Police worked with the woman complainant and are releasing a basic sketch. If there are any relevant tips, please contact 541.682.5166.
On May, 7, around 10:30, a woman who lives in the River Road area reported she was in her kitchen when she heard the front door open. She had left it unlocked for a family member. However, when she heard her toddler scream, she ran to the front door and observed an unknown man reaching through the open door, grabbing her daughter. She was able to pull the child away from the man, close the door and lock it. The man fled. He is described as a white male, in his 20s, about 6’ 2” tall, with a thin build, wearing a red/blue baseball cap, dark shirt (possibly black or dark blue, with a hand – middle finger extended- in white), and jean shorts.
PREVENTION TIPS
As the weather turns warmer, more people are leaving doors and windows open, which can present a multitude of opportunities for different types of criminals. Although abductions are relatively rare, it can happen. More often, children can wander outside and be at risk for accidents and other incidents. Burglars use the weather to their advantage.
Eugene Police would like to remind citizens that windows and doors left ajar to provide air circulation or for other reasons often proves to be just too tempting to criminals.
The following are general tips to help protect your home and your property from crimes of opportunity:
• Don’t leave windows or doors ajar unless there is a locking mechanism to prevent them from being opened wide enough to allow entry.
• When relaxing and enjoying your backyard or hosting a barbecue don’t leave the front door open or unlocked as thieves may take the opportunity for a quick grab.
• Make sure that window mounted air conditions and fans securely attached.
• Remember to be careful about leaving your garage doors open, as it thieves can take property from the garage and, if the door from the garage to the house is left open, enter the home as well.
• Keep purses, laptops and other valuable and easy to carry away items out sight and not easily accessible to a criminal making a quick snatch.
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