With holidays approaching, take steps to prevent thefts

Hey, did we forget to lock the front door or the car? Did we take the keys out of the car? Did we roll up the windows? How about the coffee pot? Did we turn it off? You get it? Although the last question may not have a catastrophic ending, since today’s coffee pots have automatic shutoffs, the first three could be costly.

The holiday season is upon us. Spreading good cheer is what we love to do. Unfortunately, statistics show that during the holiday season, thefts increase slightly. I guess the word “slight” is up for interpretation, as long as you’re not the one being victimized.

Criminals are people who lack good judgment, have low self-esteem or are just plain evil. Although it’s difficult for us to change others’ behavior, we can try to protect ourselves from becoming a victim of theft. The following suggestions are not a cure-all, but they can make a difference for you in becoming a victim of theft or not.

First, lock your home’s front door. I know its Boulder City, and we have some pride that we didn’t always lock our doors before, but as Bob Dylan says, “times, they are a-changin’.”

Second, make sure all of your home’s windows are secure. Thieves always seem to find the one window we forget about. If you’re going out, a light, a radio or TV turned on could serve as a prevention technique. And lights — thieves like the darkness, so try to brighten the inside and outside of your home.

One last thing — make sure and check the garage door.

Those all help with the home; now let’s secure your car. Lock the doors. Roll up the windows. Remove or store all valuables out of sight. And last, do not leave your keys in the car. I know we’ve all failed to do this at one time or another. The one time we forget is the one time the thieves come looking. These reminders are not fail-safe, but they do offer some prevention.

The holidays are a time of celebration and joy. Please be careful and try to prevent becoming a victim of theft. Lock up the belongings you worked so hard for.

“Control, 269, I’ll be 10-8, in-service.”

Sunday, Nov. 3. Officers responded to the area of 1300 Darlene Way in reference to fireworks going off. Oh no, it wasn’t those types of fireworks; it was the domestic firecrackers. Everything seemed to be settling down, until the young man’s yelling performance attracted a crowd and his ability to use his license as a flying disc against officers provided him with a few nights stay at the Henderson Detention Center. Think — it’s not illegal.

Monday, Nov. 4. Monday mornings are not a favorite time of the week. Especially, when you wake up to find your car was stolen. The resident on Fir Street called when it was discovered that a Jeep was missing. A crime report was taken and the car was entered into the National Crime Information Center.

Tuesday, Nov. 5. Officers responded to Elm Street regarding a fight. We arrive and discover the subjects were fighting over some snacks and the Xbox gaming console. I guess they were trying to play real life Pong. The reality of cuffs and bars helped both the subjects agree to a peaceful resolution.

Wednesday, Nov. 6. Officers are dispatched to the area of U.S. Highway 93 and Nevada Highway regarding a theft. The thieves were able to steal copper wire from two light poles, causing about a $1,000 loss. The case is under investigation with suspects already in mind.

Thursday, Nov. 7. Officers respond to NFD Boat and Mini Storage regarding a fire. It appears the storage unit’s renter may have been living in it. Boulder City Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames. The storage unit renter’s poor lifestyle choice of admitted methamphetamine use doesn’t help the situation.

Friday, Nov. 8. Officers responded to the Boulder Inn &Suites regarding a stabbing. Motel staff called to report a man had been stabbed. Officers arrive, contain the crime scene, and detain all parties involved. The case is under investigation and charges pending.

Saturday, Nov. 9. It’s been a busy week; hope it’s quiet today. Officers are dispatched to a reckless driver coming from off Range Road. Officers spot the car but the lights and siren do not faze the driver. Boulder City dispatch contacts Arizona Public Safety Department, National Park Service, Hoover Dam Police Department because the driver is headed toward those locations and out of BC.

We had one heck of a week! A reminder: Please lock up your stuff. Ol’ Saint Nick is making a list and so are the thieves. I hope everyone has a safe and fun week ahead.

Officer Jeffrey Grasso is a 10-year veteran of the Boulder City Police Department. He previously served as a police officer in south Florida for four years.