Neighborhood Watch Meeting 1/26/2010 @ St. Anne’s

Introductions and Welcome by Pastor Lynne, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

Invited Guest Speaker:  Bill Hughes, Abatement Coordinator, Civilian

Mr. Hughes passed out a paper that listed types of calls made in the neighborhood and discussed the meaning of the codes.

• 574- Juvenile
• 579-Disturbance
• 579F-Disturbance with loud music
• 584B-Suspicous person/activity called in by command
• 933-Alarms gone off

June 2009-Jan. 2010 (chart) 179 calls for service

Mr. Hughes discussed the importance of having a neighborhood watch:  We becomes the eyes/ears of Law Enforcement.  If any of us sees something, even if just a feeling, we should make the (911) call.

Recommended appointing a Neighborhood Watch Captain.  Mr. Hughes recommended that Debbie Morrison (?) be appointed to the position.  She helped organize tonight’s meeting.  No formal vote was taken, but many nodded in agreement and no verbal objections were raised.

468-4400 – Ask for Watch Commander

Question from the audience about the incident in our neighborhood.

• “At about 3:30 pm, 4 young males, ages 18-21, African American, were seen on Stanton Way.  They went into a side gate (Gettysburg and Stanton).  Were seen moving the garbage can outside.  (Someone) called again at 4:03 pm.  Burglars were in the house.”  The suspects were on foot, they were dressed in all black clothing.  Suspects reported to have been previously on block.  It was said that they didn’t seem to belong in the neighborhood.

Mr. Hughes discussed what to watch out for and what to do if you see suspicious people in the area:

• Make the (911) call.
• Lock your gates
• Install motion detectors and security lights
• Do not leave your valuables in plain sight in the car.
• Thieves looking for way to get in your home undetected, so anything you can do to make them think twice before attempting to break in will help.
• Place “Beware of Dog” signs
• Install camera’s that reflect a red light (indicating that surveillance is recording actions)
• If you see suspicious persons, get license plate number of car.  Demonstrate in plain view that you are taking down their information, i.e. writing license plate #, writing on your hand, paper, etc.

Other Suggestions:

• Set up an email system with your neighbors.
• Set up a phone tree system with your neighbors
• Get to know your neighbors
• When using your cell phone to report a crime, give your location first, then provide information about the issue you are reporting.

Traffic issues should be directed to the CHP (n response to complaint about speeding on streets).

Requests for speed bumps should be referred to the County Board of Supervisors

468-4400 is the number to use for Non-Emergency calls

Again, it was encouraged that if you see something that does not seem right, make the (911) call.

It was mentioned that a lot of stuff gets stolen because people do not pay attention.

Retired Former Chief of Police Tom Morrison mentioned that in the future, 2500-3000 parolees will be released in the area.

This means more transients, etc. will be seen walking the streets.

Mentioned it is vitally important to keep our neighborhood strong.

This means working together and communicating with each other about what is happening in our neighborhood.

Also means that if we are not getting the service we want, we should KEEP CALLING.

As residents, we must harden this neighborhood toward thieves, vagabonds, etc. and keep a look out for each other.

Sign-up sheets were passed out and residents were asked to provide their names and email addresses for future follow ups.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Louie

Resident on Seward Way