Many of you may be aware that a vehicle was stolen out of the Rawlings parking lot on Saturday, April 15 just before 1 pm. This is the second reported auto theft at Rawlings library in about five months. The police officer who I spoke with on Saturday reminded me that auto-theft is a continuing issue in many large parking lots throughout Pueblo including Walmart, King Soopers, and the mall. Occasionally, we do get reports of break-ins or attempted break-ins, suspicious individuals in the parking lots, etc.; but at this time those reports are very infrequent. However, I wanted to make you aware of the efforts we are putting into making sure the parking lot is secure.
Security
On a temporary basis we are bringing in additional TNT Security guards for an undisclosed schedule to provide the “element of surprise” to any individuals who may be seeking to cause problems in the parking lot. They will overlap very minimally with the currently scheduled guards and are asked to spend at least 75% of their time patrolling the parking lots and exterior areas of the library. They will not only be watching for tampering with vehicles, but will also be dealing with loitering issues, sleeping outside, etc. As the weather warms, these are the situations that do increase.
Video footage
We have 3 cameras that cover most of our parking areas at Rawlings. If you park in the designated staff areas, your vehicle be within view. However, keep in mind that other factors impact visibility such as weather, sun glare, and distance from the building. If you have a problem with your vehicle, I’ll be happy to review the footage, and pull anything that would be helpful to the police. Additionally, if the police come to Rawlings I can show them what the cameras recorded and review any other times or views that they might find helpful. I have direct access to upload any footage to the police within minutes of pulling it.
Please keep in mind that a corresponding incident report must by filed by you, me, or another staff member and a case # must be recorded.
Staff lookout
It is exceptionally helpful if you are all aware of who is in the parking lot when you come and go from your vehicles. Call the PIC at 719-289-1000 or security at 719-240-2965 immediately if you see anything suspicious. If you see a crime in progress, please call 911. Things to look out for:
- People you don’t recognize around vehicles that you do (such as co-worker cars)
- Individuals wandering around the parking lot who don’t seem to be going to a particular vehicle
- Individuals touching vehicles, but not entering them. A common tactic that folks use is to flip or pull the handles of cars until one gives, because it is unlocked.
- Vehicles that drive in and out without parking.
What you can do to protect your own vehicle
Here are some tips to help prevent break-ins and theft of your vehicle:
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, and always know where your keys are.
- When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close all the windows and the sunroof.
- Never leave your car running and unattended.
- Avoid leaving anything inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.
- Choose a parking space where your vehicle isn’t hidden by anything, and if you will be here after dark try to park near a light.
- Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations.
- Consider using an anti-theft device for your car. Your insurance company may even have a “perk” for using something like this. Steering wheel locks like “The Club” continue to be very useful and effective, and here is a link describing several devices of various types. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-choose-an-anti-theft-device-for-your-car
Finally – just a reminder about our security procedures if there is a theft of any kind
- Call the police to file a report (the person whose property was stolen should make this report)
- Complete an incident report, even if the person will not be calling the police, or is undecided
- Provide lots of info regarding location and time in the incident report so security footage can be viewed
- I can provide footage to the police if there is a case number
Security
On a temporary basis we are bringing in additional TNT Security guards for an undisclosed schedule to provide the “element of surprise” to any individuals who may be seeking to cause problems in the parking lot. They will overlap very minimally with the currently scheduled guards and are asked to spend at least 75% of their time patrolling the parking lots and exterior areas of the library. They will not only be watching for tampering with vehicles, but will also be dealing with loitering issues, sleeping outside, etc. As the weather warms, these are the situations that do increase.
Video footage
We have 3 cameras that cover most of our parking areas at Rawlings. If you park in the designated staff areas, your vehicle be within view. However, keep in mind that other factors impact visibility such as weather, sun glare, and distance from the building. If you have a problem with your vehicle, I’ll be happy to review the footage, and pull anything that would be helpful to the police. Additionally, if the police come to Rawlings I can show them what the cameras recorded and review any other times or views that they might find helpful. I have direct access to upload any footage to the police within minutes of pulling it.
Please keep in mind that a corresponding incident report must by filed by you, me, or another staff member and a case # must be recorded.
Staff lookout
It is exceptionally helpful if you are all aware of who is in the parking lot when you come and go from your vehicles. Call the PIC at 719-289-1000 or security at 719-240-2965 immediately if you see anything suspicious. If you see a crime in progress, please call 911. Things to look out for:
- People you don’t recognize around vehicles that you do (such as co-worker cars)
- Individuals wandering around the parking lot who don’t seem to be going to a particular vehicle
- Individuals touching vehicles, but not entering them. A common tactic that folks use is to flip or pull the handles of cars until one gives, because it is unlocked.
- Vehicles that drive in and out without parking.
What you can do to protect your own vehicle
Here are some tips to help prevent break-ins and theft of your vehicle:
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, and always know where your keys are.
- When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close all the windows and the sunroof.
- Never leave your car running and unattended.
- Avoid leaving anything inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.
- Choose a parking space where your vehicle isn’t hidden by anything, and if you will be here after dark try to park near a light.
- Look around. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots and gas stations.
- Consider using an anti-theft device for your car. Your insurance company may even have a “perk” for using something like this. Steering wheel locks like “The Club” continue to be very useful and effective, and here is a link describing several devices of various types. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-choose-an-anti-theft-device-for-your-car
Finally – just a reminder about our security procedures if there is a theft of any kind
- Call the police to file a report (the person whose property was stolen should make this report)
- Complete an incident report, even if the person will not be calling the police, or is undecided
- Provide lots of info regarding location and time in the incident report so security footage can be viewed
- I can provide footage to the police if there is a case number