EMERGENCY

(619)531-2000
or
(858)484-3154  

Non-Emergency:
SDPD Communications 24/7 - to report a crime, a person you suspect of casign cars or homes, cars drag racing etc.  
Please do not leave a message to Officer Gaylon Sells, Community Relations Officer

  (858)523-7000

Northwestern Division, 12592 El Camino Real, SD, CA 92130
Carmel Valley - 8 am to 5 pm - Monday thru Thursday
                                click for map of area of coverage 

  (858)523-7021

Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol
8 to 11:30 & 1 to 3:00 Monday thru Thursday

  (858)495-7856

Vehicle Abatement:
Call to report an abandoned vehicle or a car parked on a street over 72 hours. You willl need the license plate number (plus state if not CA) location (street & number) and description of vehicle.

  (858)523-7031

  Gaylon Sells, Community Relations Officer

  1-888-382-1222

  "Do Not Call" Registry - to stop most calls from telemarketers.

  1-800-222-1222

  POISON CONTROL  24 hours - 7 days

  handy resource whenever you need to access any City services  http://www.sandiego.gov/directories/services.shtml

 SDPD WARNS RESIDENTS ABOUT BURGLARY SCAM

(San Diego) The San Diego Police Department is warning residents about a male suspect who used a ruse to gain entry into a home in the Rolando neighborhood and steal from the homeowner. On September 15 the elderly female victim notified police that a man had come to her door at about 3:30 p.m. claiming to be a city of San Diego Water Department employee. He was wearing what appeared to be a uniform with an ID badge hanging around his neck. He told her his name was Rich and that he needed to come inside and check the water pressure. He asked that the resident flush toilets in the restrooms while he ran water in the kitchen sink. After the suspect left, the resident realized that he had stolen cash from her purse. The suspect is described as a white male, about 50 years old, 5’5”, about 160-165 lbs with brown hair and he was clean-shaven. The suspect had a raspy voice and was wearing a gray button-down, short-sleeved shirt and gray pants. It is rare that a city of San Diego Water Department employee would need to gain access to the inside of a residence. All city employees are required to carry photo identification with them while on duty. If any person claiming to be a city employee comes to your residence asking to gain entry, ask them to produce their city identification before you allow them into your home. You can verify that the individual is an employee of the Water Department by calling (619) 515-3525. If there is any question in your mind as to whether any individual is a city employee, do not allow the person inside your home and call the San Diego Police Department immediately at (619) 531-2000. Also visit this site for additional information http://www.sandiego.gov/water/operations/imposters.shtml. If you have any information on this case, please call Mid City Division at (619) 516-3000 or SD County Crime Stoppers anonymous, toll-free tip line (888) 580-8477. Anonymous text and email messages can be sent via www.sdcrimestoppers.com. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.                                          Oct 09

Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) program

Hello everyone, I wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight Northwestern Division's Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) program. Our RSVPs play an integral part in the partnership between the police and the community, and are a shining example of Community Policing in action. They are volunteers from your neighborhoods who are out there keeping your neighborhoods safe by providing such functions as school security checks, security patrols through residential neighborhoods, vacation house checks, and a program called YANA, which stands for You Are Not Alone. In the YANA program the RSVPs check on those who are unable to leave their homes due to health issues. Additionally, the RSVPs are active in disseminating crime prevention information to businesses and shopping malls. These are just some of the numerous functions the RSVPs perform on a daily basis.

In the first nine months of 2009 the 13 RSVP members volunteered nearly 3400 hours! If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community I can think of no better program than the RSVP program. I would encourage any of you who are 50 or older and are interested in the RSVP program to call Bernie Palacek, who is Northwestern Division's RSVP Administrator. Bernie can be reached at 858 523-7021. I have attached a flier on the RSVP program that will give you additional information about the program.

In closing, I want to thank all of you in the community who have supported Northwestern Division in our efforts to make this Division one we can all be proud of. As we work together in partnership I know we can continue to make a positive impact on crime and quality-of-life issues in our neighborhoods.

Thanks again, Gaylon Gaylon Sells, Community Relations Officer

 Hello everyone, This was sent to me and I think it is useful information to pass along. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day. Gaylon

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car's battery dies.This tip came from a Neighborhood Watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it.

It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around... After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there ..... Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My friend's Mom has suggested to her Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.                                                                       May 09

   The San Diego Police Department

sdpdnorthwestern@pd.sandiego.gov 

I know it is a novel idea in Southern California to use your garage to park your vehicles and not for general storage : )  And if you do have to park your vehicles in your driveway it would be great to have a motion-activated light covering your driveway. They are easy to install and can replace the existing lights most homes have at the front of the garage.  

  Home and Vacation Tips from your SD Police Department - Northwestern Division
click here 

HOME SECURITY TIPS

SDPD Northwestern Division

September 2008

Burglary is mostly a crime of opportunity that capitalizes on the carelessness and neglect of the homeowner or renter.  This paper contains tips on preventing home burglaries, vandalism, and other property crimes by controlling access, providing visibility, and maintaining your property.  It also contains tips on protecting your home and property when you are away.  And if you do become a victim, it includes tips on making sure the police can find your home, and on identifying your property.  These tips can significantly enhance the security of your home and property.

CONTROLLING ACCESS

The following tips suggest how access to your home, apartment, or condo can be controlled by physical protection, deterrent measures, and various procedures.

Physical Protection

·        Install single cylinder dead-bolt locks on all doors.  Bolts should have a minimum throw of 1 inch. Strike plates should have screws that are at least 3 inches long.  Doors should be solid hardwood or metal clad.  Hinges should be located on the inside or have non-removable pins.  Special locks are need on double and Dutch doors.

·        Install locking devices on all sliding glass doors and windows. 

·        Install good locks all doors that lead outside through garages or storage areas.  

·        Don’t rely on chain locks for security.  They’re only good for privacy.

·        Re-key or change all locks when moving into a new home.

·        Install locks on gates, garages, sheds, etc.

·        Go to a locksmith or hardware store for advice on locks.

·        Reinforce the glass in windows on the lock sides of doors so a burglar cannot break them and reach in to open the door.

·        Consider installing security bars on side, rear, or other windows that a burglar might break to enter your home.  Bars must comply with Fire Code requirements for inside release to permit an occupant to escape in the event of a fire.

·        Fence in the yard.

·        Install a good side-yard gate and keep it locked at all times.  Side and back entries are the most common access points for burglars.

·        Plant bushes with thorns or prickly leaves near windows and along fences.

·        Trim trees so that limbs don’t provide access to roofs, second stories, etc.

·        Call Gaylon Sells, the Northwestern Division Community Relations Officer, at (858) 523-7031 to arrange for a free home security survey.

Deterrent Measures

·        Put Neighborhood Watch, alarm company, and Operation ID stickers on entry doors and windows.

·        Consider having a dog that can scare a stranger away by either barking or looking fierce.  Keep an outside dog in a fenced area and have a good lock on the gate.

·        Use fencing, gates, landscaping, pavement treatment, signs, etc. to define clear boundaries between your property and adjoining properties.

Burglar Alarms

·        Alarm systems usually include one or more of the following components: photocell or magnetic contacts on doors and windows, heat or motion detectors in interior spaces, glass break detectors, keypads with a means of checking the status of the system, and audible alarms.  All equipment should be Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified.

·        Multiple sensors are preferred because they reduce false alarms, which are wasteful of police resources and lead to fines and permit revocation.

·        See Secs. 33.3701-33.3723 of the San Diego Municipal Code for burglary alarm business and agent requirements and responsibilities, alarm user permit requirements, etc.  Call SDPD Permits and Licensing at (619) 531-2250 about obtaining an alarm permit.

·        Get alarm company references from friends or neighbors.  Get at least three estimates in writing.  The SDPD does not prefer or recommend companies, brands, or types of security systems.  

·        Make sure the alarm company has a City Business Tax Certificate and is licensed by the State of California.  You can verify the latter by calling the State of California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services at (916) 322-4000 or going online at http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis.

·        If your system is monitored, make sure the monitoring station is open 24/7 and has backup power.  The company’s customer service department should also be open 24/7.

·        Make sure you understand your service contract, all the points of protection and the equipment to be installed, the initial and monthly payments, and the warranty period.

·        Inform your insurance company.  You may qualify for a discount.

·        The system should also have a fail-safe battery backup.  Check the batteries periodically and replace them if necessary.

Procedures

·        Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just going out “for a minute.”  If a window is left open a few inches for ventilation, pins or dowels should be inserted in the tracks to prevent someone from opening it more.

·        Lock gates, garages, and sheds after each use.

·        Store bicycles, mowers, etc. in a locked garage or shed, or secure them to some stationary point.

·        Don’t leave notes on your door when you are away from home.

·        Don’t leave keys in mailboxes or planters, under doormats, or in other obvious hiding spots.  Leave an extra key with a neighbor.

·        Learn to recognize who belongs in your neighborhood, development, or apartment, i.e., residents, workers, guests, etc.

·        Know who’s at your door before opening it.  Check photo registration card before dealing with any solicitors, peddlers, interviewers, etc.  These persons are required to obtain a card from the SDPD and display it on the front of their clothing.  They are allowed to solicit only between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. except by appointment.

·        Be suspicious of persons making unsolicited offers of services.

·        Post a NO SOLICITING sign if you don’t want any solicitor to ring your door bell, knock on your door, or make any other sound to attract your attention.   

·        Ask for photo identification before letting in anyone you don’t know.  Check out the identification with the company or agency if you are suspicious.

·        Never let a stranger enter your home to use the telephone.  Offer to make the call yourself in an emergency.

·        Don’t give your name, phone number, or whereabouts on your answering machine message.  Never say you aren’t home.  Just ask the caller to leave a message.

·        Don’t leave your home keys on a chain with your vehicle keys when you use valet parking.  Also, don’t leave your garage door opener where it is easily accessible.  Keep your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any other papers with your home address on them where a criminal is not likely to find them.

·        Don’t give maids, babysitters, or others working in your home access to your home keys or alarm codes.

·        Call the police on 911 if you are at home and hear or see something suspicious.  Don’t take direct action yourself.  An officer will be dispatched to your address even if you cannot speak or hang up.

·        Don’t go in or call out if you return home and suspect someone has broken into your home, e.g., if a window or screen is broken, a door is ajar, or a strange vehicle is parked in the driveway.  Go to a neighbor’s home and call the police.

·        Don’t discuss your assets or finances with strangers.

·        Don’t keep large sums of money at home.

·        Keep valuable papers, stocks, bonds, expensive jewelry, coin collections, etc. in a bank safe deposit box.  Don’t store them at home unless you have a security closet or a safe that is well hidden and cannot be removed.

PROVIDING VISIBILITY

 ·        Leave outside lights on after dark or have outside lights controlled by a motion detector.  Make sure there are no dark areas around the house, garage, or yard in which a person could hide.  Street lights are generally inadequate for illuminating your property.

·        Check lights regularly and replace burnt out bulbs.

·        Trim bushes to less than 3 feet to eliminate possible hiding places, especially near windows and sidewalks.

·        Trim tree canopies to at least 8 feet to allow visibility into your property.

·        Replace solid walls in front yards with open fencing to eliminate hiding places and make climbing more difficult.

·        Install a wide-angle peephole in your front door so you can look out without being seen yourself.

MAINTAINING YOUR PROPERTY

·        Keep property in good condition and free of trash, litter, weeds, leaves, graffiti, dismantled or inoperative vehicles, and other things that indicate neglect in caring for your property.

·        Replace broken windows or screens.

·        Repair broken fences and gate locks.

·        Use screens, wired glass, or other protection for light fixtures and bulbs.

·        Remove loose rocks and other objects that could be used to vandalize your property.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY WHEN AWAY

·        Use timers on lights, radios, TVs, etc. to make them go on and off during the day and night to make your home appear occupied.

·        Stop mail and newspaper delivery, or have neighbor pick up anything left at the home.

·        Keep grass watered and cut.  Water and trim other landscaping.

·        Ask the neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activities.

·        Leave your itinerary with a neighbor so you can be contacted in an emergency.

·        Disconnect your electric garage door opener and padlock the door, preferably on the inside.

·        Visit the SDPD Northwestern Division at 12592 El Camino Real to request vacation home checks when you’ll be out of town.  Call (858) 523-7000 first to make sure there is an officer at the front counter.

·        Set your burglar alarm and notify your alarm company that you will be away.  Then if an alarm occurs when you are away the company will not call your home first to verify the alarm; it will notify the police directly.  Also provide the alarm company with an up-to-date list of persons to contact about the alarm and the need to secure your home after a burglary.

MAKING SURE THE POLICE CAN FIND YOUR HOME

·        Make sure your street address number is clearly visible from the street and is well lighted at night so the police and other emergency personnel can locate your home easily.  Numbers should be at least 4 inches high must be used on individual dwellings and duplexes, and 12 inches high on multiple-unit residential buildings.

·        Make sure your unit number (in a multifamily housing development) is clearly visible from paths in the development.  A directory or map that shows paths and unit locations should be placed at the main entrance of the development.

·        Provide the police with an entry code if you live in a gated community. 

IDENTIFYING YOUR PROPERTY

·        Etch your driver’s license number on any valuables that might be stolen.

·        Photograph valuables that cannot be etched.

·        Keep a detailed, up-to-date record of your valuables.  Include type, model, serial number, and fair market value.