Irvine Police Share Crime Prevention Tips at Community Meeting
Irvine PD Detective Sergeant Adam Pettinger, Detective Jeffrey Hause, and Community Outreach Specialist Shiree Lind [L to R] spoke to a crowd of 60 or so neighbors (and one dog) about how to protect themselves from common crimes committed in Irvine. Photo credit The Vine
On Wednesday, August 14th at 6:30 pm, the Irvine Police Department (IPD) held a safety meeting at Turtle Rock Park Community Center. Led by longtime IPD Community Outreach Specialist Shiree Lind, who has spent 30 years with the department and grew up right here in Irvine, the session focused on practical ways residents can protect themselves and their homes from crime. IPD Detective Sergeant Adam Pettinger and Detective Jeffrey Hause then took questions from the audience to address community concerns.
Lind started the meeting by sharing strategies to avoid common crimes IPD is seeing in Irvine. To prevent vehicle burglary, she encouraged residents to take valuables out of their cars. Package and mail theft remain a concern, although few of the 60 or so attendees indicated by a show of hands that they had experienced either personally. To avoid package and mail theft, Lind advised tracking deliveries and enrolling in the United States Postal Service’s Informed Delivery to monitor incoming mail. For bike theft, Lind highlighted the importance of bike registration with IPD’s Project 529 and using sturdy U-locks to keep bikes secure.
Lind then turned to the subject of home safety. She recommended keeping homes well-lit, especially when away, and using varied timers to create the illusion of occupancy. She also stressed the value of doorbell cameras. Speaking to visitors through the camera, Lind explained, can deter potential burglars. Security film applied to windows will help to slow a burglar’s progress. Many local burglars have accessed homes by shattering rear-facing sliding glass doors.
Landscaping can also play a role in home security. Overgrown shrubs can provide hiding spots for criminals, so Lind advised keeping them trimmed. Planting thorny bushes like roses, holly, or bougainvillea near fences can further discourage intruders.
Lind then segued to a question and answer session, which was primarily focused on recent residential burglaries in the area. According to Hause, residential burglaries have decreased in the past three years, from eighteen two years ago to just seven so far this year.
“It’s not that we’re fine with seven burglaries,” clarified Pettinger, “but it is an improvement.”
Other questions included surveillance (IPD continues to patrol the area with undercover cars as well as drones) and various techniques sophisticated burglars are using. A Wi-Fi jammer was rumored to be used to avoid cameras catching intruders during a Turtle Rock burglary last week. Pettinger explained that Wi-Fi jammers are illegal but are unfortunately still accessible to burglars who wish to disable cameras.
Residents were encouraged to start or participate in neighborhood watch programs, stay informed through newsletters, and follow the IPD on social media for updates. In an email exchange after the meeting, Lind pointed out that Irvine residents can protect themselves from identity theft and other financial crimes by freezing their credit with Experian, Transunion, and Equifax.
If you see a suspicious vehicle or person in your neighborhood, call IPD’s non-emergency number at 949-724-7000. In an emergency, always call 911.