The Rest of the Story

I drove down the Phoenix last weekend for a very special purpose. To get back what was taken from me, at lest in part. If you remember when our house was broken into this time last year, you'll know the police managed to catch the thieves. Last month, the case was closed. The male burg suspect got 19 years in prison. His female accomplice got a little less. It still makes me shale my head how people think this is a good way ot make a living. Have fun in prison.

We headed down to Phoenix to retrieve what we could from evidence. We found a number of things, most of them fairly worthless. What we really headed down for was to see if our Sony SmartStick with 1500 pictures of our wedding and honeymoon pictures on it, was recovered. Alas, no luck. I'm almost starting to think the universe wanted those pictures gone. We backed them up on two computers. Both computers failed and the memory stick was stolen. Hmmm ... makes you think.

At any rate, we had an interesting trip. We stopped through Vegas to observe the worst snow storm in 35 years. Kind of a historic moment to be there. All in all, it was a good trip. We provided some closure and saw justice done. Its nice when you can work with the authorities and see the bad guys get what they deserve. It should be publicized more. Maybe people will stop being so dumb. Hey, its worth a shot.

Is your vehicle a target for thieves?

For a crime to take place, three elements must be present: (1) Desire (2) Ability and (3) Opportunity. To have a desire to commit a crime encompasses many facets of psychological human behavior. Family values, social status, education and religion all play a role in forming desire.

Ability to commit a crime is dependent upon the individual's capability to perform the crime, which varies from person to person. The capacity to alter either desire or ability is very difficult from a law enforcement perspective. Eliminating the desire to commit a crime requires education both for the perpetrator as well as the potential victim. If a person has an understanding of the consequences faced when considering committing a crime such as fines, jail, criminal record and victim's loss they might choose not to perform the illegal act. Furthermore, when a person is educated in good crime prevention techniques that they abide by, the opportunity for the perpetrator is taken out of the equation and a crime can not be committed.

Over the past several weeks, and even months, Sandy City has been plagued with theft from vehicles, or vehicle burglaries. While the Police Department is doing all they can to combat this crime, we need your help. Through education and by following the simple prevention advice you can drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this all too common crime.

Vehicle burglaries are one of the most prevalent crimes not only in Sandy City, but nation wide. A vehicle burglary occurs when anything is taken out of your vehicle without your permission. This crime takes on average only 7 seconds to get in and 90 seconds to complete. It is a crime that none of us are immune to and therefore must all be aware of. Vehicle burglaries are very difficult cases for law enforcement officials to solve. The reason being there is usually very little physical evidence left behind after one has occurred. The crimes usually occur in apartment, gym, retail store, and reception center or business parking lots. However, they frequently occur on residential streets, driveways and in garages as well.

Most vehicle burglaries occur from simple negligence on each of our parts. Things such as leaving car doors unlocked and/or windows down, and keeping valuables in the car can attract a vehicle burglar. If you fit into the categories above, look out! You could be the next victim. No vehicle is secure and nothing left inside a vehicle is secure. Vehicle burglars are looking for a quick in and out. They are able to gain access quickly by breaking windows or through open doors and/or windows. Once access has been made, they look to take things such as CD's, backpacks, money, day planners and palm pilots, cell phones, clothing, laptops, purses, stereo equipment, books, packages and so forth. All of these items make for quick cash and can even lead to further crimes such as fraud, forgery and identity theft. Fraud, forgery, and identity theft can effect victims for months to come.

The biggest reason vehicle burglar's commit this crime is for the quick cash. However, according to Roy Stevens, convicted career thief "the basic answer is that I like having things…Sometimes it is easier to just steal…there is enormous thrill in the crimes…it is a hobby…it has become my way of life." These are common phrases from other perpetrators that the police department has interviewed as well.

Most recently the Sandy City Police apprehended a suspect in connection with a string of vehicle burglaries. The suspect was addicted to methamphetamine and was breaking into cars to get what ever he could to get money to buy more methamphetamine. When we apprehended this particular suspect, he had several sets of car keys, cellular telephones, check books, drivers licenses', credit cards, social security cards and other paraphernalia. He was looking for an easy target. Once these things were in his possession he would either use them to his benefit or sell them to other criminals in exchange for more methamphetamine.

Unfortunately, the above scenario is not uncommon. These types of criminals, especially those addicted to drugs, look for the easy target. They sleep during the day and are out at night. They are in your neighborhood as well as mine. Be mindful of these things and keep valuables out of the car and lock the doors!

Don't tempt criminals such as Roy Stevens and others by leaving things in your car. All items should preferably be removed or at least put in the trunk where they are out of view. If nothing is there, nothing can be taken and the burglar will move on. Also, get in the habit of always closing your windows and locking your doors. An open door or window and things left in the car are a welcome invitation to a thief.

(Article courtesy of Amy Bryant, Crime Prevention Specialist, Sandy City Police Department)

Say What You Mean

If the fictional heroes of Batman and Superman can resolve their fundamental philosophical differences to work together, surely most people can share their views and build bridges without it ending up in a shouting match. Don't cha think? And it all comes down to one simple real life skill. Conflict resolution.

How have we suddenly lost the art of conflict resolution (CR)? Its gone for 90% (that's a made up number) of the population. Remember when we could walk up to someone and say what we mean without it coming off uncomfortable, passive-aggressive or just downright aggressive? Maybe CR disappeared with chivalry, but I think its the invent of internet conversations - we'll include email in there too - that has nailed its coffin shut. As such, lets address written CR first.

Here is the problem and it happens a million times a day (another made up number). Someone writes a thought. Lets say, at the very least, its meant for response. Could be an email, an invite or maybe even a political blog. You disagree with the thought or premise, so what do you do? Well, if you are like most Americans, you go black or white.

White: No response. You don't say anything. You don't want to be rude. You don't want to cause a fuss. Fill in the blank, but you think that makes you nice.

Black: You kill a fly with a bazooka. Your response is literally meant to maim or kill someone who incidentally offended you. Sometimes this is simply a lack of commonly shared values that leads to the offensive moment, but the effect is much the same. You're that truthful person and you're proud of stating the TRUTH.

So, what is the other option? Gray. Gray is a lovely color, don't you think? So how do you answer Gray?

Gray: Lets address the "Don't Rules" of gray before we address the "do rules."

1. Don't tell the other person they are wrong.
2. Don't call them stupid.
3. Don't attack them personally

I think if people just followed those three simple rules, "Do Rules" would be superfluous. But for the sake of argument, lets take a look

1. Share your opinion as if you were sharing it for the first time (instead of as a response)
2. Only say something if you'd be willing to say it with that person standing there
   
3. Comment positively on their opinion, even if its only their right to make it.

I don't want to get too deep here, but jot those down in your Citizen Hero Notebook and see how it goes. Sharing your opinion doesn't have to be confrontational or a fight. It can just be an exchange of ideas.

I always remember a quote from a church video as a kid. It said, "I'm not trying to convince you that what I think is right. I'm just sharing what works for me." Well said.

We'll make today's blog short in the hopes that more people will take it to heart and try to share more opinions with less aggravation. Share your thoughts with the world!

Say What You Mean

If the fictional heroes of Batman and Superman can resolve their fundamental philosophical differences to work together, surely most people can share their views and build bridges without it ending up in a shouting match. Don't cha think? And it all comes down to one simple real life skill. Conflict resolution.

How have we suddenly lost the art of conflict resolution (CR)? Its gone for 90% (that's a made up number) of the population. Remember when we could walk up to someone and say what we mean without it coming off uncomfortable, passive-aggressive or just downright aggressive? Maybe CR disappeared with chivalry, but I think its the invent of internet conversations - we'll include email in there too - that has nailed its coffin shut. As such, lets address written CR first.

Here is the problem and it happens a million times a day (another made up number). Someone writes a thought. Lets say, at the very least, its meant for response. Could be an email, an invite or maybe even a political blog. You disagree with the thought or premise, so what do you do? Well, if you are like most Americans, you go black or white.

White: No response. You don't say anything. You don't want to be rude. You don't want to cause a fuss. Fill in the blank, but you think that makes you nice.

Black: You kill a fly with a bazooka. Your response is literally meant to maim or kill someone who incidentally offended you. Sometimes this is simply a lack of commonly shared values that leads to the offensive moment, but the effect is much the same. You're that truthful person and you're proud of stating the TRUTH.

So, what is the other option? Gray. Gray is a lovely color, don't you think? So how do you answer Gray?

Gray: Lets address the "Don't Rules" of gray before we address the "do rules."

1. Don't tell the other person they are wrong.
2. Don't call them stupid.
3. Don't attack them personally

I think if people just followed those three simple rules, "Do Rules" would be superfluous. But for the sake of argument, lets take a look

1. Share your opinion as if you were sharing it for the first time (instead of as a response)
2. Only say something if you'd be willing to say it with that person standing there
   
3. Comment positively on their opinion, even if its only their right to make it.

I don't want to get too deep here, but jot those down in your Citizen Hero Notebook and see how it goes. Sharing your opinion doesn't have to be confrontational or a fight. It can just be an exchange of ideas.

I always remember a quote from a church video as a kid. It said, "I'm not trying to convince you that what I think is right. I'm just sharing what works for me." Well said.

We'll make today's blog short in the hopes that more people will take it to heart and try to share more opinions with less aggravation. Share your thoughts with the world!

Mormon Pot Calling the Gay Kettle Black

I stand on the side of "Don't Tread on Me" in most idealistic battles. This plays into religion, politics, culture, etc. And I hate to jump on the band wagon just because I like the music but, now that the dust has settled, I feel its a good time to say why I think we should let people marry whoever they want and then everyone (and I mean everyone) needs to quit throwing tantrums.

Its ironic, as this country was built on escaping religion oppression and we still seem stuck in pressing our own religious minutia on the whole of society. Coming from a semi-Mormon background (I no longer consider myself Mormon), I understand the issue for the religious objectors. They think the sacred institution would become less sacred if a non man/woman couple were allowed to enter into that covenant. I get it. I actually try to explain to people why they want it to be law. Yet, despite all my defense of their views, personally, I find it short sighted to press any group with my convictions. Furthermore, I find it extremely odd Mormons do, as the Mormon church was the object of so much oppression from marital freedom in years past.

Now, as I say this, its important to state, no group or person should make their point with vandalism or proactive violence over anything. I dare say most straight and gay people would agree with me. I find it sad (not to mention counter productive) a few crack pots are disabusing church houses and the like because they did not like the outcome of a political battle. And they are making their particular side look juvenile and embarrassing. Look folks, if you love the person you are with, whatever the law is, focus on that and stop all the hating. Sure, fight for your causes but don't mistake hate tactics with fighting the good fight. Its not the same thing and its not right.

So, what do I think? I think any group of consenting adults should be able to obtain legal rights equal to any other group in similar circumstances. So in short, I support gay marriage. I would also support a Mormon's right to polygamy (remember, as long as all parties were consenting adults - very important detail). Why should I hold an opinion opposed to anyone getting hitched in accordance with their beliefs. That is what religious freedom means, I think.

Hey, want to hear a really crazy opinion? I think if three or four or five people all want to marry each other, as long as they are adults of sound mind, they should be able to lead the life they want. And shouldn't my Mormon friends agree with me? Its state opposition to their out of the ordinary marital preferences that led them to dismantle their "odd marriage rituals" in times gone by. Basically, The State said they couldn't marry who they wanted. Sound familiar?

Look, I have some devoutly religious family and friends. I understand what the religious folks are saying. Yet the term "Pot calling the kettle black," always came to mind as I watched people rally against someone else's "odd" marriage preferences. I guess its just funny how looking at something differently can change your perspective on things. I suggest everyone put those two ideas in contrast and see what you make of it. Far be it from me to tell you what to think. Just thought I'd connect some dots for you.

More About The Neighborhood And Less About Watching.

Neighborhood Watches are too focused on ... well ... watching. While I am the first to say we need to watch out for each other, I feel the Watch mentality is a little too restrictive in its base meaning. I'd like to open it up. here's what I suggest.

We seek to protect ourselves and our neighbors from crime, but what a great opportunity to expend our relationship with our neighbors. Many of us live in areasd where we have, or will, establish deep roots over time. Back a few decades ago this meant we knew our neighbors and invited them over for coffee or just to talk. These days with so many wide spread communication methods, i.e., the internet, cell phones, forums, families spread across the nation, etc., how are we are looking to those people 50 away in lieu of digital friends that might never be within range of a handshake? And, for better or worse, handshakes and the other face to face realities are hard wired into our psyche. They make up who we are and enhance our relationships in ways that the internet or phone calls never can.

So I'd like to encourage everyone to consider, along side neighborhood Watches, establishing other activites that incorporate those good folks around them. Christmas is coming up. How about a holiday social? A book club is a great addition to the neighborhood roster of fun things to do. For the young and energetic, a local free running club or whatever you and your neighbors are into.

Look, the choice is simple. We can continue to "live" behind closed blinds and through devices that make up our virtual world. Or we can invest a little time in getting to know the people (possibly the only people) we can turn to in a local crisis. Your FaceBook friends are not going to help you when you fall off your roof or lose your dog. So, invest in a neighborhood watch. And by that I mean, truly watch out for each other in positive life affirming ways. You'll be surprised how the dark elements of criminal life disappear from the light you cast on your very our main street.

Ground Breaking Week for Kid Heroes!

Kid Heroes had a very exciting week! We performed Kid Heroes for educators and law enforcement alike at a The Power of Prevention Conference last November 5th. We are teaming up with a national program called Be a HERO. Be a HERO will launch into schools this coming year and Kid Heroes we be helping each school catch the vision by kicking things off with a bang.

Show went well. Even presented to a bunch of adults (some of them armed!) it was a lot of fun for everyone! We’ll have a dedicated Kid Heroes site up the next couple of days. Things are moving along nicely.

This coming week, we’re having a Family and Friends Showcase performance on Thursday. We’ll try to videotape some highlights and post some on the site. Invite is included below just for fun.

Great things are happening! We hope to be able to bring the show to every school that has an interest. As a reminder, this is a not-for-profit production so schools don’t have to worry about shelling out a lot of money to have Kid Heroes in their school.

Gooooooo, Kid Heroes!