Holiday Crime Prevention
December, 2008

During the holidays, we can easily be a target for crime as we become distracted with the stresses and obligations that often accompany holiday preparations. While we want to enjoy the celebration of the season, we also want to be mindful of the safety and security of our property and ourselves. Below is a list of safety tips that can help reduce your chances of becoming a crime victim during the holidays.

Vacation Holidays Away From Home
Change the light bulbs just before leaving on your trip. Set lights, TV, and other electronic devices on timers so that they go off and on throughout your house to mimic your normal routine when you are home.
     Notify a trusted friend or neighbor concerning your trip itinerary. Leave an extra set of keys and an emergency phone number where you can be reached. Have them pick up mail, newspapers and flyers, take trash out and in, open and close drapes, and whatever helps to make your house look occupied.

Gift Card Scams
It is possible to become a victim of theft when you buy gift cards from a display rack. In some cases, criminals are jotting down the gift card numbers, and are then waiting a few days before calling to find out the balance on the card. If the card has been used by its rightful recipient, and there is still a balance, they go online and shop.
     To avoid this from happening to you, you may want to purchase gift cards from a customer service person or on-line where the gift cards are not viewable to the public.
     You can also spend gift card money all at one time, and then there would be no balance for a criminal to use.

Charitable Giving
Many frauds and scams use Law Enforcement, Fire, Paramedics, diseases or disorders as their focus to play upon your sympathy, passion, or patriotism in order to get money from you, especially during the holiday season.
     Question phone calls or requests by mail or Internet, soliciting donations for a “worthy cause.”
     Research their legitimacy before committing. Ask for information to be sent to you. Ask how they got your name and number.
     Never make a “right now or never” or “once in a lifetime opportunity” decision. Legitimate organizations are proud of their cause, and will gladly provide you with as much information as you need, and welcome donations any time of year.
     Never allow solicitors inside of your home.
For more information on these and other crime prevention related topics, please contact the Irvine Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (949) 724-7042, or kcherney@ci.irvine.ca.us

The Skirt Bandit
November, 2008

Over the past eight years, a crime trend has emerged that has impacted several areas within the City of Irvine, as well as communities located throughout Orange County. An individual has been assaulting women as they leave their vehicles in carports, and walk toward their apartments or condominiums. The suspect’s method of operation has been to target women wearing dresses or skirts, and reach up behind them and grope them.
     Although this crime has been perpetrated in Irvine only two to three times per year, its seriousness warrants a closer examination, and the implementation of precautionary measures. The fact that this event happens within a moment of time, and is committed from the victim’s back side, has resulted in limited accuracy with regard to the suspect’s description.
     What can be ascertained from the facts is that victims have been selected by what they wear, whether they’re carrying packages that occupy their hands and arms, and whether they are inattentive to their surroundings.
Since 2000, there have been 50 crimes matching this series, impacting the cities of Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Aliso Viejo, and Irvine. Thus far, Irvine has had only two reported incidents this year, which have occurred in WestPark, and northwest Irvine, near the border with Tustin.
     Preventive steps that can be employed include walking in well-lit areas, and when possible, with a partner. When carrying packages, or objects, try to tie up only one arm, leaving a free arm for defense. Resist the habit of mental complacency when performing routine tasks. Maintain an awareness and vigilance toward your surroundings, when leaving the sanctuary of your home or vehicle. My favorite solution for addressing aggression is a diligent study of the martial arts. A good school can develop defensive skills that include the perception of danger, in addition to the physical tactics necessary to repel and attack.
     If you have additional questions regarding personal safety, you may contact Crime Prevention Program Specialist, Kim Cherney, at (949) 724-7042.

Internet Fraud
October, 2008

This last summer, the Southland experienced a moderate earthquake that not only broke a few water mains, but left several thousand Chino residents without power. These events, coupled with images of the Louisiana hurricanes, cause alarm for many individuals regarding their personal safety, and the ability of the government to continue providing services. The City of Irvine continues to develop programs, plans, and systems to mitigate the impact of disasters, and manage emergencies that may affect residents and businesses within the community. The following are some examples of the steps being taken by the City to ensure that both natural and man-made emergencies are appropriately addressed and handled professionally:

CERT Program
The Irvine Police Department has completed four (4) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training classes this year. CERT consists of teams of residents who have been trained to provide disaster relief, first aid, and basic rescue operations for neighborhoods affected by significant events.

1640 AM Radio Expansion
During a disaster, members of the community can obtain current information from police, fire, and City services by turning their radios to 1640 AM. Two additional transmitters and software are being installed to expand coverage, and provide pre-recorded messages based upon disaster plans developed in advance of the event.

Emergency Operations Center
All members of the Irvine Police Department’s supervisory and command staff are receiving updated training on the activation and operation of the City’s Emergency Operations Center, which has undergone upgrades since its use during the Santiago Canyon Fire. During a disaster, the Center provides coordination for emergency personnel, and provides the public with information regarding evacuation, shelter in place, and essential services.

MOBILE COMM
Through Homeland Security and supplement law enforcement grants, the Irvine Police Department financed the
construction of MOBIL COMM, a state-of-the-art mobile communications vehicle designed to enable police dispatchers to continue 911, radio dispatch, and the coordination of resources in the event that city hall structures are impacted by a disaster. MOBIL COMM was recently awarded “Best Specialty Vehicle” at the COPS West law enforcement expo, sponsored by the California Peace Officers’ Association.

School District Training
School personnel in both Irvine and Tustin Unified School Districts have been receiving training from Irvine Police Department personnel in emergency response to incidents occurring on campus. Through drills and tabletop exercises, teachers and staff learn the best practices for protecting students and faculty, as well as what to expect from a police response.
     The above listed programs and assets represent a small portion of the planning and preparation conducted by the City of Irvine to address the challenges of emergency management. Should you have additional questions on this issue, you may contact Lieutenant Bob Richardson at (949) 724-7025, or Emergency Management Coordinator, Eileen Salmon, at (949) 724-7235.

Internet Fraud
September, 2008

Recently, a resident was concerned by the fact that upon reporting that he had been defrauded through the internet, he was referred by the Police Department to an internet site to report his crime.
     On its face, this scenario does sound somewhat odd, using the means by which he was defrauded to address his problem. However, www.IC3.gov website does serve as a highly effective vehicle for the investigation of cyber crime.
     Since internet criminals often operate in one state, and victimize persons in multiple states, determining jurisdiction and appropriate agencies to investigate and prosecute can be problematic. Through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) crime reports involving cyber crime can be assigned to the proper law enforcement or regulatory agency, and crime victims can be better served.
     The Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center to serve as a means to receive internet related criminal complaints and refer them to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement organizations to investigate. The IC3 website provides a convenient means of filing a complaint from one’s own home computer. Frequently, Irvine residents reporting internet fraud through the website, ultimately have their cases referred to the Irvine Police Department’s cyber crime investigator.
     IC3 accepts online internet crime complaints from either the person who believes they were defrauded or from a third party to the complainant. Online fraud can include I ntellectual Property rights matters, Computer Intrusions (hacking), economic Espionage (Theft of Trade Secrets), Online Extortion, International Money Laundering, and Identity Theft.

Guidelines for Making Charitable Donations
Of recent concern have been criminals purporting themselves to be representatives of charitable organizations, who have solicited contributions from persons seeking to help victims of tornados, wildfires, and floods. The Internet Crime Complaint Center has provided the following guidelines for consumers interested in making charitable donations:

     If you are a victim of an online scheme, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.IC3.gov .
     For additional information concerning cyber crimes you may contact Detective Joe Monroe with the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7174.

Curb Crime
August, 2008

Lately, Tuesdays have been the most frustrating day of the week, because on that day the crime statistics for the previous week are distributed to the police department’s command staff for analysis and presentation. For the past several weeks, each of the three geographic policing areas has been victimized by several vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles. Although Woodbridge fared better than most large communities, what is troublesome is the fact that many of these crimes could have been prevented, had the victims not left their valuables on display inside their vehicles.
     It is understandable that people would assume that since Irvine is America’s Safest City for the fourth straight year, that they need not worry about crime. However, Irvine does have crime, but in comparison with similar sized cities, it continues to remain the safest with respect to violent crime. During the past month, the Crossroads Policing Area, which includes Woodbridge, averaged six (6) vehicles per week that were victimized by thieves. In half of those crimes, the victims left their cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles unlocked with valuables inside. Items taken included laptop computers, digital cameras, global positioning systems (GPS), Ipods, purses, and a musical keyboard left overnight in the bed of a pickup truck. Irvine Police officers did successfully arrest one subject responsible for some of these crimes, but several victims will never see their property again.
     To raise the public’s awareness, officers are placing precautionary notices on parked vehicles that they observe containing valuables in plain sight. Each notice alerts motorists to the following points when leaving their vehicles:

     Criminals cannot resist when you leave items in plain view. Even if items taken are not valuable, you still have to repair the damage. Protect yourself and your belongings. If you notice suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles, call the police immediately.

The Challenges of Parenting
July, 2008

Having raised two kids to young adulthood, I have great empathy for parents facing the perils of parenting teenagers. We all want the best for our children, and make sacrifices to ensure that they live in a safe environment with positive influences. Sometimes the best parents can have the most perplexing challenges with their kids, despite their efforts to encourage them to make good decisions. Accurate information can provide assistance in making choices with regard to our children, and can alleviate some of our worries concerning their safety.
     Recently, the Irvine Police Department Crime Analysis Unit examined some statistics regarding juvenile offenses that is helpful in understanding juvenile crime, and presents some questions suggesting that further study be pursued. Here are some figures that you may find interesting:

Dates Examined 2004 – 2007

Communication is a key factor in keeping our kids out of trouble. Stay involved as much as possible in their activities, whether it be attending their athletic events, volunteering for the cheerleading board, or supporting their hobbies.
     For further information on addressing juvenile crime, it is recommended that you contact the School Resource Officer assigned to your neighborhood: Woodbridge High School – Officer Dale Lawrence, Creekside High School: - Officer Jose Ayala.

Whose Jurisdiction is it?
June, 2008

Frequently, we receive calls from residents inquiring as to what actions the police can take in resolving public safety issues. Occasionally there are jurisdictional factors that determine as to what agency, entity, or organization is responsible for addressing the problem. Below, are listed some of the most common questions posed to the police department that may not always involve a police response, or enforcement action.

Question – My car was rear ended as I waited for a traffic signal on a freeway off ramp in Irvine. Who do I call to take a collision report?
Answer: The freeway off ramp is considered part of the freeway, and falls under the jurisdiction of the California Highway Patrol. Normally, your first call would be to the C.H.P., however, if you contact the Irvine Police Department, we can transfer your call to a California Highway Patrol dispatcher. If there are injuries involved, dial 911, to get a police response, and we will sort out later as to how the event will be documented.

Question – I live in Irvine, but I just discovered that someone used my personal information to obtain car financing in Corona. Do I need to drive to the Corona Police Department to file an identity theft report?
Answer: No, California Penal Code Section 530.6 states that you may file a report of identity theft with the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over your actual residence or place of business. The Irvine Police Department business desk can take your report of identity theft and initiate an investigation.

Question – My neighbor parks two of his cars on the street overnight, and our homeowners’ association Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions state that residents can only park one car on the street. Will the Irvine Police Department issue him a citation?
Answer: The police department cannot issue citations for violations of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, or CC&R’s. If the car(s) are parked on a dedicated street in excess of 72 hours, they would normally receive a warning notice, and could be subject to being towed. Violations of CC&R’s should be directed to the homeowners’ association board.

Question – My tenant refuses to pay rent. Will the Irvine Police Department assist in evicting him for trespass?
Answer: Only a Deputy Sheriff, acting under a court order obtained by a landlord, can physically remove a tenant from the premises. The eviction process can be quite complex. Many questions involve legal advice that should be provided by an attorney or eviction service.

Question – My home backs up to a shopping center, and at 5:00 AM, I am awakened by truck deliveries. Will the Irvine Police Department arrest the driver for disturbing my peace?
Answer: Usually there is a conditional use permit in place that restricts deliveries during early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to contact the Irvine Police Department to request that an officer respond to document the incident, and forward the report to the City’s Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer can issue a citation to the delivery company to discourage further incidents.

Hopefully we have addressed some of the questions that may have created some confusion on jurisdictional issues. Should you have any further concerns as to which is the most appropriate agency to contact, you may contact the Irvine Police Department Watch Commander’s office at (949) 724-7011.

Safe Running
May, 2008
Recent tragedies in neighboring communities related to joggers struck by vehicles, bring to light some of the hazards that accompany a common exercise practiced by many Irvine residents.
     Running or jogging is a simple method of staying in shape without the expense of health clubs, and some of the crime issues that have recently impacted them. Yet, aside from the repetitive injuries that can occur, there are some public safety issues that both athlete and novice runners should be cognizant of while training for that 5K or marathon.
     Although most running magazines will recommend asphalt surfaces over concrete, asphalt is used primarily on streets, and motor vehicles do not always yield to pedestrians running on roadways.
     Even running within crosswalks across intersections can be dangerous, because motorists making right turns occasionally miss a runner darting across.
     The best practice is to slow your pace, and make eye contact with the driver in the far right lane. If you must run on streets, run against traffic, so that you can see vehicles approaching your position. Whenever possible, run during daylight hours with bright clothing. If you elect to run during darkness, wear “reflectorized” outerwear.
      Run in areas with which you are familiar, and if possible, run with a companion. Vary your route to avoid predictability, and carry a whistle, along with your motor vehicle key or house key. Some people carry a cell phone for emergencies.
     Everyone should retain some form of identification with them at all times. Headphones are used by many to set their pace to pre-recorded music on their I-pods or cassette players. However, if these devices are used, it should be noted that one’s ability to hear approaching hazards or persons is greatly minimized.
     Never run to complete exhaustion. You may need that extra measure of strength to ward off an attacker. If followed, go to the nearest residence, business, or group of people, and call the police.
     If you have the health to participate in running or jogging, it can be one of the most exhilarating forms of exercise, and a great way to enjoy your neighborhood and community. By taking a few precautionary measures before starting that stopwatch, you can better ensure a safe return home.

Be a Good Witness
April, 2008

An armed robber was recently apprehended by the Irvine Police Department after he had committed four robberies, and one purse snatch in the span of seven days. Officers were frustrated by the frequency of the crimes, and the conflicting information as to the vehicles he was using to flee the scenes. What broke the case was a conscientious witness who wrote down the license plate of the suspect’s vehicle, as he fled the scene after having stolen a woman’s purse. Looking back upon the crimes committed by this individual, it was remarkable how some victims and witnesses exhibited great poise and attentiveness to detail, while others found their ability to provide useful information challenging.
     The avoidance of victimization and the providing of eyewitness accounts of in-progress crimes are perishable skills that can be developed much like defensive tactics training, or the study of martial arts. Police officers are taught that the cognitive aspects of encounters with suspects have a significant impact upon the outcome, in the event that force must be applied to resolve the incident. The development of survival skills for law enforcement can be directly applied toward the enhancement of witnessing skills for citizens, upon whom we heavily depend for preventing and solving crime.
     Many people are oblivious to their surroundings, and when crime strikes, their emotions interfere with their ability to make decisions and act. There is an old saying from the Samurai warriors of Japan, “The greatest warrior is the one who conquers himself.” With that concept in mind, we can examine ways to prepare us to become better witnesses, and hopefully minimize our exposure as victims to crime.
     Situational Awareness – Whether entering restaurants, markets, or parking lots, it is a good practice to look at conditions from a broad perspective. Observing multiple cars parked in front of a convenience store, but seeing no one behind the register counter, and no one waiting in line, should send danger signals to a trained observer.
     Mindset – Possessing an outlook of one who is decisive, and willing to act.
     Clarity – Controlling breathing so that emotions are kept in check, and a clear picture of the event remains in focus.
     Assessing – Discreetly examining individuals’ behaviors. Being a good “people-watcher.”
     Estimating – Occasionally challenging your brain to estimate age, height, and weight of people, and glancing at license plates, capturing as many digits as your mind can remember.
     Preparation – Having paper, pen, and cell phone ready to record and report information to law enforcement authorities.
     Common Sense – Exercising good judgment by not jeopardizing safety for a non-violent property crime.
     These concepts are not presented to create a sense of alarm, but are offered as methods for enhancing the abilities of officers as well as citizens to better partner in protecting Irvine’s quality of life. As a famous martial arts instructor and police trainer once said, if you can control yourself, you can then control others, and ultimately control the situation.

Accident Reporting
March, 2008

Recently, a Woodbridge resident sent me an e-mail requesting advice on an incident that he had encountered involving a traffic collision. He stated that a young boy had run his bike into the side of his car, and despite the fact that it was the boy’s fault, his mother asked if the gentleman would be willing to pay for a new bike.
     Out of the goodness of his heart, he replaced the boy’s bicycle. Within a short period of time, an attorney representing the boy and his mother contacted our Good Samaritan requesting information on his vehicle insurance for settlement purposes for his client.
     Fortunately, the police had been summoned to the accident scene, and an Irvine Police officer had taken a detailed report. In that report, the officer documented statements from several witnesses indicating that the boy had been observed darting in and out of traffic recklessly.
     I provided the gentleman the case number for the report so that he could obtain a copy, and advised him to contact his attorney for direction.
     Occasionally the need arises to have a police report taken to document a traffic accident, but not all police agencies have the same policies regarding when a report can be prepared. By law, a police agency responsible for traffic related matters in a given jurisdiction must take a report if injuries are involved in a collision occurring on a highway.
For many law enforcement agencies, “injury collisions” are their only reporting criteria, and all other accidents are left to the responsibility of the individual drivers.
In Irvine, the Police Department’s policies for accident reporting are more inclusive, and generally fall within the following types of collisions:

Highways
• Deaths • Injuries
• Hit and Run • Suspected drunk driving
• Non-injury collisions at the request of one or more parties

Private Property
Accident reports will not be taken on private property collisions when they involve complaint of pain, (without visible injuries), or minor property damage.

Late Reports
Late collision reports for property damage can be completed at the business desk of the police department, but are not submitted to the State of California.

     The Irvine Police Department continues to be a full service organization, striving to meet the traffic needs of the community.
     Should you have additional questions related to traffic accident reporting, you may contact Area Traffic Officer Tim Schilling at tschilling@ci.irvine.ca.us .

New Laws for 2008
February, 2008

Although there are relatively few additions to the various laws and codes that regulate portions of our lives, and hopefully, make us safer; some interesting statutes have been enacted that will change the way many of us operate our motor vehicles. Undoubtedly, we have received the most inquiries regarding a law regulating the use of cellular phones during motor vehicle operation.

Use of wireless telephone while driving
Section 12810.3 of the California Vehicle Code becomes operative on July 1, 2008, and makes it an infraction to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone (listening and/or talking), unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation, and is used in that manner while driving. The base fine will be $20 for a first offense, and subsequent violations will start at $50. (There are several exceptions to this restriction.)

Use of wireless telephone by minors
In conjunction with the above section, additional restrictions are placed upon minors. Section 23124 (d) of the California Vehicle Code was added to prohibit a person under the age of 18 from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device. This section, which, as in section 12810.3 CVC, becomes effective July 1, 2008, also has several exceptions to this restriction.

Smoking in vehicles with minor passengers
Another interesting new law pertains to smoking in vehicles with minor passengers. Section 12814.6 of the California Vehicle Code makes it an infraction for a person to smoke a cigarette, pipe, or cigar in a motor vehicle when a minor is present in the vehicle. The law applies whether the vehicle is at rest or in motion. This is a secondary enforcement section for the driver, in that an officer cannot stop a vehicle for the sole purpose of determining if the driver is in violation of this section.

Obstruction of license plates
Current law prohibits the use of any product that impairs or obstructs the reading or recognition of a license plate. A new law, Section 5201 CVC, amends this section by expanding the definition of “reading” and “recognition” to include any electronic device operated by state or local law enforcement, and agencies that control the state’s high occupancy lanes or toll roads. A “product” includes any of a variety of spray-on chemicals that are intended to coat the surface of the license plate to achieve the intended result.

Lighting on bicycles
Finally, the laws pertaining to lighting on bicycles have been amended to include sidewalks as places in which bicycles must use a light and reflectors at night. Section 21201 CVC also offers the bicycle operator the option of having reflectors on his/her shoes or ankles in place of, or in addition to the required reflectors on each pedal.
For additional changes in laws related to the Government Code, Family Code, or Penal Code, you may contact my office at (949) 724-7156, dfreedland@ci.irvine.ca.us, or contact the Irvine Police Department’s Office of Professional Development at (949) 724-7140.

What is Suspicious?
January, 2008

During a recent Neighborhood Watch meeting, we entered into a discussion concerning suspicious activity that was observed by one of the residents in attendance. She described the behavior of a group of juveniles, and stated that she suspected that they were “up to no good,” but did not call the police because she believed that we were too busy to respond to her suspicions. While it is true that the Irvine Police Department, at peak times, has a challenging number of calls for service, there are steps that residents can take to assist the police in investigating suspicious circumstances, should their response be delayed.

Write down what you observe.
Call 911 for an emergency, or 949-724-7200 for non-emergency as appropriate.
• Calmly tell the dispatcher what happened including a brief description of the subject(s): height, weight, hair color, clothing, and distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars, or accent.
• Describe the vehicle if one is involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as damage, stickers, or other distinguishing marks.
• If the activity has been chronically occurring, record the day of the week and time of day that it regularly occurs.
• Aside from the obvious activity such as someone entering a residence through a window, or someone using a clothes hanger to open a car door, there are other less apparent conditions that may be indicative of criminal activity.
• A person switching vehicles in a public place could be “dumping” a stolen vehicle, or may have just committed a crime.
• Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle. We are currently experiencing several thefts of catalytic converters from Toyota 4Runners and Tundras throughout the County.
• Offers of merchandise or services at ridiculously low prices.
• Heavy foot traffic to and from a residence, especially during late or unusual hours.
• Persons posing as utilities personnel but without proper uniform or identification.
• Unusual chemical odors, or rooms in residences with lights running consistently through the night may be indicative of narcotic manufacturing or cultivation of drugs.
• Money being exchanged by strangers either on foot or in vehicles may be indicators of drug dealing.
• Persons leaving construction sites with copper wire or tubing. (Throughout the County, thieves are stealing large amounts copper metal from construction sites, and from the roofs of buildings.)
A police response can be delayed to suspicious activity by a variety of priority calls such as in-progress domestic violence, injury traffic accidents, or robbery alarms. The best course of action is to be a good witness, and write down your observations, in the event that a police response is extended. Don’t worry about being embarrassed, even if your suspicions turn out to be unfounded. Police officers frequently investigate their suspicions, only to discover legitimate activity.

One of the most effective ways for protecting your community is to set up a Neighborhood Watch program so that you and your neighbors can become partners with the police in preventing crime. If you are interested, I would encourage you to contact your Crossroads Policing Area Crime Prevention Specialist, Kim Cherney, at 949-724-7042.