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Crime prevention is not just a now and then thing, it is an everyday thing. Crime can occur on any day, in any neighborhood, at any given time.

Crime is the result of someone having the DESIRE or wish to commit a crime, the ABILITY or knowledge to commit a crime, and the OPPORTUNITY to commit the crime.

THUS: Desire + Ability + Opportunity = CRIME

Generally, in order for a crime to take place, it must first exist in the mind of the offender. This criminal state of mind may be the product of any number of sources, including, but not limited to:

  • Desire for monetary or financial gain
  • Desire for acceptance within a peer group or subculture group
  • Desire for revenge
  • An emotional or psychological disorder

The influence of any one of these might satisfy the element of DESIRE. The wide variety and complexity of the underlying causes seriously limit the success of efforts to prevent crime by reducing or eliminating DESIRE.

Much like desire, OPPORTUNITY arises from a variety of sources; however, the source of opportunity can be specifically identified. Proven effective measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate OPPORTUNITY. OPPORTUNITY can be precipitated by the criminal, the victim, or by a given situation. Examples of these are:

  • Leaving the car unlocked
  • Leaving the garage door open
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Not securing personal belongings, etc

REDUCE the Opportunity! Lock your doors, leave a light on, and put your belongings out of sight.

What can you do to help prevent crime?

Take an active part in keeping yourself, your family and your community safe from unsafe situations. Members of the community are encouraged to participate in school, community and police sponsored crime prevention programs. One such program offered by the Hopkins Police Department is Neighborhood Watch. For tips on crime prevention, click here.

Throughout the year, the HPD offers the community prevention education presentations regarding personal safety, bike safety, fraud, scams, and identity theft.

To schedule a Crime Prevention presentation, contact Police Services Liaison, , at 952-548-6407.