frequency	Arrests	Frequency
Homicide	1	Robbery	2
Robbery	4	Aggravated Assault	8
Aggravated Assault	16	Breaking & Entering	7
Breaking & Entering	4	Theft	76
Theft	75	GTA	1
GTA	3	Alcohol/DUI	59
Alcohol/DUI	117	Other Assaults	37
Other Assaults	51	disorderly Conduct	11
Disorderly Conduct	23	Drugs	36
Drugs	50	Fiscal/Forgery	8
Fiscal/Forgery	18	Loitering/Runaway	14
Loitering/Runaway	21	Vandalism	17
Sex Offenses	1	All Other	92
Vandalism	37
All Other	123
TOTAL	544	TOTAL	368

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Here are some tips to avoid fraudulent charitable contribution scams. More tips on the topic can be found here.

• Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.
• Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
• To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
• Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization’s website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information could compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identify theft.
• Trust your gut — and check your records if you have any doubt about whether you’ve made a pledge or a contribution. Callers may try to trick you by thanking you for a pledge you didn’t make. If you don’t remember making the donation or don’t have a record of your pledge, resist the pressure to give.
• Be wary of charities that spring up overnight in connection with current events or natural disasters. They may make a compelling case for your money, but as a practical matter, they probably don’t have the infrastructure to get your donation to the affected area or people.

Tip A Cop Event Results

A huge THANK YOU to all who came out and supported Special Olympics and Mesa PD at our Tip A Cop Event at Red Robin Saturday. We raised a total of $2,497.00 for Special Olympics at this event. Watch for more Special Olympics events to be posted in the future.

RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Training

The next RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) class will be held on November 29, December 4 and December 6 from 5p to 10p. This is a free 15 hour self defense class for women 18 and older. Teens 16/17 may attend when a female parent/guardian attends. You must attend all three dates.  THESE CLASSES FILL FAST. Contact Brenda Thorek at 480-644-4423 or brenda.thorek@mesaaz.gov to register. If class is full, ask her to place you on the waiting list for the next class. More information on the RAD program can be found here.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

When talking on your phone, be aware of your surroundings and who is coming and going. Concentrating  more on your phone conversation than what is going on around you makes you more likely to become a victim of a crime. Don’t give out personal information (bank information, social security number, home address, driver's license number, etc.) over the phone; you don’t know who is listening to your conversation and they can use your personal information to steal your identity. Visit our Crime Prevention Literature page for more crime prevention tips.

Axon Flex Cameras

Last week, the Mesa Police Department finished training the last of 50 officers who will be wearing the new officer mounted Axon Flex Camera System from Taser International. These officers are primarily assigned to patrol throughout all four of our patrol districts; however, we also have three each assigned to motor and SWAT officers. The cameras are either head-mounted (via head/hat bands or eyeglasses) or shoulder mounted on the officer's lapel. This will be a one year pilot program designed to assess the benefits this system has to offer our department. Our goal is to provide world class policing to our community and offer the highest level possible of professionalism, investigative quality and transparency. Our policy regarding these cameras can be viewed here.

Annual Awards Dinner Award Recepients

Congratulations to the following Mesa Police Department employees who were recognized at our annual awards dinner:

Detective of the Year: Mark Germaine
Officer of the Year: Don Williams
Civilian of the Year: Barb McReynolds
Chief's Community Partnership Award: Karen Stegenga
Mesa Public Safety Foundation's Pat Tillman Award for Bravery: Todd Pascarella
Mesa Public Safety Foundation's Milt Lee Award for Valor: John LaFontaine

MEDIA RELEASE

Tempe & Mesa Police Joint Investigation; Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect

From Tempe PD, October 4, 2012 - Tempe Police Department's Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team (CAST) have arrested a suspect involved in a string of armed robberies being jointly investigated by Tempe and Mesa Police.

On September 30, 2012, Gabriel Bedoy (29) was placed under arrest after detectives from the Tempe Police Department and Mesa Police Department began a joint investigation into the robberies, which occurred over a four day span between September 24 and September 28, 2012 at the following locations:

• Subway located at Alma School and University in Mesa (09/24/12)
• Shell Gas station located at 2180 E Broadway in Tempe (09/25/12)
• Little Caesar's located at 1151 W University in Mesa (09/27/12)
• Subway located at 1332 S Country Club in Mesa (09/28/12)
• 7-11 convenience store located at 1310 W Broadway in Tempe (09/28/12)
• Little Caesar's located at 711 E Broadway in Tempe (09/28/12)

Suspect Gabriel Bedoy committed these robberies by entering the business with a semi-automatic handgun and forcing the clerks to give him money. At each incident, Bedoy fled the scene in the suspect vehicle. Evidence obtained from one of the robbery locations was used to help identify Bedoy as a suspect in the crimes.

Both Tempe and Mesa are partner agencies of the East Valley Fusion Center.  Crime Analysts from Tempe Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Center and detectives from the Tempe and Mesa Police Departments all worked together to gather information on the suspect.

The suspect was located by the Tempe Police Department Criminal Apprehension Surveillance Team (CAST) in the area of Longmore and Southern in Mesa, driving the same vehicle used to commit the robberies. He admitted his involvement in the crimes during interviews with detectives.

Tempe Police Chief Tom Ryff stated, "This successful joint investigation between Tempe and Mesa Police Departments exemplifies the importance and effectiveness of strong law enforcement partnerships. Wherever the crime is committed, wherever the suspects flee -- police are working together, linked by technology, affiliation and the determination to locate, arrest and hold criminals accountable. Chief Milstead and I remain committed to sharing information and resources to fight crime in our communities and keep them safe."

The suspect was booked into the Tempe City Jail and is currently facing felony charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault.

Tip A Cop for Special Olympics

Join us on Saturday, October 13, from 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 8pm, when local law enforcement will trade in their handcuffs to spend the day at Red Robin serving you! 100% of the "special tips" donated to officers will benefit Special Olympics. Bring the family, enjoy a great meal and support the Special Olympics program. Red Robin is located at 1636 S. Stapley in Mesa (between the 60 and Baseline). See you there!! Print the flyer to distribute to family members, friends and co-workers.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

When shopping, do not leave your purse, wallet or other valuables in the shopping cart unattended. It only takes a few seconds, while your back is turned, for a thief to make off with your purse and whatever else they can grab quickly.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Week

Almost any crime that can happen at your home can also happen at work. These tips can help you keep you, your co-workers and your property safe.

1. Keep your purse or wallet with you or locked in a secure drawer.
2. If you will be away from your desk, even for a few minutes, forward your calls; shut and lock your office door.
3. Lock any office money in a secure desk or cabinet.
4. When a repair person shows up to work in your office, ask for identification, even if they are wearing a uniform. Never leave them alone in your office.
5. Don't use stairwells and corridors that are not well lit.
6. The receiption area should be equipped with a panic button for emergencies and a lock on the front door that can be controlled.
7. Do not leave passwords or any type of log-on information laying around your work area.
8. Do not get into an elevator with people who look out-of-place or are behaving strangely.
9. Make sure employee restroom are locked and only employees have access.
10. Don't work late alone. If you do, lock your door and notify security (if you have them) that you are there.

More crime prevention tips can be found at http://www.mesaaz.gov/police/Literature/Topic.aspx.

MEDIA RELEASE

Animal Cruelty Case

On 09-03-2012 suspect Scott Graham was arrested for the following:  One count of Theft, which is a Class 1 Misdemeanor;  One count of Mistreatment to Animals, which is a Class 6 Felony;  Two counts of Cruelty to Animals, which is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

This arrest was reference the investigation of a missing cat from the area of Extension / Natal in Mesa. In addition, several other cats were believed to be missing from the area, although no other reports were made by victims. Subsequent to the report, three cats were found deceased not far from the original theft location. One of those cats was believed to possibly be the cat stolen from our victim's residence.

At the time of Scott Graham's arrest, testimony and evidence available to arresting officers supported the listed charges. However, subsequent investigation by detectives has developed information which brings some the initial facts into question. Based upon this development, the decision was made to continue with only the Theft charge. At this time, investigative efforts have been exhausted. Any additional or future charges are unlikely until additional evidence is developed or received that would allow the investigation to continue.

Police Story

Recently Mesa PD Officer Gransee was called to a scene and arrested a subject for DUI drugs.  Upon completion of the DUI investigation, the suspect called a friend to pick him up from the police station.  However, upon the friend's arrival to the police station, Officer Gransee recognized him from the original call.  He determined this subject, now a driver, was also under the influence.  The investigation resulted in his arrest for DUI drugs.

Normally, this story would end here, however, the parade continued.  When the second suspect was to be released, he called a friend who...you guessed it, drives up also under the influence.  The now third investigation resulted in this suspect being arrested for DUI drugs also. But wait! Just like the TV infomercials, "that's not all." When our third suspect calls a friend to be picked up, this FOURTH subject drives up and is........under the influence.  A fourth arrest was made...

This light hearted portrayal of an actual incident, should be an example to all that drugs most certainly IMPAIR.  Thankfully, this story can be told anecdotally and did not have a tragic ending.