Page 22 - Layout 1

FLPD Update

FLPD Chief of Police Rick Maglione

Greetings Neighbors,

hope this month's newsletter finds everyone well. I first need to apologize for an error
I made in my last submission when I stated that 2018 was predicted to be the second
Ilowest crime rate for the City of Fort Lauderdale since we began keeping those
records back in the 1970s.

The official numbers IBWF OPX cPme in and it turns out 2018 was the lowest! Again, I
would like to credit the hardworking women and men of your police department, the
new strategies, technologies and partnerships with the private sector to include RING,
LeadsOnline and SaferWatch, and well as the incredible partnerships we maintain with
our neighbors. Together we achieved great success but this does not mean we are going
to take our foot off the gas pedal. 2019 has presented some unique challenges so far
but we are hopeful we will have another great year.

This article will be dedicated to our new strategy that I have informally named
Rick Maglione "Operation Think Small." We spend a large share of our time and resources preventing
Chief of Police and solving the major crimes such as homicide, robbery and burglary and all too often
the less serious crime of larceny does not receive the attention it deserves. Larceny made
up nearly one half of our total crime rate, which includes retail theft (shoplifting), so we
came up with a plan to get more proactive. We started by identifying the top 5
locations where the most retail thefts were reported.

We are sending our Crime Prevention Unit to those locations to conduct surveys and
make recommendations geared toward prevention and making these locations less
attractive targets for thieves. We will then work with the owners or managers to
implement these recommendations. These recommendations may include improved
lighting, increased security, overt signage, changes in policies related to shoplifting and
automatic license plate readers at all entrances. If they need some convincing, we are
requesting they figure what they are losing in inventory and are initiating a trial period
during which we will provide these recommendations at no cost. At the end of the trial
period, we will determine if the reduction in lost inventory lost is worth their investment in
the recommendations we made. Please keep in mind that the locations with the highest
reported incidents of retail theft are typically the ones with the most successful loss
prevention strategies. The shoplifters that get away with their crimes never result in
reported thefts. The effects are however, felt at the end of the month when the inventory
process reveals the loss. Once a location is no longer on the top 5 list, a new business
will be identified and the process will repeat.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns or
suggestions.

Yours in service,
Chief Rick Maglione

20 The Landings & Bay Colony