Operation Auto Shield

CITY OF

FORT LAUDERDALE

POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

September 20, 2011

Detective Travis Mandell

Public Information Office

(954) 828-5464

TMandell@fortlauderdale.gov OPERATION AUTO SHIELD

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is initiating “Operation Auto Shield” in an effort to combat vehicle burglaries occurring in the south side of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Crime Analysis and Intelligence Led Policing reports confirm that City parks, gas stations, shopping center lots and cemeteries are repeat targets of vehicle burglaries. “Operation Auto Shield” will address this problematic crime trend by means of a three pronged action plan:

STAGE 1 – Public Information

In the initial stage of “Operation Auto Shield,” the public will be informed of areas targeted by vehicle burglaries. Fliers will be placed on unattended vehicles. Message boards will be strategically deployed near highly targeted areas, informing the public to secure their valuables before leaving their vehicle. The “Skywatch” will also be dispersed throughout the south side of the City.

STAGE 2 – Police Saturation

The message boards will be removed, along with the “Skywatch,” as patrol officers in marked vehicles saturate the areas known to be targeted by burglars. The “Peacemaker” will be deployed and rotated within target areas, to capture any criminal activity on surveillance footage. Undercover personnel will conduct surveillance throughout this stage on possible burglary suspects.

STAGE 3 – Undercover Apprehension

This stage of “Operation Auto Shield” will involve multiple decoy cars being placed throughout the City. These vehicles will be deployed to targeted areas in an attempt to apprehend those still wishing to commit burglaries despite the increased police presence.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is proud to announce the commencement of “Operation Auto Shield.” “Operation Auto Shield” will address the growing problem of auto burglaries throughout the City of Fort Lauderdale, especially with the approaching Holiday Season.

###

P.R.# 2011-072

OR# N/A www.FLPD.org