By Mary O’KEEFE

Although La Cañada Flintridge and the Crescenta Valley area have low crime rates, there are still issues with residential and vehicle burglaries.  In an effort to be proactive, La Cañada Flintridge’s Public Safety Commission decided to use social media to educate residents on tips to avoid being a victim of a burglary.

“A few years ago the [Commission] asked us to come up with a [public service announcement],” said Peter Castro, City of La Cañada.

Castro and Deputy Eric Matejka, community liaison, created a video that was “well received,” Castro said.

The Commission asked Castro and Matejka to make another video that could be distributed on YouTube. They hired a professional company and made the video that covers everything from how residents can secure their home to tips on what not to leave in their yard and garage.

“Don’t leave things in an open garage,” Matejka said in the video. “Garages with internal doors [that lead into the home] are attractive to [burglars].”

He reminded people to lock the door that leads from the garage to the home.

The video also gives tips on what not to leave in a vehicle.

“Today it doesn’t matter if you are parked at work, or at the gym; vehicles are a preferred target,” he said.

The most important thing to remember is to report suspicious behavior.

“Call when you see something,” Matejka said.

There are times when victims will call their husbands, or wives, at work before calling the sheriff’s station sometimes waiting several hours before reporting the crime.

The city is directing its efforts to increase its social media outreach. They are becoming more active on Facebook, Twitter and, with this video, on YouTube.

To view the video, visit www.youtube.com/TheCityofLCF. Follow La Cañada Flintridge on www.facebook.com/ cityoflacanadaflintridge and www.twitter.com/theCityof LCF.

  Mary Okeefe