Crime is everywhere. Recognizing this unfortunate truth is the first step toward crime prevention. Integrating this awareness into day-to-day activities is a practical matter. The security recommendations and safety tips within this section will provide a starting point for doing just that.
Holiday Shopping Safety
The holiday season is a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. The following tips from the Lee’s Summit Police Department can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season.
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If at all possible shop during daylight hours. If shopping at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- Limit the number of personal belongings being carried, such as a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Be extra careful if carrying a wallet or purse, secure it so it is not a target in congested areas.
- Always carry a form of identification easily accessible, such as a driver’s license or identification card.
- Stay alert to your surroundings, from where you park, to the presence of others around you.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and consider paying for purchases with a check or credit card.
- If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket.
- If a credit card is lost, stolen or misused, notify the credit card issuer immediately.
- Keep a record of credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps by not carrying too many packages.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.
Shopping during the holiday season can present a unique danger. Taking a moment and considering the prevention tips provided before starting your trip may help keep your holiday season joyous.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is on the rise and according to the Department of Justice is the fastest growing crime in the America. If you believe your identity may have been stolen, the Federal Trade Commission provides information for victims of identity theft in their web site at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
In addition to their website, the Federal Trade Commission offers three documents to help guide you in case your identity is stolen. The documents are downloadable links listed below:
Taking Charge -- What to do if your Identity is Stolen
Identity Theft -- What to Know, What to Do
Safegaurding a Child's Identity from Theft
Information on Financial Crimes and Online Identity Theft
The Lee's Summit Police Department has also prepared a packet of information to guide you through the process of resolving an identity theft incident. Those resources and documents are listed below:
LSPD Identity Theft Packet
LSPD Identity Theft Affidavit
LSPD Identity Theft Worksheet
Community Interaction Unit
The Lee's Summit Police Department Community Interaction Unit can assist you with questions about crime prevention. We will gladly inspect homes and businesses and provide owners with helpful, practical suggestions for making your environment more secure from crime. Remember, there are no sure preventatives for crime. Each situation can be different. Your most important defense is to stay aware and be alert!
Neighborhood Watch
Organizing a Neighborhood Watch group is particularly effective in promoting safe neighborhoods. Neighborhood Watch is a program where citizens participate directly with the police department in the detection and prevention of crime. For more information go to the Neighborhood Watch Webpage.
Domestic Violence
For more information about Domestic violence, go to the Domestic Violence Webpage.
Emergency Preparedness
Be prepared and have a plan to handle emergency situations, such as natural or man-made disasters. For assistance and information go to:
www.dhs.gov
www.fema.gov
www.preparemetrokc.org
www.ready.gov
www.semadps.mo.gov
Terrorism Awareness
Law Enforcement needs the assistance of citizens to identify potential terrorist threats and combat their activities. To find out how you can become more aware of suspicious activities, common terrorist tactics, and provide assistance go to:
www.dhs.gov
www.fbi.gov/becrimesmart.htm
www.fema.gov
Citizens are encouraged to report specific detailed information about suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities. This includes the type of activities observed or suspected, time(s) of occurrence, address or location, identity and/or description of involved persons and vehicles, etc.
This may be done electronically to the Police Department's Intelligence Officer or to other agencies via links within their listed websites. Telephone reports can be made to the Department's TIPS Hotline at 816.969.1752 or to the metro-wide 816.474.TIPS (8477) number. If utilizing the Intelligence Officer e-mail link above you are not required to leave personal information in order to submit the form.