****FYI, say the title of this post out loud like Antoine Dodson*****
Here's a copy of an email I got today. Be careful, and be on the lookout for things that don't look right. Together, we can all help protect the Island:
""There were two armed robberies in Soulard last week. On August 16 in the 2700 block of South 12th Street. On August 17 in the 1900 block of Menard. Weapons were used in both of these and each happened between 10 and 11 at night. More detail is not available at this time.
Please read the following information on how to not become a victim.
Armed Robbery: Don't Become a Victim
Weapons were used in 52% of all robberies from 1975 to 1985. The highest peak in armed robberies was 1978 (60%) and 1981 (60%). From 1985 to 1990 the number of armed robberies dropped to around 42%. Most occur in the months of November through March with the high risk times for stores being between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. For banks and credit unions the high risk day was Wednesday and the most critical time for robbery was from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (20%).
Here Are Some Tips On How To Protect Yourself At Home:
1. Never admit a stranger
2. Lock up tight. Always lock all doors and windows
3. Listen for strange noises
4. Don’t advertise that you live alone
5. Never give an unknown caller information. Report nuisance calls to police and telephone company
6. When you move to a new home, change the locks
7. Chain locks aren’t strong enough to keep out an intruder. Keep door locked until you know who is there
8. Always pull shades after dark
9. Don’t leave notes on door about when you’ll be home
Precautions to Take On the Road
1. While driving, watch out at intersections and stop lights. Keep car in gear, doors locked, and windows rolled up.
2. Park in areas that will be well lit when you return. When you return, look to be sure no one is hiding in a car nearby, beneath your car, or in your car.
3. If you have a stalled car, raise hood and tie a white cloth to aerial. Stay inside the car with doors locked and windows rolled up. If you have a cellular phone, call for help. Ask someone who stops to report it to the nearest service station.
4. If you are being followed, don’t drive home or get out. Drive to the nearest police station or open store or service station for help. Note the license number and car description and report to the police at once.
If You Are Held Up At Work:
1. Try to stay calm. Don’t make any sudden movements to upset the robber. Remember, the robber is usually as scared as you are.
2. Be sure to follow the robbers' directions. Don’t try to escape or set off an alarm in front of the robber.
3. Tell robber what you are doing, for example, getting a money bag.
4. Try to get a good look at the robber so that you can give a full description to the police.
5. Don’t be heroic. Don’t take any foolish chances. The robber may become violent. It’s better to lose your money than your life.
If you are held up on the street:
1. Remain calm. There is no need to bring undue attention to the situation. To do so could cause panic and endanger lives.
2. Cooperate with the robber. Robbers seldom hurt people who are willing to cooperate.
3. Observe what the robber looks like and develop a mental picture so that an accurate description can be given to the police.
4. Tell the robber about any possible surprises such as someone who is in your car. Also, inform him/her if you must move in an unanticipated way.
5. Don't argue or fight with the robber. Any amount of money is not worth personal injury.
6. Don't try to persuade the robber to give himself/herself up. Once a robbery has started, it is too late for a robber to change his/her mind.
7. Don't chase or follow the robber. Police could mistake you for the robber.
What to do after a Robbery:
1. Call the Police immediately at 911.
2. Ask witnesses to stay until an officer arrives. If unable to do so, write down their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
3. Write down a description of the robber including sex, race, height, weight, build, eye and hair color, scars or tattoos, jewelry, approximate age, and clothing. If possible, note in which direction the suspect fled.
What to Say to the Police Dispatcher:
1. "I have just been held up. My location is ..."
2. Do not hang up the phone. There will be a short pause while the dispatcher transmits the alarm, then you will be asked for details.
3. "Direction of travel of the robber is ..."
4. Tell the dispatcher how he left, which direction he went, down what street. If you can, provide a vehicle description. It's also useful to indicate the time-delay involved, that is, how long ago did he leave.
5. "Description of the robber is ..."
6. Getting a good description of the robber is very important. Try to notice his height compared to yours, his hairline, ears, scars, rings, tattoos, or some other item which you could remember if a suspect were brought before you shortly after the robbery. Information such as length and color of hair, whether or not he wore glasses, had facial hair, how he spoke, and similar is all useful.
7. "Description of the weapon is ..."
8. Try to notice the barrel length, color, color of grips, and type of weapon if a gun is produced.
9. Stay on the phone. Listen to the dispatcher's questions, and follow her instructions.
Sources: Southeast Missouri State University, Department of Public Safety, University of Florida Police Department, Downey Police Department
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