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