Police Targeting Car Theives & Underage Drinkers

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Nov 19, 2009 at 3:51 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009 at 3:51 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Rapids Police Department would like to warn criminals to beware of what cars you break into and who you invite into your underage parties. The Department has been setting “dummy cars” around town in attempts to “entice” criminals to take the bait.

It's working too. On November 10, Joseph Harper, 23, broke into a “dummy car” in just a few minutes of it being set. Harper was arrested at the McCloud Run parking where many car break-ins have been reported. Since October 1, the Cedar Rapids Police Dept. has had 10 thefts from vehicle in the 3200 - 4200 blocks of Center Pt Rd alone.

Underage drinkers beware. The same fate can happen to you. On October 23, officers responded to a smell of a controlled substance at 64 Miller Ave SW. When plain clothes officers were walking down the hallway, one of the doors opened and the residence inside told her to get inside “before the cops get you”. Once inside, the officer identified themselves as a Cedar Rapids Police Officer and the party was over. Two individuals were charged.

Randon Hill, 19, was charged with Disorderly House and Interference with Official Acts for giving a false name. Alljandro Ruiz, 20, was charged with Persons Under Legal Age. Hill went to the Linn County Jail. Ruiz was issued a citation. Since September 1, the Cedar Rapids Police Department has issued 18 citations for Persons Under Legal Age and made 32 arrests for Disorderly House.

With the shopping season upon us, the Cedar Rapids Police Department will continue to set out the car in hopes of trapping other criminals. Criminals should be aware of parking lots, parking ramps and other places that cars are parked. Be wary of purses or other items that are in vehicles because it may just be the police, waiting to arrest you. And underage drinkers use caution when you have a party where alcohol is served. The next person you open the door to may be a Cedar Rapids Police Officer.

As a reminder, here are some safety tips when out shopping. Thefts from vehicles usually increase during the month of December. The targeted areas are shopping mall parking lots, strip mall parking lots and large department store parking lots. There are many ways shoppers can keep their packages from being stolen.

Shopping safety tips:

Plan your shopping trip ahead of time. Choose well-lit and well-traveled streets, even if it takes a little longer. Let someone know your route and give a timeframe for your return.
Keep your car doors locked when driving or parked.
Remember where you park your car. Better yet, try to park near a light post to allow the light to assist you in finding your car and getting into your car.
Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with cargo areas. Look around the parking lot for suspicious persons before exiting your car. Don’t get out of your car until you are ready. If you don’t feel safe, stay in your car or drive away.
When shopping, always be cautious with your wallet or purse. Keep your wallet in a secured pocket or in your purse, which is zipped or snapped shut. Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Use a single credit card or debit card instead.
Make several trips to your car to drop off packages. Don’t leave the mall/store with too many packages. It is difficult to watch for other cars and any ice.
Place all of your valuables such as packages, briefcases, and backpacks in the trunk of your car. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN PLAIN SIGHT. If you have a van, keep the packages in an enclosed container or under a blanket in the very back of the van.
If you are leaving the mall/store late and there is a suspicious person outside, request that mall security accompany you to your car.
Talk to your children before you go shopping as to where to go or who in the store is a safe person, should you get separated.

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