Calimesa Police + Sheriff's Department Offer Crime Prevention Tips for the Pass

The Calimesa Police Department and its supervisors at the sheriff's Cabazon Station offered a list of crime prevention tips on Friday.

"The majority of thefts are crimes of opportunity," Capt. Ross R. Koepp of the Cabazon Station said. "By following these tips, you can minimize the opportunity, thus greatly reducing your risk of becoming a victim."

• Always lock your vehicle, even if leaving it for only a short time.
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle.
• Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle – thieves know where to look for them.
• Don't leave important documents such as vehicle titles, check books, or documents containing personal information that could be used for identify theft, in your vehicles.
• Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle. If you must temporarily leave valuables in your vehicle, always lock them in your trunk.
• Don't leave tools, generators, bicycles, or other valuables in the bed of pick-up trucks.
• Whenever possible, park in well-lighted, high traffic areas.
• Utilize a car alarm.
• Completely close your vehicle windows when parking or leaving your vehicle.
• Whenever possible, garage your vehicles and always remember to close your garage door.
• Bicycles should always be locked, secured to a fixed object and stored in a closed garage whenever possible.

The Calimesa Police Department is part of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Its personnel are directed by supervisors at the Cabazon Station, which serves unincorporated areas of the San Gorgonio Pass.

Koepp is commanding officer at the Cabazon Station.

Residents of areas served by the Calimesa Police Department and the Cabazon Station who want more information about crime prevention are urged to contact Deputy William Fiebig at (951) 922-7100 or by email at CabazonStation@RiversideSheriff.org.