Irondequoit Police Department

Information Bulletins

I hope these bulletins help keep you safe and secure
- Chief Richard J. Boyan

LARCENIES FROM VEHICLES

We have noticed a continuing increase in police calls for items being stolen from vehicles parked in residential driveways and apartment complexes. We are encouraging the public to practice the following vehicle tips:

• Lock you vehicle at all times.
• Do not leave packages where they are visible. Put packages out of sight or in the trunk.
• Leave a light on in your driveway, if possible.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle (i.e., cameras, cell phones, computers, briefcases, purses, or wallets). DO NOT TEMPT A THIEF!

The break-ins are not concentrated in one neighborhood, but are scattered about the Town. We encourage you to call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood as it is happening.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR LICENSE PLATES

A “GAS DRIVE OFF” is when someone pumps gas into their car and then leaves the gas station without paying for the gas. This is a Petit Larceny, section 155.25 of the NYS Penal Law, an A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine imposed by court.

Given the rise in gas prices, people have taken to stealing license plates, putting them on their car, then getting gas and running, without paying for the gas.

The gas station will have "your" license plate # and you could be suspected of the "pump and run." Check your car periodically to be sure you still have a plate. If you should find it missing, file a Police report immediately!!!

Keep an eye on your license plate! Make sure you always know it's there! When your license plate is reported as the "drive off vehicle", it's YOU the Police will contact!

Be aware!!!! Check your license plates, most of us never look to see if the plates are there or not..

BE PROACTIVE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BICYCLE

With the continuation of warm weather many people are out riding their bicycles around town. Do not leave your bicycle out in your yard unattended, or unlocked in a public bike rack. Be sure to secure your bicycle with a strong, reliable bike lock. Record the make, model and serial number of your bicycle and keep it in a safe place. If you notice people in your neighborhood riding double on a bicycle or "ghost Riding", riding one bicycle and pushing another bicycle, call 9-1-1 to report the suspicious activity.

Keep yourself safe- always wear a bicycle helmet when riding your bicycle. Wear bright colors so that other motorists can see you. Travel with the flow of traffic when riding on the roadway, and use hand signals to notify other motorists when you are turning or stopping. Use a horn or a bell on your bicycle. When you are riding your bicycle after dark be sure to use a headlight and a tail light to make yourself visable to motorists.

LIGHT UP YOUR PROPERTY AND KEEP YOUR GARAGES & SHEDS LOCKED

Light up your yards. (it only costs $1.80 per month to keep a 60 watt bulb lit overnight). Darkness is the perfect cover for a suspect to travel through your yard and your neighbors yards undetected. Light up your lawn so that you, your neighbors and the Police Officers patrolling your streets can see if someone is in your yard or your driveway at night. Secure your garages and your sheds with a reliable lock. Make sure that you lock the door between your garage and your house. Lock and cover the windows on your sheds and on your garages, so that a potential thief cannot see all of the treasures you keep there. Keep your garage doors closed during the day. If you see or hear something suspicious in your neighborhood CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY. Help us help you.