Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office reported a substantial drop in vehicle burglaries at County parks and trailheads during this summer's Take ConTRoL prevention and enforcement campaign.

The Sheriff's Office began the Take ConTRoL campaign during the Memorial Day weekend in an effort to reduce the number of vehicle burglaries that take place at trailheads and parks during the summer months. Sheriff investigators identified a total of 54 vehicle burglaries directly related to County parks and trailheads during the summers of 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Four vehicle burglaries were reported from County parks and trailheads during the summer of 2014.

"Our strategy was to work in partnership with the public on a summer-long campaign that would reduce a known crime trend by reducing the opportunities for that crime to occur," Undersheriff Tim Kuzanek said. "Based on the numbers, that is exactly what we were able to do."

The 2014 Take ConTRoL action plan included:

• Increased patrol presence at County parks and trailheads during which Deputies took time to talk with park users about vehicle burglary prevention tips.
• Sheriff's Office Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members contributed nearly 100 hours of volunteer time visiting various parks and trailheads to provide park users with vehicle burglary prevention information.
• Sheriff's Office worked with the County's Community Services Department/Regional Parks and Open Space to install 53 signs providing Take ConTRoL information at approximately two dozen parks and trailheads throughout the County. More signs are planned for the near future.
• Local media also played an important role by helping to inform and empower the community to take steps that reduce the opportunity for vehicle burglaries while enjoying outdoor recreation.

The key messages of Take ConTRoL are:

C - Clean it Out: remove valuables from your vehicle
T - Take your keys with you. Never leave your car running
R - Report suspicious activity or crimes to the proper authorities as soon as possible
L - Lock your doors every time. Sheriff's Office statistics show that 75 percent of this year's vehicle burglaries involved vehicles that were left unlocked

The Sheriff's Office uses a data-driven approach to reducing crime and increasing public safety in Washoe County. Crime statistics are reviewed weekly so that Sheriff's Office resources can be allocated where they are most needed by the community. For more tips on staying safe year round, visit the Staying Safe page at WashoeSheriff.com.

photo 1: CERT Volunteers Sandy Petersen (second from left) and Lee Rhodes (far right) talk about vehicle burglary prevention with park users at the County's Mayberry Park on Sunday, July 13, 2014. CERT volunteers contributed nearly 100 hours of volunteer time over the summer months providing park users with vehicle burglary preventin tips as part of the Sheriff's Office Take ConTRoL campaign.

photo 2: One of the new Take ConTRoL signs at Washoe County's Mayberry Park

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

Attached audio files...

Download this audio file - (Reduction of Vehicle Thefts - Take CTRL - 1 MB mp3)