BOCA RATON — After an engineering company in Boca Raton was burglarized and vandalized during the past six months, it called for a security survey from the Boca Raton Police Department.
Officer Michael Genay and Crime Prevention Specialist Ann Buschmann can help businesses and homeowners fight crime.
When they visited the company in northwestern Boca Raton, Genay and Buschmann had the maintenance supervisor guide them around the building.
They checked doors, windows, and alarms, as well as the area immediately outside the building and its visibility from the street and neighbors. They asked questions about security procedures. At the end of the visit, Genay gave the maintenance supervisor a completed security survey form with comments and recommendations.
Genay and Buschmann, whose service is free, tailor their advice to a building’s conditions.
“Plate glass windows and doors are the most vulnerable point for many business buildings,” Genay said. That’s because of smash and grabs, which have been increasing. Burglaries in Boca Raton have increased by 30.5 percent since last year, from 328 between January and May 1992 to 427 between January and May 1993, Genay said.
Other weak points can be poor locks, inadequate lighting and too many entrances, he said.
The most popular items for thieves are electronic equipment, such as personal computers, printers and faxes, Genay said.
In assessing security situations, businesses need to think beyond alarms, Genay said.
“The most common security misconception people have is that a burglar alarm is like a force field that keeps people out,” he said. “Alarms are a part, but not the whole solution.”
That means businesses should do what they can to delay and impede thieves. Some of Genay’s suggestions: Use locking pads to affix electronic equipment to furniture. Better yet, place electronic equipment on carts that can be rolled into a more secure, out-of-sight storage area.
Windows can be strengthened by using impact-resistant glass or bars. Genay said bars need not necessarily go all the way to the top of large windows. Also, protective bars need not be unsightly, he said. Some businesses have incorporated them into their decor and used them for display.
Special hangers and bars can be used in clothing racks to prevent smash- and-grab thieves from simply sweeping clothes hangers off.
In response to the increase in burglaries in Boca Raton, the department has initiated community-based policing efforts, Genay said. Five officers have been assigned to community policing, Officers stay close to a community for at least six months, helping them detect what is out of the ordinary. Areas recently targeted for community policing are southwest and northeast Boca Raton.
Citizens who want to help the police can do so best by reporting suspicious activity, Genay said.
—- If you are interested in a security survey of your home or business, please call 338-1269.
APARTMENT AND CONDO FIRE SAFETY
— How do most apartment and condo fires start? Smoking is the No. 1 cause of all fatal apartment fires. Nearly one-third are caused by someone smoking in bed. Another common cause is heating equipment. Fires start when combustibles are left near stoves or heaters. Keep in mind most residential fires occur at night — when condos and apartments are most occupied.
— Be prepared and plan ahead for safety. Make sure your landlord or building manager has fire safety plans for your building. Make sure the building has been checked for fire hazards. Plan well for your own escape, and know every possible exit, including those from laundry, storage and recreation rooms.
— Prevent fires. Keep ashtrays around for smokers. Keep matches and lighters away from children. Check regularly for electrical hazards, such as worn electrical cords, overloaded extension cords and outlets, and broken appliances. Don’t store flammable liquids in your home, car or anywhere else inside your building. Don’t use balconies, porches, fire escapes or other common areas for storage.
— Install and check fire detectors. Make sure you have smoke detectors and fire alarms in your home and building. Smoke detectors should be on every floor of your own unit.
— Make and practice escape plans. You need to know in advance the two quickest safe ways out of your unit and your building. Fire department representatives can help you and your neighbors design good evacuation procedures.
SOURCE: National Fire Protection Association
MISSING
Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 to report the child’s whereabouts.
— NAME: Kathleen Andrea Engels.
— MISSING FROM: Lake Mary/Sanford.
— DATE MISSING: May 25, 1987.
— AGE AT DISAPPEARANCE: 14.
— AGE NOW: 20.
— BORN: March 1, 1973.
— HEIGHT: 5 feet, 2 inches.
— WEIGHT: 120 pounds.
— HAIR: Brown.
— EYES: Blue.
— IDENTIFYING INFORMATION: Slight build, fair complexion, several moles on back. Last seen wearing faded blue jeans, white sneakers and socks, and an oversized royal blue T-shirt with the word “HAWAII” on the front.
— TYPE OF ABDUCTION: Kathy was last seen in the company of Daryl Anton Meyers, a 26-year-old man who is presently in jail on unrelated charges.
WANTED
Have you seen this man? Call Crime Stoppers. Do not give your name. Cash reward up to $1,000.
— NAME: Martin Jeremy Naylor.
— ALIAS: Unknown.
— AGE: 33.
— BORN: Dec. 20, 1959.
— HEIGHT: 5 feet, 10 inches.
— WEIGHT: 175 pounds.
— HAIR: Brown.
— EYES: Blue.
— IDENTIFYING MARKS: Unknown.
— LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 3066 Inglewood Trail, Boca Raton.
— OCCUPATION: None.
— WANTED FOR: Felony charges: aggravated assault on police officer and criminal mischief. Misdemeanor charges: Trespass, resisting arrest without violence and fleeing or attempting to elude police.
