"Car clouts" increasing in Cedar Mill

A message from your Sheriff’s Office

In the past several months, a pattern of thefts from vehicles has developed in the Cedar Mill area. Items are being stolen when left in a vehicle while the owner runs into a store, stops by his house, runs into her child’s school, or otherwise leaves valuables for “just a minute” - unattended.

These crimes are “crimes of opportunity.” While deputies are running special missions and working to track down the thieves, we are asking citizens to take preventive measures to curb this kind of activity. An extra few moments of your time can save you a lot of trouble later.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Close your garage door to limit access to your vehicles
• Always lock all windows, doors and sunroofs
• Do not leave articles of value in plain sight
• Get in the habit of always taking your purse, wallet, laptop, or any valuable item with you every time
• Remove the detachable faceplate of your stereo
• Consider using some type of anti-theft device
• Make your neighborhood less of a target—spread the word to your neighbors
• Consider forming or rejuvenating a Neighborhood Watch in your area

For more information, please call Crime Prevention Specialist Doreen Rivera at (503) 846-5930. If you observe suspicious activity in your area, call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111. To report possible crimes in progress call 9-1-1.

Crime Prevention assistance available

Hello, my name is Doreen Rivera. I am proud to be your contact person at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for Neighborhood Watch, community education, and crime prevention presentations. I can also work with you to resolve neighborhood livability issues such as graffiti, drug problems, property theft, and even nuisance properties where junk or collections of old cars are parked. Please feel free to contact me for assistance at any time.

I can help you start a Neighborhood Watch, or assist you in revitalizing an existing group. I am also available to attend a community meeting in your area. My job is to provide presentations to your community group, church group, Parent Teacher Organization, Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, or even a mom’s club. Topics include Methamphetamine, Identity Theft, Personal Safety, or How to Recognize Child Molesters. I can also customize crime prevention presentations for subjects that interest your group.

Please feel free to contact me directly at (503) 846-5930 or at doreen_rivera@co.washington.or.us. I would be more than happy to join you!

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