Working Together To Address Property Crimes In City Of Minnetonka

Minnetonka MN

13 April, 2022

7:48 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Minnetonka: April 12, 2022 Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. As you've likely heard, property crimes have increased in Minnetonka and throughout the metro. Minnetonka Police are working to address the problem, and you can help us reduce property crimes in your neighborhood. Our department uses a variety of tools to respond to and investigate property crimes. Our patrol officers evaluate all evidence at the scene, including collecting surveillance video. When possible, they may request our evidence technician come to the scene to collect biological and fingerprint evidence. This biological evidence has been useful for suspect identification and prosecution. We were recently able to identify suspects by collecting DNA off a flashlight and a rope knot. Technology is also a valuable tool. License plate readers in the Ridgedale area have led to several stolen vehicle recoveries and shoplifting arrests. Closed-circuit cameras were deployed in problem areas, including Minnetonka city parks, which have been the target of multiple thefts from vehicles. The department's new mobile camera trailer allows for the quick deployment of cameras anywhere in the city. The camera acts not only as a source of video, but also as a deterrent. When the camera trailer has been deployed we have seen a large decrease in activity in the area. When it comes to investigating property crimes, Minnetonka Police detectives work diligently to identify suspects, follow leads and submit cases for prosecution. Crime has no borders and the sharing of information across police agencies has led to a higher solvability rate of our property crime. Our crime analyst does a lot of this work through data mining and monitoring social media and other sites to develop leads and identify suspects. We have also partnered with Ring and the Neighbors app to seek surveillance video after a crime from nearby neighbors who may have captured images of relevance. We still need YOUR help to address property crime. You've heard it and seen it before: Lock up your valuables, lock your car doors and keep your garages and entry doors locked. Keep your exterior lights on at night. Invest in security cameras. The presence of video increases the odds of your property being recovered and the crime solved. Document and photograph your property. Having model and serial numbers on hand before you become a victim will help us in the identification and recovery of property. Lastly, we ask that if you see something, say something. The immediacy of reporting any crime or suspicious behavior is crucial to our efforts. We are on duty 24/7 and ready to respond. If you are concerned about using 911, you can call the non-emergency number at 952-258-5352. Nothing is insignificant to us; we want to hear from you. This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author's own.