Proposition 47 went into effect on November 5th, 2014 and since that time many law enforcement agencies across California have seen a spike in property crimes.
One reason is that some crimes which were once classified as felonies are now considered misdemeanors, therefore, criminals are less concerned with being arrested.
It should be noted that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has not seen a huge increase in property crimes since Prop 47 took effect. We are still collecting and analyzing data to see what trends, if any, develop. However, the FSO thinks this is an appropriate time to offer the public some tips to avoid becoming targets / victims of thieves.
•Remove your garage door opener from your car if it is parked outside.
•Remove all valuable items from inside your vehicle if parked outside. (This is a big one!)
•Always lock doors and windows to your home and vehicle.
•Activate your home security system if one is installed.
•Keep your property well lit. You may consider purchasing motion activated lights, which help to deter criminal activity.
•Keep bushes and trees trimmed back to limit hiding places around your house. Criminals tend to hide in these bushes to gain entry into your home.
•Stay aware of activity in your neighborhood and report suspicious persons or suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office.
•If you go on vacation, do not publicize it (i.e. Facebook). Keep the circle of people you notify to a very small number.
•Before heading out of town, arrange for a trusted friend to retrieve your packages and newspapers upon delivery.
•If you live in the county limits, contact the Sheriff’s Office for a “House Check” if you go on vacation. https://www.fresnosheriff.org/protect-yourself/crime-prevention/house-check.html
•Keep a record of serial numbers to items such as televisions, computers and tablets.
•Take photographs of your jewelry or unique items for reporting purposes.
•Get to know your neighbors. Exchange phone numbers and email addresses to stay informed.
•Join http://www.nextdoor.com and use the app to keep in touch with your neighbors. The Sheriff’s Office recently joined Nextdoor and is using it as a valuable tool to pass along important information to Fresno County residents. We are NOT permitted to read the neighborhood forums. We can only respond to messages and send out blanket information. We can also message the neighborhood “Leads.”
