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Important Safety Reminders This Holiday Season

Friday December 14, 2018

With the holiday season officially upon us, the MVT CID and our partners in Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) First District would like to provide two quick safety reminders to help ensure that your year-end is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Theft from auto is a crime of opportunity that is largely avoidable through minimal effort. MPD reports that in the overwhelming majority of car break-in incidents, the theft involved an item of value left in plain sight. This past August and October our Clean Team helped prevent two vehicle break-ins and thefts – including the work bag and currency items pictured right – by remaining a constant presence near the vehicle until the would-be perpetrators walked away. But the Clean Team can’t be everywhere and need everyone in the community’s partnership to keep Mount Vernon Triangle safe. So as you plan to host friends, family and guests who may park their vehicles on District streets this holiday season, please remind them that the easiest, simplest and most cost effective way to secure their vehicle is to lock their doors and remove all contents or valuables from plain sight. Visit the MPD website for more information to keep your vehicle and valued possessions safe and secure this holiday season.

MPD would also encourages citizens to utilize one of eight designated “Safe Exchange Zones” across the District to help you avoid becoming a victim of an unscrupulous buyer or seller stemming from online platforms such as Offer-Up, Let Go and Craigslist. These designated areas serve as a safe place for residents and visitors to exchange and complete transactions of online purchases. MPD strongly encourages the public to make use of the exchange zones, and be especially wary of meeting people who refuse to meet at a Safe Exchange Zone location. Visit the MPD website to learn more about Safe Exchange Zones and to find the location nearest you.

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