Reporting crimes through Operation Crime Stop

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Irasema Reed
  • 66th Security Forces Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Operation Crime Stop is a program designed to help overcome the reluctance of community members to get involved with the 66th Security Forces Squadron by providing an anonymous means of reporting suspected or actual crimes. Anonymous crime reports can include school crimes such as persistent bullying, domestic violence, suspicious activity, threatening acts or behavior, possession of weapons and the use or sale of illegal drugs.

According to the 66 SFS, based on Hanscom's population of 5,658 people, the crime rate from January through August 2012 is at 2.36 percent. There have been 14 crimes against persons. These crimes include assault, domestic disturbance and suicide attempts or gestures. There were 62 crimes against property, with damage to property and larceny being the trend.

Historically, Hanscom has enjoyed a low crime rate average, which is due to constant vigilance and support from the entire community.

The following tips are provided to help protect community members and their property from becoming victims of a crime:

- Secure all doors and windows when leaving the home or dormitory room, to include basements and garages, even if only going away for a moment. Unlocked doors and windows leave households susceptible to theft.
- Lock doors at night to protect from robberies and sexual assault.
- Don't hide spare keys in obvious places, like under door mats.
- Don't leave valuables such as bicycles outside unattended.
- Put away high theft items, like wallets, purses or mp3 players, when leaving a work area.
- Get to know neighbors and inform them about going away for an extended period of time so that they can keep watch over the house.
- Challenge any unknown people at work or around the neighborhood. A criminal's main concern is to go unrecognized, but challenging someone may thwart the threat.
- Secure lockers at the gym. At the Hanscom gym, if a person forgets their lock, they may borrow one from the front desk.
To anonymously report a crime through Operation Crime Stop, call 781-225-6920.

Another tool offered by the Security Forces Crime Prevention program is Operation Identification. This is a program to prevent burglary in the home and involves the owner marking their property with an identifying number as a means to discourage theft.

The Operation Identification package includes one engraver, which may be checked out via Air Force Form 1297, one instruction sheet pamphlet and one Air Force Form 1670, valuable property form. Packages may be picked up at the 66th Security Forces Squadron, Building 1725. The engraver must be returned within 72 hours. Suggestions for property that may be marked are televisions, lawn equipment, mp3 players, laptops, sporting goods, musical instruments and bicycles. For valuable property not easily marked, a picture may be submitted and attached to an Air Force Form 1670.

For Operation Crime Stop or Operation Identification questions, contact Staff Sgt. Irasema Reed by email at Hanscom.Police.Services@hanscom.af.mil or by phone at 781-225-5613.