>> The First Line of Defense Against Crimes of Opportunity (02/19/04)

A Message From Sheriff Ted Mink

What is a Crime of Opportunity?
A crime consists of three elements: opportunity, desire and ability. If any one of these elements is removed, we have a reduction in crime. Some crimes, those we call "crimes of opportunity," include auto thefts and burglaries in which property is made easily available to the criminal. While you can't usually impact a criminal's desire or ability to commit a crime, you can often prevent an opportunity.

Auto Thefts
In 2003, there were 364 vehicles reported stolen in unincorporated Jefferson County. Of those, many were what we call "puffers" vehicles that are left running unattended in a driveway or parked in front of a home, usually on cold mornings. It only takes seconds for someone to jump in the car and drive off.

Fifty-nine percent of 2003 auto thefts in Jeffco were unforced. Meaning, they were either "puffers," unlocked, locked with keys inside, or a case of the victim willingly allowing access to the vehicle (for a test drive, for example). Overall, 34 percent of auto thefts involved a suspect who was a relative, friend, or associate of the victim.

Burglaries
Many of the 949 burglaries that took place in unincorporated Jeffco in 2003 involved suspects unlawfully entering open residential garages. Open garages, open doors and open windows can be invitations for criminals who believe you may have something of value.

Don't Let Yourself be Taken for a Ride
Although the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office patrols your neighborhoods in an attempt to deter and apprehend these individuals, residents constitute the first line defense against these crimes of opportunity.

It's not possible to prevent every crime. But when you consider the percentages of unforced auto thefts and open-garage-door burglaries, you can see how a little prevention could go a long way. Don't make it easy for criminals to take advantage of you.

What You Can Do
The Sheriff's Office believes that you can significantly reduce the chances of being victimized by implementing some of the following suggestions:

Always close garage doors after use
Don't leave unattended property, such as bicycles, outside your residence
Lock vehicles when not in use even in your driveway
Don't leave vehicles running unoccupied
Don't leave property in plain sight inside your vehicle, no matter where it is parked. (Purses have been stolen from cars parked in open garages.)
Install alarms and or "kill" devices in vehicles (kill switches shut off the engine)
Know who belongs in your area and report suspicious persons to the JCSO immediately
Keep your house well-lit at night to discourage would-be burglars
Keep records of serial numbers for valuables such as stereos, bicycles and sports equipment
Talk to your neighbors and look out for one another

Education for Safer Neighborhoods
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office cares about the communities we serve. Contact the JCSO's Crime Prevention Unit for tips on safeguarding your property, or to schedule a crime prevention presentation in your neighborhood. Residents in South Jeffco may call 303-271-5113. North and Mountain area residents may call 303-271-5363 or 720-377-2002. Together we can make a difference in reducing crimes of opportunity.

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Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:17 PM