South Tempe residents and their neighbors citywide are being warned about an increase in crime resulting from thieves who jump back yard fences or enter through unlocked gates.
The most common incidents involve alleys and result in crimes with no signs of forced entry, according to the Tempe Police Department’s public information officer, Molly Enright.
Officers and crime analysts are reporting an increase in the theft of pool pumps and vacuums.
Thirty-five reported incidents have occurred between February and May 26, said Enright.
Thefts have occurred across Tempe, but the majority of thefts have occurred south of Baseline Road.
The majority of thefts have occurred during the weekends between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Enright offers these tips:
- Secure your property.Â
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies or crimes-in-progress. (Call 480-350-8311 for non-emergencies).
- Talk with neighbors and look out for each other.Â
- Be on the lookout for suspicious activity.Â
- Lock gates and consider installing motion-sensor lights in the backyard.
- Register cleaners and pumps with the manufacturers and know there is a risk when buying these types of items from individuals who don’t have proof of purchase. If a contracted pool cleaner offers to replace pool equipment at your residence, request to see documentation for purchase of the equipment.
Traffickers in illegally obtained equipment and stolen goods move back and forth across local boundaries.Â
To deter and apprehend such criminals, Tempe patrol officers and detectives work closely with investigators from neighboring law enforcement agencies as well as partner with salvage yard management and, in this case, pool supply stores.
Enright also reminds residents about the value of forming Neighborhood Block Watch groups where they don’t already exist. For information on how to establish such groups, visit the Tempe Police Department’s Crime Prevention weblink at www.tempe.gov/cpu/Nwhtml.htm
