SIMPLE ACTIONS PREVENT CRIME

We can all have a hand in preventing crime. A watchful eye and good locks go a long way to assisting the local police department.

In the last two weeks, nearly 40 cars have been ransacked in the city of Cape Girardeau. Some property was stolen.

But consider this: All these vehicles were unlocked. A simple precaution of locking car doors would have probably prevented these crimes. The same precaution holds true on securing homes and garages. There's no reason why we should make the job easier for criminals.

Neighborhood Watch can still play an important role in fighting crime in our city. Interest in the program has dwindled in recent years. But a pair of watchful eyes can go a long way in detecting home or business break-ins. When that is multiplied by an entire neighborhood, statistics prove that criminals often take a detour.

It's important to have a first-rate police department to keep crime rates low. But they can't do it alone, especially if we fail to lock our doors and guard our valuables. We all have a stake in crime prevention.