Important Crime Prevention and Safety Information

 

For more information about any services on this page,
please contact the Citizen Support Services Unit at 1-800-854-2862, extension 7757

 

Speed Trailer
A limited number of speed trailers are available upon request to be placed in your neighborhood for a limited amount of time. These trailers show vehicle drivers how fast they are traveling and what the speed limit is.

 

Vacation House Check
If manpower is available, members of the Citizen Service Unit will make regular security checks on homes when residents are on vacation.

 

Child Fingerprinting
Free child fingerprinting is available for residents of Pasco County at various locations by appointment.

 

Buckle Up ... It's the Law!
Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and injury among young children, but it doesn't have to be that way. Each year, hundreds of young lives could be saved and thousands of injuries prevented in children who were correctly protected while riding in cars.

 

Buckle UpChild Restraint Requirements
--All front seat occupants must buckle up, even if the vehicle is equipped with an air bag. The driver is held responsible for passengers 15 years or younger who are not buckled up. Passengers 16 years or older can be individually fined if they are not buckled up.
--All children under six years of age must be buckled up, no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle.
--The law applies to all cars, pickup trucks and vans operated on Florida Roads.
--Children through the age of three must be secured in a federally-approved child restraint seat or safety belt.

 

Basic Facts About Auto Theft
In 2009. 1,225 motor vehicles were stolen in Pasco County (all law enforcement agency jurisdictions). One in five stolen vehicles is left unlocked with the keys in the ignition. When leaving your car, close the windows, lock the doors and take your keys with you. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur in residential neighborhoods. If you have a garage, use it! Lock the vehicle and the garage door. If you don't have a garage, lock the car and turn the wheels to the left or right. This makes a thief's job harder. More than two-thirds of total thefts occur after dark. Park in well-lighted areas. If you park in an attended lot or garage, leave only the ignition key with the attendant and do not tell the attendant how long you will be gone.

 

In 2009, 1,246 thefts occurred from motor vehicles in Pasco County Sheriff's Office's jurisdiction. One of every five larcenies involves the theft of motor vehicle accessories. In the majority of motor vehicle thefts, the victim left valuables in plain view within the vehicle. Always remove portable electronics such as GP devices, MP3 players, and similar items before leaving the vehicle. Secure all packages in a trunk or under a seat and out of view. Consider investing in an alarm system rather than expensive options. Professional car thieves can strip your vehicle completely within minutes. Engrave your driver license number in a remote location on the radio and accessories, as well as the fenders and doors. If a theft occurs, your driver license number will make identification recovery and prosecution more likely.

 

The longer it takes to steal a car, the more likely a thief will look elsewhere. Automobile manufacturers regularly improve the anti-theft equipment they install in vehicles. You may want to consider an anti-theft bar that attaches to your steering wheel, an alarm system or other equipment that will slow down a thief and better protect your vehicle.

 

How You Can Help Prevent Auto Theft:


  • Join your neighborhood Crime Watch or Security Patrol
  • Ensure that you civic association regularly addresses prevention of auto theft
  • Schedule an Auto Theft Prevention presentation from the Sheriff's Office

 

Auto TheftLaw enforcement officers need your help and cooperation in locating stolen vehicles. Stolen vehicles are often abandoned on city streets, side roadways, and in parking lots. Some signs of a stolen vehicle include:

 

  • Flat tires
  • Expired or missing license plate
  • Dust or debris on the windshield
  • Missing wheels, lights or radio
  • Trunk or hood left open
  • Interior stripped or motor missing

 

If you see a vehicle that has any of the above signs, notify the Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement agency and provide as much of the following information as possible:

 

  • Exact location of the vehicle
  • Make, model and color of the vehicle
  • License plate number and state, or the vehicle identification number, which can be seen at the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side
  • DO NOT open the doors or get inside the vehicle. You could destroy fingerprints or other evidence proving it has been stolen or used in another crime!

 

Buckle UpBurglary Prevention for the Homeowner
--When you leave home, even for a few minutes, make sure that all doors and windows are locked. Make sure all locks on doors and windows are in working order. Dead bolt door locks are recommended and should, when in the locked position, slide into the door jam a minimum of one inch.
--Keep your garage door closed and locked, whether you are home or not. An open garage provides a burglar with all the tools he will need to break into your home.
--Keep a list and photos or a video of your possessions, including the model and serial number, description and value
--Observe carefully and report all suspicious persons and vehicles. Be sure to get the correct license numbers of suspect vehicles.
--Report any crime to the Sheriff's Office at once and be willing to testify in court.
--Cooperate with officers investigating an offense in your neighborhood.
--Keep valuable stamp, jewelry and coin collections in a safe deposit box rather than at home.
--Trim your shrubbery around doors and windows so it will not provide a hiding place for burglars or cover a point-of-entry view for police or neighbors.
--Keep all your vehicles locked and do not leave property in your vehicle.
--Do not leave property unattended in your yard, including lawn mowers, garden tools, and bicycles.
--Be cautious of strangers. A burglar rarely looks like a burglar. When in doubt, call the Sheriff's Office.
--When you are out in the yard, lock the doors. Daylight burglaries while people are at home are common.
--Never admit anyone into your home unless you know him or her. Demand credentials before admitting salesmen or repairmen, particularly if you have not requested their services. Refuse to deal with any caller who does not present proper ID and notify the Sheriff's Office immediately.
--Never leave notes on your door informing anyone you are not home. Do not hide your keys outside of your home. Burglars know where to look.
--When you leave town, arrange for someone to mow your yard and pick up your mail and newspapers. If possible, set timers to switch the lights on and off at predetermined times and locations within the house. A residence that presents a lived-in appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Leave information on your whereabouts with a trusted neighbor. Ask them to watch your house.
--Be sure all gates are securely locked.

 

Neighborhood Watch
The Pasco Sheriff's Office will assist neighborhood groups or homeowner's associations with the creation of a Neighborhood Watch that empowers citizens to watch for suspicious activity in their community.

 

Auto TheftSecurity Patrol
A more proactive level of involvement by citizens who actively patrol their neighborhoods. Your eyes and ears are our best defense against crime! Whether you are a member of a neighborhood security patrol -- or you are considering joining one -- there are important guidelines that contribute to their successful operation:

 

  • Security Patrol members cannot have a felony record, or have a serious misdemeanor offense record or criminal traffic record. Minor offenses will be discussed on an individual basis
  • Security Patrol members may not carry weapons while on patrol
  • Security Patrol members must wear an identification badge issued by the Sheriff's Office while on patrol. This badge shall not be worn while off duty.
  • Security Patrol members must obey all laws and shall not exceed the speed limit or patrol at night without lights
  • The Sheriff reserves the right to confiscate the identification badge of any Security Patrol members who have violated the rules

 

Important guidelines to be followed by all Security Patrol members:

 

  • Your personal safety is ALWAYS the most important factor. You are more valuable than all the property you watch
  • If you need help, call a sheriff's deputy. Remember: Call 911 only for life-threatening emergencies and "in-progress" felony calls, such as a house break-in. All other calls should be to the non-emergency numbers
  • Never take any police-type action. If you see suspicious activity or a criminal act, call the Sheriff's Office. No matter how well-intended your actions might be, it could have serious repercussions. For example, holding a juvenile for a curfew violation may result in a curfew arrest -- a minor violation -- but could result in YOUR arrest for false imprisonment -- a felony
  • A two-way radio or telephone are your main weapons
  • Vary your patrol travel and change directions often; driving the same route each time gives crooks a timetable by which to steal
  • If your neighborhood is large enough, set up patrol zones so that you can let the base station know your location without broadcasting your exact position by radio
  • When using a spotlight or flashlight, avoid aiming at windows of occupied homes
  • Never use Security Patrol identification other than to identify yourself while on patrol
  • Overhead amber lights on vehicles may be turned on during routine patrol while in your residential community
  • Always drive patrol vehicles safely and in a manner that does not impede normal traffic flow
  • Drive patrol vehicles with headlights on at night. Patrolling with no lights or parking lights only is prohibited