Sorry this is so late, but I've been extremely busy.
Apparently, someone at the Emmerson Park fieldhouse (1820 W Granville) did not get the memo, that the day and time was changed for our CAPS meeting, from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Thursday. The time, however, remains the same: 7 pm. There was no one present to unlock the fieldhouse and admit us, so we held the meeting
outside the building! Luckily, there wasn't a severe thunderstorm or an evening temperature of 86 with 110% humidity.
But it was all worth it! This ranked as the most informative CAPS meeting I had ever attended, for it was highlighted by tips on how
not to become victims to burglars, from
former burglars! The all - male 'panel' were in a program to help them turn their lives around and become productive members of society, rather than continuing their career as criminals. There were six men present. Supervising them, was a representative of the sheriff's office, I believe. The ex - offenders were identified by sequential numbers only, to preserve their anonymity. Their introductions were in the form of stating their offences, their prison terms and what they were doing to transform their lives. Some had jobs, some had jobs lined - up, while others were going to college.
They provided those present with helpful information and advice. For instance, did you know that it takes a burglar only 3 to 5 minutes to complete his/her crime? Also, while some of the ex - offenders stated that they had no particular preference for the type of neighbourhoods in which to commit their crimes, some of the guys specifically targeted upper - class communities.
Also, we were informed that some their favourite parts of a residence to look for valuables were
master bedrooms, closets, storage rooms and, even, kids' rooms. Preferred places of entry included,
unsecured back and front doors and side windows. Their means of transporting the stoling goods included,
any luggage they happened to find (Pullman models were particular favorites of the panel) and other items that were available in their victims' homes. Deterrents:
Deadbolt locks, nosy neighbours and communities in which residents, frequently, congregated outside their homes (they serve as the eyes and ears of law enforcement). Fences are NOT barriers. Dogs usually discouraged the men from breaking into houses and apartment units. But not always! (One member of the panel stated, he loved dogs and would feed them!) Questions I asked:
"Were any of you armed at the time you committed your crimes?" "No," was the unanimous reply. One of the guys told us, they were not interested in confronting or harming the homeowners; all they wanted were the homeowners' valuables. Also, they advised fleeing if a burglary is in - progress when you return home. Then, call 911.
"Does living on the upper floor of a residential building provide protection from burglaries?" Again, the answer was
"No."One of my neighbours asked
"How did you get caught when you committed your last offence?" The answer? Greed! They got greedy until, one day, a neighbour spotted them removing items and called police.
The presentation also included mistakes residents frequently make, such as, displaying decorative items in windows, having insufficient lighting, and leaving doors or windows open.
All in all, it was a very fruitful hour! It gave me hope that these men are making efforts to turn their lives around.
Jackie
