First Neighborhood Watch

41 Poinsettians met at the Chan's this evening for our first Neighborhood Watch meeting in many years. Not that we need a reason to talk, but we did need the information officer Percy had to offer in terms of the crime on our street and the community in general.

MPD Officer Percy told us that the crime we typically see is that of opportunity. At night it is people walking around and checking for unlocked cars and when they find one, the open it up and take what they want.

She advised some of the car burglary's are the result of valuables being left in the car such as a GPS, laptop, purse etc.,. This is the most common burglary in our neighborhoods and exactly what we experienced. The fix is easy, don't drop our guard and always lock are our cars and leave nothing of value in them. The thieves know neighborhoods such as ours are more relaxed on security and visit us for that reason. Simple locking of doors will prevent most of it.

Another type of auto burglary is on the upswing takes places at the local Gyms. Thieves are watching people knowing that many leave their wallets and purses in the car and only take their keys to avoid having to get lockers. Thieves watch people tuck things away and when they are in the gym, use a tool that quickly breaks the window, grab what the want and leave.

The other type of crime we experience is home burglary. This time of year when it is warmer we leave windows open. Thieves know that most of us are gone during the day at work and walk our streets looking for open windows that they can use to get into a home. Closing windows and locking doors will help prevent this.

Officer Percy stressed that whenever we see something out of the ordinary we should call. She pointed out that the 911 Operator does have a lot of questions to ask to understand the situation. She asked that we answer and understand that the officers in their patrol cars are getting real time updates on their computers while they talk. That was good to know as many were unaware that the technology was there to give officers real time notice even while the Operator was asking you questions.

Dial 911 from your home. Program your cell for 357-CELL or 357-2355 for most direct contact with MPD dispatch.

There were a lot of good questions. It is nice to see the neighbors are concerned about crime in general and the dispute over wages. Officer Percy was able to pass along information regarding trends on the former. For the latter I offered up we as neighbors need to review all of the resources on the topic and appear at the City Council meetings and speak up so our opinions are heard and acted upon.

After the meeting Renee and I talked with a lot of people. This blog is open to ANYONE who wants to write and post here. Glad you like it, it can be whatever you want it to be.

Interestingly many voiced 4 other concerns that they would like to have addressed with city to make our street safer. What we need to decide is what is the highest priority and then organize everyone to approach city council for help. The 4 tossed up that need addressing, not in any particular order, but interestingly involved driving:

• Speed - down hill in particular approaching Foothill
• Parking on the lower portion of the street - residents from Foothill, Grand or Canyon Apts parking in the no parking zone instead of their own drives or street
• Failure to yield where the street loops up on itself at the "T" on the 200 block.
• People attempting to make left turns onto Foothill during morning or afternoon rush hours causing back ups. Cars, large trucks in particular on Foothill parked obstructing views hampering safe right turns onto Foothill.

Plenty to think about. Talk and think about it. Let Renee or me know what you want us to help people work on and organize.

-Frank & Renee