Page 30 - Benbrook FY20 Approved Budget

CITY OF BENBROOK 2019-20 ANNUAL BUDGET

vehicles, and fire trucks; special exhibits; and presentations by the Benbrook Police and Fire Departments. National Night Out is scheduled
for October 2019.

VIN-Etching Program

During the October 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Event, the Tarrant Regional Auto Crimes Task Force is teaming with the Benbrook Police
Department to offer free VIN-etching services for Benbrook residents. VIN-etching is a countermeasure to prevent motor vehicle theft. It
involves the use of a stencil and glass etching paste to etch a vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windshield and windows. If
the vehicle is stolen, the thieves are forced to replace the glass prior to selling the stolen vehicle; this process effectively reduces or eliminates
the profit. VIN-etching also increases the odds of recovery of stolen vehicles by the police. This service has proven to be highly effective as
a theft deterrent and in returning stolen vehicles to their rightful owners.

Neighborhood Watch – Benbrook’s Most Effective Crime Fighting Resource

The Crime Prevention Officer in the Benbrook Police Department helps neighborhoods organize and conduct Neighborhood Watch Groups.
The Officer describes crime reporting procedures, explains the 911 emergency call process, recommends proven crime-prevention techniques,
shares crime prevention tips, arranges expert speakers, and provides statistics on a regular basis.

Operation Child ID – A Program to Protect Benbrook’s Most Precious Resource

The Operation Child ID Program is designed to safeguard children by having them fingerprinted. The Benbrook Police Department provides
kits that parents may use to fingerprint their children at home; parents retain the fingerprints. The kits contain materials and supplies including
a form for the child’s description, ink, instructions, and safety tips.

Operation Identification Mark Your Territory

With the Operation Identification Mark Your Territory program, Benbrook residents can mark their valuables in their homes with their drivers’
license numbers; easily-marked items include televisions, video equipment, computers, and other electronics and appliances. Having these
items marked does not prevent home burglaries but does facilitate the recovery process if items are stolen. The Police Department lends
engravers at no charge to Benbrook residents.

Residential and Business Security Surveys

Benbrook’s Crime Prevention Officer is licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to inspect and access Benbrook residences and
commercial operations. The Crime Prevention Officer visits Benbrook homes and businesses; performs a thorough survey; identifies ways to
reduce burglary opportunities by assessing doors, windows, lighting, and landscaping; and suggests inexpensive ways to improve security.

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