TORRANCE CRIME ALERT
PRESENTATION
(Pete Porter - RSVP)
As residents of Torrance and the surrounding South Bay we are
extremely fortunate to be living in an area that is relatively
free of crime. However, it is important for us to remain aware of
any resurgence of scams and other criminal activity that may have
occurred in the past, as well as any of the newer forms that are
starting to appear in the modem techno-age that we now live in.
It was with this in mind thai Council Woman and RSVP Director,
Hope Witkowsky, asked the Torrance Police Department to put on a
Crime Alert presentation at the Katy Gissert Public Library.
Between sixty and seventy members were in attendance when Police
Sergeant Dave Crespin and Detective Rick Kerber gave a very
informative and entertaining Talk on that sub ject. Detective
Kerber outlined the many forms of scams that have become
prevalent in recent times; including "dumpster diving" and phone
fraud. He emphasised how important it was to shred credit card
receipts and other personal documentation before depositing them
in the trash and specifically recommended a type of shredder
called a "cross-cut" shredder stating that documents destroyed
via the standard omni-directional shredder can too easily be
recon structed by a ailigent criminal. Roadside mail boxes were
also noted for being an easy source for someone to obtain
uncancelled checks that could be "washed" and made payable to
other parties. He also stressed that, apart from taking care when
entering a PIN at an ATM ma chine, one should always remember to
pick up the receipt before leaving the facility.
Sergeant Crespin outlined the many ways that one could guard
against the more per sonal types of assault that can occur,
particularly as the year-end holiday season approacnes. lie
stated that one should always be aware of their surroundings, not
over burden themselves with too many packages and, whenever
possible, shop with a buddy. He drew everyone's at tention to the
small body alarm that was given to all those in attendance as
they registered for the meeting. Worn in the same manner as a
pager and operating off a 9 volt battery, this de vice gives out
a shrill 130dB sound when activated, and is a most certain to
scare off any ag gressor as well as bringing attention off one's
plight to anyone in the vicinity. He stressed that one should get
used to putting it on as part of one's nonnal apparel each
morning and that it would become second nature to do after a week
or so. Apart from a general feeling of secu rity, this simple
device could end up saving your life!
Packages consisting of the above personal alarm and a small high
beam flashlight were brought to the meeting by Jim Herrera of
Pacific Bell and presented to all in attendance. If you couldn't
make the meeting, the remaining packages will be available on a
first come- first served basis at the RSVP office. A large spread
of snacks was also donated by Pacific Bell and truly appreciated
by all in attendance.
All in all, this was a very informative meeting and we should all
be proud of our local Police force and the great work they do for
our community.
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