|
|
|
|
Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department In the last week, we experienced some cars break ins during the overnight hours. These occurred in the Schofield / Chase Ave. area and they were parked in the owner’s driveway or near their home. It is terrible to think people will take advantage of others in such a way during a time of increased stress. I wanted to take this opportunity to once again publish some reminders for people to assist them in preventing these incidents. Dudley and many towns in our area have experienced similar issues in recent times. The best way to prevent most of these break-ins is to keep your vehicle locked. Many people simply forget, or they have a false sense of security that nothing will happen in their neighborhood. This is especially true while the vehicle is parked outside their home. Many criminals look for unlocked vehicles to enter. These are easy targets and the individuals have a lower risk of being discovered since they are not causing damage (breaking glass, etc.). Perhaps as important as locking your vehicle is to never leave items of value in your car. Items like cell phones, wallets, pocketbooks, etc. that are in plain view, can be attractive to criminals. If these items are not there or at least hidden (combined with locked doors), there is a strong likelihood the perpetrators will move on elsewhere. In addition to securing your vehicle, remember the value of lighting around your home. The more lights you have, the better off you are. Burglars and other criminals do not like to be seen. Motion detection lights are a great tool. They only work when movement takes place. This limits the amount of electricity used and provides illumination at times when it is needed most. Cameras are also more prevalent today. Many of these systems can be relatively inexpensive, easy to operate, and enable you to see in or around your home easily, even when you are not there. Perhaps it is most important to call the police if you hear or see anything unusual taking place around your home. Many people wait until the next day to report suspicious activity. Often, people will dismiss their observations as something else which is easily explainable. |
You know your neighborhood best. If the police are notified immediately, there is a greater likelihood of locating suspects and stolen property while, at the same time, possibly preventing future occurrences. Without public assistance, our efforts to investigate crimes and identify suspects can be extremely difficult.
Our department is collecting Christmas gift donations for local families in need. This pandemic year has been particularly difficult on people. New, unwrapped toys and clothing can be brought to the Dudley Police Department at 71 West Main Street. Of need in the past were gifts for children ages of 10 and up. Monetary donations and gift cards are also accepted. Checks should be made payable to the “Dudley Police Association” with a special note for the Holiday Drive. We thank everyone in advance for their outstanding support in the past and the continued generosity. Numerous local families have benefited in the past. Anything you can give will help bring some happiness to those who would otherwise go without during this season. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |