Sometimes, crime happens in Oakley, too

October 15, 2004

Compared to where many Oakley residents come from Oakley could be considered country living, and as such gives some people a false sense of security. And why not? We should be proud of the fact that there is really no crime to speak of in our town. That doesn't mean that there isn't any at all. It is surprising how many people are shocked to hear about cases when a car CD player is stolen or some tools are copped from a garage.

In many cases those stolen items are taken from garages and car doors that are left open. Not to say it is OK, just that it could have been prevented. According to the Oakley Police Department, Oakley is just another small city. There are problems and concerns just like other cities. We happen to be lucky to have a low crime rate, which could be lower if people followed a few simple safety tips.

Burglars are not likely to enter a home where they believe there will be no reward for their actions, according to the Oakley police. So one of the first steps is to make sure that there are curtains or coverings on your windows so that burglars can't see that expensive plasma television sitting in the living room. It is important to remember the back curtains as well. There is always a chance that someone may be able to break into back yards and look in the back door.

Burglars have been known to break through glass to unlock doors, so the Oakley Police suggest a dowel placed along the edge of the door to restrict it from opening. One common reason why people get burglarized is that they simply forget to lock their doors. Running off to work and leaving the garage door wide open for anyone to walk in and giving criminals a place to keep hidden while they spend time breaking inside locks is one of the biggest problems.

Not every time when someone is burglarized is it partly their fault. Recently a local woman had her purse stolen that was left in her car, when someone broke the lock and just reached in and stole the purse. This is where neighbors can help by starting a Neighborhood Watch program. Sometimes there is already a group started that you might not even known about.

Why a Neighborhood Watch program? The number one reason is that having a good watch program utilizes the best crime prevention device around: a good neighbor. It provides structure through problem solving activities and offers to help remove crime from residential areas and also addresses any community issues that concern residents.

So many times people comment that they don't get a chance to meet their neighbors. A good Neighborhood Watch program can help neighbors meet neighbors and watch out for strangers that don't belong on their blocks.

It also gives training to help neighbors recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods and helps them to implement crime prevention techniques such as home security and operation identification.

Each neighborhood that establishes a Neighborhood Watch program receives two Neighborhood Watch signs for their community. Which is also a good crime preventer, according to the Oakley Police. Participants also receive notices from the Oakley Police if there is an alert to a crime spree in your area. It will give a chance for people to be on the lookout and make sure that the criminals get caught before they find a new victim.

So how can you get involved in a Neighborhood Watch program for your neighborhood? Contact the Oakley Police Department at 625-6700 and they will put you in touch with others in your neighborhood who are interested in helping out or how to start your own. Even if you don't want to start a Neighborhood Watch program, but know of a crime, call the police department at 625-8060. And of course if there is ever an emergency, dial 911.

Roni Gehlke's column on life in Oakley appears each week in the Brentwood News.

Distributed by the Contra Costa Times

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