Public Can Help Reduce Crimes of Opportunity, Murrieta Police Say

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Murrieta Police Department is requesting the public’s help in reducing what are described as crimes of opportunity.

These crimes, which account for nearly half of all property crimes in Murrieta, include vehicle burglaries, thefts from unlocked vehicles, and thefts from garages where the doors have been left open, Murrieta police Lt. Jon Flavin stated in a news release.

The Murrieta Police Department is launching a public awareness campaign that will include police volunteers handing out crime prevention pamphlets.

“The police department will also be conducting extra patrol in and around the shopping center areas located within the city,” Flavin said.

“These types of cases are difficult to solve, as there is usually very little physical evidence left behind,” Flavin said. “In addition to the loss of personal property, victims also endure a loss of their personal time contacting banks, canceling credit cards, and sometimes obtaining a new driver’s license.”

According to Flavin, Murrieta residents can help reduce their chances of being a victim of these crimes by: ensuring they lock their vehicle and set the alarm when leaving it unattended; taking their valuables out of their vehicles or hiding them from plain view; and remembering to close the garage door upon leaving or returning home.

Additionally, residents were encouraged call Murrieta police at 951-304-COPS (2677) to report any suspicious activity. Examples of instances that may indicate criminal conduct, according to Flavin, include:

• Persons walking up and down streets or parking lots looking into cars and/or trying vehicle door handles.
• Vehicles cruising streets or parking lots at very slow speeds for extended periods while observing parked cars.
• Persons sitting in parked vehicles for prolonged periods, or vehicles dropping one person off while continuing to cruise the same area.