THE LOOKOUT - MARCH 2022
FROM THE SHERIFF’S DESK
Spring is here! Time to get everything ready for mowing, cleaning, gardening and home security. That’s right, home security. It’s always a good season to make your home and property more secure. From lighting improvements to security cameras; let’s all do something to make our home more secure.
We enjoyed visiting with you last quarter. The community meetings at South Jackson Community Center and Madison Hall Community Center were a delight. Thank you for your invitations and the opportunity to connect with you. Coming up; we will be at Brown’s Church Community Ruritan on March 28th at 6:30. This is sure to be a great time as well. This will be the 62nd Community Meeting for us. Come on out and join this time of connection. Neighbors getting together to share ideas and concerns is at the heart of Neighborhood Watch. And it makes for some fun time together as well. We would love to see you there.
I am pleased to announce that we have recently been awarded two Bureau of Justice Assistance law enforcement grants. The first, a grant of $150,000 will enhance our existing Crisis Intervention Training (C.I.T.) program. C.I.T. is structured to teach first responders how to recognize and help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This grant also allows us to partner with ten neighboring law enforcement agencies from Chester, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lake, McNairy and Obion counties. To date, we have trained over 800 first responders. The second, a grant of $160,000 will help fund the implementation of 81 body worn cameras for our uniformed deputies. This will be done in three phases, the first of which include School Resource Officers. Patrol Officers and Court Security will also benefit from these. The cameras are compatible with our current patrol car video systems. This will make it an easy transition for deputies and is more cost efficient.
In this issue, you will find some great information on how to safeguard some of your precious property; namely gasoline. You will also find information about preventing theft of packages. Remember, to always be on the lookout for suspicious and criminal activity.
Please keep our country and community in your prayers. Please remember service men/women around the world. With conflicts occurring around the globe; please pray for peace. God Bless each of you.
JOHN R. MEHR
Madison County Sheriff
GASOLINE THEFT PREVENTION
With the big increase in gasoline prices making gas a more precious item to everyone; thieves are using a method to steal that some would describe as unusual. On average, we do not pay that much attention to the underneath of our vehicles. Thieves have begun to use that to their advantage. You have probably heard of the manner in which thieves are stealing catalytic converters from vehicles. Thieves are also sliding underneath to steal gasoline by drilling a hole into the vehicle’s tank. This is done primarily with newer vehicles because of the plastic gasoline tanks. And since plastic tanks were designed as a disposable component; the replacement of the tank can be expensive as well. Siphoning gasoline from a vehicle can still happen as well. The smaller diameter hoses can make it past the internal blocks of the tank’s filler neck. Having stored gasoline in gas cans at your home could also become a favored item for thieves. All of these concerns need to be properly addressed for crime prevention. Parking your vehicle inside a secured garage is best. That makes the entire vehicle more secure against the drilling method as well as the siphoning. The security level is even better when the garage is covered within an alarm system for your home. In the absence of a garage; parking your vehicle in an area that is within a motion light’s beam and a security camera is a plus. As with any valuable item; stored gas cans need to be kept out of plain sight and within a secured structure. Remember to make it as difficult for a would-be thief as possible.
With the big increase in gasoline prices making gas a more precious item to everyone; thieves are using a method to steal that some would describe as unusual. On average, we do not pay that much attention to the underneath of our vehicles. Thieves have begun to use that to their advantage. You have probably heard of the manner in which thieves are stealing catalytic converters from vehicles. Thieves are also sliding underneath to steal gasoline by drilling a hole into the vehicle’s tank. This is done primarily with newer vehicles because of the plastic gasoline tanks. And since plastic tanks were designed as a disposable component; the replacement of the tank can be expensive as well. Siphoning gasoline from a vehicle can still happen as well. The smaller diameter hoses can make it past the internal blocks of the tank’s filler neck. Having stored gasoline in gas cans at your home could also become a favored item for thieves. All of these concerns need to be properly addressed for crime prevention. Parking your vehicle inside a secured garage is best. That makes the entire vehicle more secure against the drilling method as well as the siphoning. The security level is even better when the garage is covered within an alarm system for your home. In the absence of a garage; parking your vehicle in an area that is within a motion light’s beam and a security camera is a plus. As with any valuable item; stored gas cans need to be kept out of plain sight and within a secured structure. Remember to make it as difficult for a would-be thief as possible.
PACKAGE THEFT PREVENTION
There are different steps you can take to try to prevent the theft of packages delivered to your home. First, if there is a trusted neighbor who is home when you are gone, ask them if they would mind watching for the package to pick it up for you. If you track the package, let them know when the estimated delivery date and time are, or when it has been delivered. See if they would be willing to pick it up once it has been delivered. If you would prefer a different option, there are some free options through FedEx, UPS, and Amazon to have your package shipped to a secure location. These locations are at local retail stores that have lockers to hold your package until you can pick it up. To learn more about this, visit the FedEx, UPS, or Amazon websites. Does your workplace allow you to receive packages? Ask your boss if they would mind if you had your packages shipped directly to work. This is a good way to ensure you get the package right when it is delivered. Another option is requesting a signature. The package will not be delivered unless a person is home and signs for the package. Doing this will ensure you get the package into your home without having to worry. If you’re not home, the package will be brought to the Post Office where it will be secure. Some people would prefer not to have their package sent to their house in the event they work long hours, travel, or have inconsistent schedules. Another great option is having the package sent to the Post Office, a family member’s house, a trusted friend’s house, or even a trusted neighbor’s house who may be home more frequently. In the event that you experience a package being stolen, file a report with us immediately.
There are different steps you can take to try to prevent the theft of packages delivered to your home. First, if there is a trusted neighbor who is home when you are gone, ask them if they would mind watching for the package to pick it up for you. If you track the package, let them know when the estimated delivery date and time are, or when it has been delivered. See if they would be willing to pick it up once it has been delivered. If you would prefer a different option, there are some free options through FedEx, UPS, and Amazon to have your package shipped to a secure location. These locations are at local retail stores that have lockers to hold your package until you can pick it up. To learn more about this, visit the FedEx, UPS, or Amazon websites. Does your workplace allow you to receive packages? Ask your boss if they would mind if you had your packages shipped directly to work. This is a good way to ensure you get the package right when it is delivered. Another option is requesting a signature. The package will not be delivered unless a person is home and signs for the package. Doing this will ensure you get the package into your home without having to worry. If you’re not home, the package will be brought to the Post Office where it will be secure. Some people would prefer not to have their package sent to their house in the event they work long hours, travel, or have inconsistent schedules. Another great option is having the package sent to the Post Office, a family member’s house, a trusted friend’s house, or even a trusted neighbor’s house who may be home more frequently. In the event that you experience a package being stolen, file a report with us immediately.
Please contact Lieutenant Castleman at 731-423-2016 with suggestions for The Lookout!