'Crimes of Opportunity' Up in New Tampa, Tampa Palms

The Tampa Police Department is calling on local residents to be mindful of security around their homes and while they’re out on the town.

According to Det. Rich Morea, the last three months have witnessed an increase in crimes of opportunity in the New Tampa and Tampa Palms areas.

“These are auto thefts and auto burglaries where the victims leave house/car keys in their vehicle with the doors unlocked,” Morea explained. “Auto burglaries where the victims left doors unlocked and purses or laptops in their cars and even events where homeowners inadvertently left their garage doors open overnight and criminals walked in, going through the victims’ vehicles.”

None of the recent crimes, Morea noted, have resulted in the criminals entering homes while residents were asleep, but the potential is there.

To prevent crimes of opportunity, Morea urges residents to follow these safety tips all the time:

• Lock your doors – to your home and cars
• If your home is alarmed, test it and use it
• Before you turn in for the night, make extra certain your garage door is closed and locked
• Do not leave valuables in the cabin of the vehicle, if they can see it, they will take it. This includes keys, cash, computers, phones, GPS and purses. Morea especially warns against leaving firearms in vehicles as they are “often used in violent crimes and potentially against law enforcement.”
• If you have a bicycle, record the serial number and take a photo of it or you can register it with the department.
• Don’t be reluctant to call the police if someone looks suspicious.
• Be a good witness. Note the number of people, direction of travel, clothing, vehicle make, model, color and plate if possible. If your cell phone has a camera, take a picture.
• Use the vacation watch program. It’s free and provides peace of mind.

“We can’t do it alone,” Morea said, noting that residents are the eyes and ears for police. “Together we can get ahold of this problem.”

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