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We’re already safe, but expo will show how Marshall can be safer
Home safety, security event is Thursday at MERIT CenterRae Kruger
POSTED: March 22, 2008
MARSHALL — Don’t consider a home safety and security expo set for Thursday at the MERIT training center in Marshall as a response to a crime wave in the city, director of public safety Rob Yant said. The expo runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and food will be available.
Folks are still pretty safe in Marshall, Yant said, but they could be safer.
“People haven’t been inspired to do the things they should do,” Yant said.
Despite a bout of burglaries over at least the past nine months, people still leave their doors unlocked, Yant said.d
Drivers still leave their keys in the car, sometimes with car running, Yant said.
“It makes us unnecessarily vulnerable,” Yant said of small-town habits that may seem quaint but aren’t very sensible.
The Home Safety and Security Expo is like a big reminder to correct some neglectful habits but also to provide information on the security locks you may want for a home or shed, or the alarm you may want for your home.
There will also be information on identity theft and internet crime detection and prevention as well as demonstrations on home security systems and how to use a fire extinguisher.
“It’s one-stop shopping for home safety,” Yant said.
A variety of providers will be at the expo to share what they know about services, Yant said. One speaker is from the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, Yant said.
“We thought it would be more effective to get the information right from the horse’s mouth,” Yant said.
So while an effective burglar has caught the attention of many in town, Marshall has some very favorable crime statistics, Yant said.
“Overall, our numbers per capita relatively low,” Yant said. “We have one of the highest clearance rates in the state for offenses.”
While police help keep people safe and protected, residents can also help protect themselves and others, Yant said.
It’s frustrating when a resident may hear glass being broken or see suspicious activity only to learn later a burglary or another crime was committed in the area, Yant said.
The chances of a police officer catching a burglar in the act without help from the public is rare, Yant said.
Folks don’t need to feel like they live in a high-crime city but they should note and report when they see unusual or suspicious activity, Yant said.
“We want people to take reasonable steps...,” Yant said.
One reasonable step would be to attend the home safety and security expo, Yant said.
rkruger@marshallindependent.com
Folks are still pretty safe in Marshall, Yant said, but they could be safer.
“People haven’t been inspired to do the things they should do,” Yant said.
Despite a bout of burglaries over at least the past nine months, people still leave their doors unlocked, Yant said.d
Drivers still leave their keys in the car, sometimes with car running, Yant said.
“It makes us unnecessarily vulnerable,” Yant said of small-town habits that may seem quaint but aren’t very sensible.
The Home Safety and Security Expo is like a big reminder to correct some neglectful habits but also to provide information on the security locks you may want for a home or shed, or the alarm you may want for your home.
There will also be information on identity theft and internet crime detection and prevention as well as demonstrations on home security systems and how to use a fire extinguisher.
“It’s one-stop shopping for home safety,” Yant said.
A variety of providers will be at the expo to share what they know about services, Yant said. One speaker is from the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, Yant said.
“We thought it would be more effective to get the information right from the horse’s mouth,” Yant said.
So while an effective burglar has caught the attention of many in town, Marshall has some very favorable crime statistics, Yant said.
“Overall, our numbers per capita relatively low,” Yant said. “We have one of the highest clearance rates in the state for offenses.”
While police help keep people safe and protected, residents can also help protect themselves and others, Yant said.
It’s frustrating when a resident may hear glass being broken or see suspicious activity only to learn later a burglary or another crime was committed in the area, Yant said.
The chances of a police officer catching a burglar in the act without help from the public is rare, Yant said.
Folks don’t need to feel like they live in a high-crime city but they should note and report when they see unusual or suspicious activity, Yant said.
“We want people to take reasonable steps...,” Yant said.
One reasonable step would be to attend the home safety and security expo, Yant said.
rkruger@marshallindependent.com
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