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The City of San Juan Capistrano’s and our nation’s current economic situation is likely to have an impact on certain types of crime in our community. The U.S. Department of Justice encourages law enforcement agencies to be proactive to counteract increases in crimes affected by the economy, housing and foreclosure crisis as well as low employment rates.

The nature of economic stress may increase crimes against individuals as people in desperate situations exhibit desperate behavior including domestic violence, assaults, robbery, road rage, homicide and suicide.  Increases in financial concerns, unemployment and vacant properties also create opportunities for a variety of crimes, such as mortgage bailout scams, property theft, graffiti and drug activity.

San Juan Capistrano Police Services wants to encourage everyone to stay alert and aware at home, work and in the community.
•    Be aware that crime occurs equally during day and night hours.
•    Take extra care to be alert and aware of your surroundings and others around you.
•    Park in high visibility areas and check for lighting when returning to your car during hours of darkness.
•    Do not leave valuables in your car.
•    Keep your money in a change purse in a front pocket or a pouch close to your body. If you carry an arm or shoulder purse, it should be carried on the side closest to the building or cars to avoid “fly by” grabbers.
•    Provide children with additional safety training.
•    Be a courteous driver and follow road rules to avoid confrontation.
•    Be sure to keep doors and windows locked (home, vehicles and garages) especially when left unattended.
•    Indoor/outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer or solar-sensored.
•    Realize that fraudulent telemarketing and mail schemes are on the rise targeting those needing mortgage and financial relief.

Please get the word out and talk to your neighbors and report suspicious activity.
Call the Sheriff's Department at 770-6011 or 9-1-1 for crimes in progress.
For information on Crime Prevention or Neighborhood Watch, call 949-443-6370.

The City of San Juan Capistrano’s Police Services will also be educating local downtown commuters and visitors with Associated Senior Action Program (ASAP) volunteers.  Break-ins into vehicles can be adverted by not making your vehicle attractive to thieves.  ASAP members and deputies will be advising drivers to lock their car doors, sunroofs and windows when unattended.  Never leave valuables, garage door openers, clothing or keys in plain sight.  Recently, portable GPS systems, computers and small audio devices have been targeted by thieves.  70 percent of thefts occurring in the City of San Juan Capistrano are from vehicles.  Unfortunately, 70 percent of those vehicles were unlocked at the time of the theft.