CITY OF TAKOMA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWSLETTER
Chief Ronald A. Ricucci
(301) 270-1100
Recently, the City of Takoma Park has experienced a spike in street robberies, occurring in the areas near and around Takoma Old Town, Takoma Metro Stations and the Takoma/Langley areas. Citizens are being accosted by suspects while walking to and from the Takoma Metro and in the Langley Park area.
Since August, there have been sixteen armed, strong arm and attempted strong arm robberies in the City of Takoma Park. As a result of the spike in citizen robberies, the agency initiated a plainclothes robbery detail, with the goal of locating, identifying, arresting and prosecuting subjects associated with the crime of robbery.
The detail entails using members from the newly formed Takoma Park Police Department Tactical Enforcement Unit, Uniformed Patrol Officers, Criminal Investigators and members of the Washington Metro Transit Authority Police and the DC Metropolitan Police Department, who are experiencing the same incidents.
The Officers are conducting mobile and foot surveillance along the feeder streets of the Takoma Metro Station, Old Town Takoma Park and Montgomery College. Officers are also focusing on the areas along the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Corridor, utilizing high visibility proactive policing patrols. As a result of the detail, individuals of interest have been identified and a vehicle used in at least one of the robberies has been recovered by the Takoma Park Police Department. It will forensically be examined for any evidence that might identify persons involved in the robberies being committed in Takoma Park, District of Columbia, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
Some safety tips the Takoma Park Police want citizens to know and how they can protect themselves while walking throughout the community.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Most criminals look for convenient and what they perceive as “easy” prey. There are some common sense precautions you can take to minimize the risk of being robbed.
If you must walk alone at night, walk in highly visible, well lighted areas.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. As you walk, look around you. Scan the area.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted by using a cell phone or head phones.
Walk purposefully and look confident. Keep your head up.
If you see an individual, a group or a parked vehicle that looks suspicious or causes you concern, keep your distance. Take another route or ask for help.
Do not walk close to shrubbery, doorways or cars where someone can easily hide.
Hide your valuables. Don’t flash jewelry or other expensive belongings. Keep any bag or purse close to your body, preferably in front.
Try to limit your use of ATM machines to daytime, avoiding those that are out of the way and as always, be aware of your surroundings.
If you think you are being followed, quickly change directions and if possible go to a location where there are other people that can help you.
If an unknown vehicle approaches you, immediately change directions.
If you do find yourself being robbed, avoid being injured by giving the robber what they want.
Don’t attempt to resist or attack the subject.
If possible, try to note details that will help in catching the suspect, such as race, hair, facial features, height, weight, build, clothing and vehicle and tag information.
Call police immediately (301.270.1100) or “911" and stay in a safe place nearby until they arrive.
Posted by Cathy at October 26, 2007 02:03 PM