Riverside Police Launch Advisory Message Program

Riverside police have begun leaving cards around town when they notice people could be susceptible to crime.

The cards may be left on unattended property like bicycles or valuables or on unlocked cars, according to Riverside police, and they’ll point out what the officer saw while on patrol.

Lt. Bill Gutschick brought the idea back from the 2015 Illinois Problem Oriented Police Conference

The advisory messages are yellow with the Riverside Police patch and the police department phone number on them. Residents might find them hanging on a door or under a windshield wiper.

The card will also list a reference number if the resident wants to call police for more information.

The advisory messages could be used to tell residents of a certain area that a crime trend is happening in the neighborhood.

“Many thefts and burglaries are simply crimes of opportunity,” said Detective Sgt. Frank Lara in a statement. ”This is an easy way to let people know that they may be a target.”

Do you think the advisory messages are a good idea? Tell us in the comments.