Spring 2020 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC SAFETY

2020 is here, and what better time to eliminate some of Shakopee’s most preventable crimes. This year, the Shakopee Police Department created the Lock It, Shakopee campaign to encourage residents to lock their vehicles, homes and garages. Last year, unlocked cars and homes were making life way too easy for burglars in Shakopee. Of the 130 total reported thefts from Let's Lock it, Shakopee

PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you are away from it, even for “just a minute.” Keep valuables out of sight or in the trunk. Purses, credit cards and cell phones in plain view only help attract thieves. Always roll up the windows and lock your car , even if it is in your driveway, garage, or in front of your home. Never leave the vehicle title in your car. If stolen, it makes it easier for the thief to dispose of your vehicle. It can also make you a target for identity theft. Only park your car in busy, well-lit areas. Use your vehicle's alarm or other anti-theft device.

"Thieves today are extremely mobile and move quickly looking for the path of least resistance. ...We need your help to secure your property."

vehicles, 84 of the vehicles were not locked, and 29 of the 39 stolen vehicles were unlocked. Similarly, 29 of the 54 reported residential burglaries were the result of unlocked garages and houses. In total, more than $150,000 of valuables were stolen from unlocked cars and houses. Even more concerning, 13 firearms were reported stolen from unlocked cars and homes in Shakopee.

Jeff Tate Police Chief

2020 GOALS Thefts from unlocked vehicles: 50 Burglaries from unlocked garages: 15 Stolen vehicles with keys in them: 15

This is why Shakopee Police are asking every resident to take an extra second to lock his or her car door and shut the garage. The department needs your help reducing these preventable crimes because in this case the public can do more than the police.

"Thieves today are extremely mobile and move quickly looking for the path of least resistance," said Chief Jeff Tate. "While our police officers do a great job investigating these incidents, we cannot be on every block in every neighborhood at all times. We need your help to secure your property." The Police Department has set some goals for 2020, including reducing burglaries from unlocked garages to 15, stolen vehicles with keys in them to 15 and thefts from unlocked vehicles to 50. These goals may seem lofty but can be easily met if residents keep this campaign in mind and lock their car doors and shut their garages. Let’s lower the crime rate and see the difference a single click can make.

Fire Department receives rope, water-rescue equipment The Shakopee Fire Department recently received a donation of $20,000 in technical rope rescue equipment from Rahr Corp.

The donation includes crucial life-saving equipment the Shakopee Fire Department uses for high-angle, low-angle, confined space and technical rescue situations. Throughout the city, many challenging and unique areas require this specific equipment and highly trained firefighters. The Shakopee Fire Relief Association also received $16,112 from the International Paper Foundation toward the purchase of water rescue equipment. The equipment supports the department’s water and dive rescue team. The equipment includes Haztech drysuits and undergarments, full-face masks with communications, buoyancy compensator devices, half- masks, fins and inflatable life vests.

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