New life for the slogan that never flew: LOCK YOUR #$%&* DOORS!
School started today, and I'm hoping some students read this blog.
Why? Let me tell you the back story: It started about 13 years ago when I left the surveillance unit after five years there and took a job in the downtown detective bureau. I was a detective sergeant, and my job was to read all the crime reports that came into the city, evaluate them and then and assign some of them to detectives.
Not all cases get assigned to detectives. Those that do are cases where there's follow-up potential and a good chance to lock up a criminal. It’s a little more complicated than that, but perhaps that's a subject for another time.
One thing I soon realized was that most home invasions - residential breaking and entering - involved unlocked doors. So all the burglars had to do was twist the knob and walk in to steal what they wanted.Â
After the Ann Arbor Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit looked at the numbers, we learned that approximately 70% of the residential break-ins involved a burglar entering through an unlocked door.
(For those of you wondering where the “breaking” takes place on an unlocked door, it's a legal term. There need not be property destruction. A door being pushed open is enough to meet the criminal element of “breaking.”)
I wanted to take the high road and get citizens to lock their doors. I was frustrated they were being victimized by the street urchins (a term police use, possibly incorrectly, because they're not children, as one commenter corrected me) and “creepers” (or prowlers who ply their trade at night) who look for unlocked doors.Â
I told my deputy chief we needed a good eye-catching slogan to get people’s attention and get them to lock their doors.
College students were my target audience, and I reasoned that McGruff The Crime Dog coloring books just weren’t a big hit in those crowds. The boss bit and asked me what I had in mind. I asked him to close his eyes and visualize thousands of bumper stickers with the slogan, “LOCK YOUR #@&*ing Doors!” He opened his eyes and told me it certainly would be eye-catching, but perhaps I should work on a more family friendly slogan. I told him, “See it got your attention though!” Â
The slogan/ bumper sticker idea was just a fantasy and good fun born out of frustration. I used this little shtick in weekly crime meetings led by the Ann Arbor Police Department and the University of Michigan Police. In those meetings, we discussed all kinds of strategies to lower crime and make things safer around Ann Arbor. In the end, several initiatives were started to get people to lock their doors. Â
One year, officers canvassed neighborhoods during their free time and passed out leaflets. U-M helped by adding elements of crime prevention to freshman orientation. Several years ago, we even flew a plane with a banner around Michigan Stadium prior to several football games.Â
(The banner idea came about because I joked in a crime meeting that students looking skyward for the best happy hour specials or witty slogans from a local strip club might actually read our message to their lock doors.)Â
Something worked, and we got more people to lock their doors. I don't have the numbers, but for the last year or so before I retired, we seemed to have more break-ins where the burglar actually had to break something to get in.Â
The thieves were forced to cut screens, pry doors and break windows to get in. Why is that good? The thieves were forced to take more time and make more noise to gain entry. There was more chance that a citizen would spot this activity and call the police. The goals of the best locks or alarm systems are to force the criminal to work harder and take more chances to steal something. Merely using locks that are already installed can accomplish the same thing.
That's one of the reasons I blog and the reason I end these blogs with the line: “Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and look out for your neighbors.” There are too many opportunistic thieves on the street around the downtown area who will steal anything that isn’t locked up, bolted down or being watched by someone.
Don’t be fooled by the whimsical terms I use to describe these thieves - they're very professional. Several downtown burglars were operating when I started my career in 1982, and they've outlasted me and are still active criminals.
One such burglar is a guy the Ann Arbor Police Department is well aware of. He operates predominantly in off-campus student housing. He's been arrested many times in many ways. Several of his arrests were as a result surveillance placed on him. We have actually watched him commit home invasions. Â
On one such occasion, he was working the Greenwood and Vaughn Street areas. He was on foot and would walk up on a porch like he belonged there, sit on the porch or sofa (sofas on porches are a tremendous fire hazard that I’ll discuss in a later entry) and stayed there for five to 10 minutes.Â
He just looked up and down the street, trying to spot surveillance. But our surveillance crew was a crafty bunch, and he never saw us. When he was satisfied no cops were in the area, he went into the apartment to steal things like wallets, cash and jewelry that he could stuff in his pockets. We arrested him a few minutes after he went into the house; he had stolen property stashed in his pockets. He was incarcerated, but not for long.
This guy is a professional thief. He enters dwellings using unlocked doors. When this crook is discovered in a house (perhaps even in an upper-story bedroom), he’ll just say, “Hey, doesn’t (insert fictitious name here) live here?” In the spring, he’ll use another line like, “Hey are you going to sublet this?” The frightened resident will tell him, “No, and you have to get out of here.” Our professional burglar will apologize for his mistake and calmly walk out the front door. Â
The resident is relieved to see the intruder depart because he's a rather large older scary-looking fellow. Most never call the police to report the intruder - they're just glad he's gone. Normally, the victims call police a few hours or days later when the theft is finally discovered.Â
If the original witness can identify the burglar, it's still an uphill battle to make a good case without finding some of the stolen property on or about him. Then, if a case sticks, our thief is undaunted. The criminal court system, being so overloaded, will afford him the possibility of a plea bargain and thus a light sentence.Â
This guy has been to prison many times, but the sentences are not very long, and so far, rehabilitation has not worked. This guy was discharged from parole in January 2008 and is probably walking the streets of Ann Arbor as I write. So LOCK YOUR #@$%&! DOORS! There I finally got to use that warning—sort of.
Note: While writing this blog, I was given some information that three different people had their credit cards stolen and fraudulently used while they were at a local bar. This can happen a number of different ways. The cards can be taken from an unattended purse or wallet or an unsavory restaurant worker can gain access to the card and card numbers. Â
To combat this type of crime, don't leave wallets, purses or laptops unattended in public places (bars, resturaunts, grocery store carts, parties or anywhere someone could just walk by and scoop up the property). Furthermore, I personally don't use my credit card when I have to give it to someone and then lose sight of the employee and my card. Perhaps it's just a paranoia honed by 26 years of having to be skeptical with people, but I don't like to lose sight of my credit card. If your credit card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to your credit card company and the police.
Welcome back students! Please remember:Â Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and look out for your neighbor.
Rich Kinsey retired from the Ann Arbor Police Department at the end of June and now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
redeye
Thu, Nov 5, 2009 : 11:52 a.m.
DanielF, By refusing to lock the door when he leaves, it seems like your housemate is creating a real risk of financial loss or personal injury for everyone else who lives there. I don't know how this works legally, or what his financial liability would be. But discussing it in those terms might just get his attention.
West Side Dweller
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 3:21 p.m.
Thank you Rich. Having lived in my current location for over 17 years I have finally gotten to the point of locking the doors at night and whenever I leave. It is so sad that I need to do this. Husband and I are currently researching motion sensing flood lights, camera and sensor along with using broom sticks in the sliding glass doors and windows.
Eric P
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 11:49 a.m.
I used to work for Housing Security at the U. I always tried to impress on students that the door for your room is like the front door of your house-- keep it locked and don't let strangers. If you want to be really strict about security, the only time that door should be unlocked is when you are going through it.
Matt Van Auker
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 10:17 a.m.
Oh, you are so profane. Isn't the word supposed to be friggin'. Heh, Heh, Heh. Jes' kiddin', Jes' kiddin'. I thoroughly agree, however, and I religiously and always do the same. Excellent report.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 9:24 a.m.
Newbster, I'd like to make a comment about your comment to my post. A friend who is a cop told me to pull the shade when I am not home. For one it will help the dog sleep as he won't be looking out at squirrels and dogs walking by and be tormented by that. Two, should someone want to peak in an open shade they would see the dog and perhaps some stuff in my house and know if they want to get to it what they will need to deal with as far as getting through the dog. But if the shade is down and they come near the house and the mysterious dog bark without a dog face might be more effective. In all I live on a fairly active street. Am a single female living alone with my dog. I will take the cops advice and keep the shade down. (it also helps keep the house cool during the day) and really I have it pulled open rarely as I am a house nudist. I know of a another cop that often leaves his house unlocked, this irks me to no end! If my way has prevented breakins I will stick to it. People often forget windows, doorwalls (and sticking wood into the groove) and to lock the exterior entry doors to the house from the garage and from the garage to the yard. Most often a burgler will try a back door.
FarlyMyDear
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 8:03 a.m.
I love the comments always made by victims: "That sort of thing never happens here." Sure thing, the crooks get out a map, figure out where crime always takes place, and then goes back to that area. NOT HARDLY. If your apartment complex, neighborhood, city or even state hasn't experience a particular type of crime, just wait, it will happen. Thanks for the good article. Now if only folks would stop blocking open doors in apartments and residence halls, "so their friend could get in".
mrk
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 7:43 a.m.
I think this is perfect timing for this story -- it really does baffle me that these college kids run around drunk, have parties with strangers all of the time and don't get robbed more often (not that any of those poor choices make it okay to be robbed, of course). Be aware, folks, however, that crime that's not made easier by negligence happens in Ann Arbor every day too. I was the victim of a burglary on Friday, and I have to confess that I don't have a whole lot of confidence in the officer's belief that the criminal will be caught. It took 45 minutes for the officer to arrive after I called 911. I never leave doors or windows unlocked; the burglar broke a sliding glass door (it was secured by a deadbolt at the bottom of the door as well as the regular lock). This happened in the middle of the day, while I was gone for less than two hours, and no one saw or heard anything. What would help prevent crime? Maybe blogs like this do, but maybe also a crime reports section in this "paper" would halp people keep an eye out. Why keep sweeping crime under the rug? The more that Ann Arbor residents are aware of these incidents, the more observant they might be and maybe there will be fewer opportunities for events such as my burglary. Also, those of us that don't live in $500,000 houses might have valuable items too and we deserve the same amount of attention as the rich folks.
Bones
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 6:11 a.m.
This really is good advice. Living in Ypsi and Ann Arbor all of my life has taught me a couple of other tricks to daunt thieves. Not only locking doors and windows to help thwart crime. Also keeping valuable items out of clear sight. Using blinds and curtains to help keep prying eyes from seeing things of interest helps. I am not saying live like a hermit. But I am saying that closing blinds and curtains when you leave is a good idea. Even if the thief does gain entry through the window. This stuff does help slow down his entrance and might make more noise. Also be very aware of anyone posing as cable workers, phone workers etc etc. The real ones wear ID badges. I had a fellow thwarted by my neighbor when he told her that he was from AT&T. She knew I do not have a land line and asked him for his ID. He left in a hurry. Just be aware of you and your neighbors surroundings.
Newbster
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 5:42 a.m.
I'd like to make one comment from bunnyabbot.... you should never change the appearance of your house (putting the shades down) when you leave. If someone has been watching your house that's as good as putting up a sign "I'm leaving now"......
JakeD
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 2:15 a.m.
Good advice, and all too relevant. I rarely lock my door, and it occurs that I am the exact demographic described. I think I'll lock my #@$%&!ing door.
john
Wed, Sep 9, 2009 : 1:13 a.m.
patriotact, No, my description wasn't oversimplified or slanted and I, several years later, still find it hard to believe. The one thing I didn't mention was that the officer stopped about a half a block away from the crime address and I had to walk over to the patrol car and talk to them. This raises the possibility that the police were in the neighborhood on an entirely different matter. This in turn would mean that NO ONE ever responded to the B&E call.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 11:23 p.m.
I don't understand how hard it is for some to lock the freaking door. I grew up in a house that you unlocked the door to get in and locked the door once you were inside. But we were an all daughter family. (and we lived in one of the SAFEST neighborhoods in A2). nowadays I still lock the door and there isn't anyone who would dare to enter the domain of my dog. If the did and got through the dog (which would only happen if the dog were killed) I blow a hole in them with my shotgun. Really though it is not a fortress. I lock the doors. I also keep the shades down when I am not home.
DanielF
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 10:24 p.m.
Det Kinsey- good advice, thanks. I think we all have to make sure that we take responsibility for our own safety,and make our homes/apartments and ourselves "hard targets". One of my current housemates is an European post-doctoral scholar at U-M. We just cant get this fool to lock the front door when he leaves the house, or lock it behind him, whe he arrives home late.
MikeyP
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 10:15 p.m.
It's all about hardening the target. The goal isn't to turn your home into a fortress... you'll end up living in a virtual prison then. However, thieves are like electrons: they seek the path of least resistance. If your doors and windows are locked, your bushes are cut away so anyone breaking into your home is visible, etc. then your home is not as inviting a target as your neighbor who doesn't lock their doors, whose bushes are overgrown, etc. Thieves are very shrewd observers of these things... it's their job after all. They don't want to get caught if they can avoid it, so they'll go for the easiest targets they can find. If your house is the easiest target on the block you're asking for trouble. There is a concept called "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design." Anyone serious about deterring crime (and that should be everyone IMHO) should at least learn what CPTED can offer, and implement the basics at home.
Macabre Sunset
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 10:01 p.m.
More likely the police are just sick and tired of a judicial system that refuses to lock anyone up for any length of time. They know the battle is already lost before it even begins.
patriotact
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 8:42 p.m.
john, thank you for relaying this story, but I think that it is most likely over simplified. Maybe the PD was busy taking care of an emergency that involved violence or a weapon or maybe they were working with less people than they should have, courtesy of city council and thats why there was a delay in getting to you. I have never had an AAPD officer treat me with anything but professionalisim, so I would have to believe that there is more to your encounter than you tried to tell them what happened and they just drove off.
john
Tue, Sep 8, 2009 : 8:15 p.m.
Good article and good advice. Another factor in reducing B&E crime would be for the police to take it seriously. A few years ago I witnessed a "street urchin" enter several apartments in the area south of Hill street. As the bum was walking away with the goods in his hands I called 911 and had a friend, with a cell phone, follow the thief. Good 'ole AAPD showed up 25 MINUTES LATER! And when I informed them of what happened the officer replied "Well what do you want us to do about it?" and then causally drove off.