Crime, in sum, continues to remain lower for the Perris Station when we compare it to the past recent years. Most of the assaults calls and other crimes against persons involve perpetrators known to the victim, which naturally increases the chances for the cases to be closed with an arrest, and prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office. Although we hope no one becomes a victim of crime, there is a sense of relief and satisfaction when we know the person responsible for the violation is caught and held accountable. Too often, this is not the case when we consider crimes against property.
As we evaluate the crime trends for the Perris Station jurisdiction, theft of property continues to be our biggest challenge. Our sustained effort to evaluate trends and our practice to deploy our resources in the areas of greatest concern has stemmed the tide; however, we need to continue to be creative in our efforts to educate everyone to be vigilant in their own day-to-day routines.
Throughout the cities and communities we serve, our Crime Prevention officers and Special Enforcement Team officers (i.e., those accountable for overseeing and responding to the crime trends by zones of responsibility) are working closely with the Neighborhood Watch groups, loss prevention teams assigned to the various department stores, and security teams patrolling shopping centers and communities. The focus is on raising awareness, and bringing about practices that will reduce our exposure to becoming victims.
The key to lowering the potential for theft is through preventive measures. Locking our car, removing valuable items, and making it a practice to do those little things that remove the temptation from others to steal are easy to do. Be watchful for others. Research demonstrates that crime is less likely to occur in areas when a “guardian” present. Here, I am not referring to a police officer or security guard, but the presence of all of us – people being aware, watching, paying attention to others and what they are doing. Most criminals who engage in theft are not so bold as to commit a crime while others are watching. They prefer to do so surreptitiously. Our mere presence and attention goes a long way to preventing crime.
As the weather cools, most of us will favor staying indoors. This simply decreases the natural presence of watchful guardianship in our communities. I encourage you to put on a sweater and jacket and take to the streets with your friends and family for a little exercise and friendly supervision of your neighborhood. If you see something or someone suspicious, be a good witness and call the police. If you witness a crime in progress or some other emergency, call 9-1-1. If the circumstance does not rise to the level of an emergency, you are encouraged to call the non-emergency telephone number for Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951)776-1099 then press option #5. This will connect you to a dispatcher for the areas served by the Perris Station.
Working together, we will continue to rein in crime.
Be safe!
James P. McElvain
Chief of Police