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On Saturday 01-06-07, a juvenile resident was leaving his place of employment in the Whittier subdivision when he was robbed. The victim stated he was approached by a black male who threatened him with a handgun. The suspect demanded money, at which time the suspect took the victim’s wallet and contents. After taking the victim’s money, the suspect was seen entering a red/burgundy minivan. The suspect entered the passenger side and a second black male drove the van from the area.
In what appears to be an unrelated incident on the same date at an earlier time, several female juveniles were approached by a black male in the same area. It is suspected that this may be the same subject in the red/burgundy van used in the above noted robbery. The girls stated there were two black males with dark skin in the van wearing black hooded sweatshirts pulled up around their faces.
Anyone with information should call Detective Lege at 301-600-3918. |
note: This is the end of Press Release content.
The following is posted in an effort to provide the citizens of Whittier with some additional information in responding to this crime.
This from the website, Crime Prevention Tips. The specific article can be found here... it contains more information than is included in this excerpt.
While home may be where the heart is, it may also be where those who may mean you harm can try and enter. No matter where you live, some common sense and preparedness can make a world of difference. SOME SIMPLE TIPS TO START WITH
- Never automatically open your front door without checking out the situation first. Make sure you know who is at your door before opening it.
- If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If he (or she!) is unable to do this, do not admit them.
- It is advisable to have a wide angle viewer (peep-hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.
Home Safety
- All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.
- When away at night, leave a light burning.
- Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat.
- The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock. But never leave it unlocked. This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.
- Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.
- When leaving on a trip: A. Stop all deliveries. B. Connect a light to a timer. C. Notify the police and have a neighbor check your home periodically. D. Have someone maintain your lawn.
- Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.
Safety for the Apartment Dweller - If you live in an apartment building with an intercom system to the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating order.
- Never admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.
- Never admit anyone to the building who is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.
- Anyone asking admission so that he can do some work for another tenant should not be admitted, but should be referred to the building's manager.
- If you see someone in your building who looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police.
Elevator Safety - Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
- Females riding the elevator alone should always stand near the control panel. If accosted, press ALL buttons.
- If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.
- Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.
When Planning Vacations or Polonged Absenses
- Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.
- Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.
- Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.
- Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.
- When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.
- If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone immediately to summon police.
- Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.
Always Remember to - Lock before you leave.
- Trust a neighbor with a key.
- Be a concerned neighbor - yourself.
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