Greetings Detroit 300 Volunteers & Supporters;
On Tuesday March 24, 2015 at 6:00pm we are asking for your participation in "Operation Safe Gas-Up" located at Greenfield & Schoolcraft in Northwest Detroit.
So dawn your Detroit 300 gear (Orange Shirts & Hats) come on back out and lets' continue Angelo's Mission of "Taking Back Our City, One Neighborhood At A Time".
Nationally over the last couple years or so when people pull up to a gas station these days, Most drivers such as the elderly, women and young people are looking beyond the price per gallon at far more threatening concerns: robberies, assaults and carjackers.
On the local level armed auto thieves have become so common that the "Detroit 300 Community Action Team" has experienced a spike in calls for service in citizen reported high crime area's, and many motorists state they fear getting out of their vehicles even for a few moments to fill a tank and/or go inside to pay.
So the "Detroit 300 Community Action Team", Detroit Police and gas stations are taking proactive steps to protect customers, the Detroit 300 has re-established it's "Operation Safe Gas-Up" first established in March of 2014.
The Detroit 300 Community Action Team will regularly announce the time & place of select gas stations that these operations will take place to protect citizens & deter the activity of criminal suspects, also the city has formed a special police team to go after suspects. Convicted carjackers will even get their faces and prison sentences plastered onto billboards.
Authorities blame many of the carjackings, ironically, on improvements in vehicle security. Anti-theft equipment, GPS systems and advanced locks now prevent many vehicles from being driven without a key in the ignition.
That makes it difficult or impossible for thieves to steal parked cars, leading them to target vehicles that are occupied, said Jonathan Parnell, of Detroit's auto-theft squad.
Also contributing to the thefts is a strong demand for stolen wheels and tires, police said.
Now many Detroit gas stations displays pale-green decals depicting a lighthouse — a symbol that his business has joined the city's anti-carjacking effort. To be part of the program, stations must have security cameras, good lighting, be open 24 hours and have clerks willing to help motorists and provide a phone for emergency calls.
"There is a waiting list," Sgt. Michael Woody said. "We have so many gas stations that want to become a lighthouse. You get better protection with that big sticker in the window that tells criminals there is proper equipment that will help police investigate these crimes."
Prosecutors, the FBI and Detroit police recently announced a campaign to spread the word about stiffer federal penalties for carjacking, which can include the death penalty if someone is killed.
Detroit police have also announced a partnership with General Motors' OnStar roadside assistance service to track down stolen vehicles and promote rewards tied to an anonymous tip line.
The "Detroit 300 Community Action Team" recommends that all People of Detroit download the Detroit Police app: "DPD Connect" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Help Us, Help You, Take A Bite Out Of Crime!
To avoid becoming a victim, The "National Crime Prevention Council" advises:
Pick stations that are well-lighted and have pump video surveillance cameras.
Always remove your keys and lock the doors while you are pumping gas.
Keep valuables out of plain site view in your vehicle and lock the doors even if you are going inside for a moment.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
DON'T LET YOUR CELL PHONE DISTRACT YOU.
For more tips, visit www.ncpc.org
