Be alert to what’s happening on your block, and network with neighbors to watch out for one another.
As reported recently on Nextdoor and on the Wedgwood Blockwatch page, a house break-in occurred in Wedgwood without any neighbors noticing the unusual activity. Summer is a good time to get to know your neighbors and network to watch out for one another. Be able to identify cars and be alert to activity at a time when your neighbor is not home. Here is the recent report:
As posted on Nextdoor:
Our house was broken into last night on 82nd at 32nd sometime before 10:30 PM. They crowbarred the back door and bypassed larger-ticket items seemingly looking for just jewelry, cash, and prescription drugs. We called the police and they said there have been a string of burglaries like this in Wedgwood and to continue to report abnormalities or suspicious people. Unfortunately they were gone by the time we got home so no description of a person or vehicle. I have reported this information to the police.
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Hey, Block Watch,
This is happening all too often lately. Time to rev up your neighborhood Block Watch.
It can’t be said STRONGLY ENOUGH: If you see something that makes you suspicious — a car cruising slowly down the block in the dark with its lights off, someone walking down the block looking in windows and checking doors — call 9-1-1. You will not be “bothering” the police. That’s what they are here for. Having a police cruiser drive through your neighborhood could well be a deterrent to more crime.
You don’t need to make the decision about whether the incident is important enough to call about. The operators at 9-1-1 are trained to ask you questions and determine if a cruiser should be sent. That’s their job, not yours. If the word “suspicious” comes into your head, just do it: Call 9-1-1. If you don’t want to do it on your own behalf, do it for your neighbors. That’s what Block Watch is all about.
Then be a good witness, the best you can be. Take note of make, model, and color of the vehicle. Get a license number. If you can be discreet, get a photo. Be able to describe the clothing, actions, height, weight, and race of the individual you are watching.
Yes, the police have their priorities, and an active crime involving a person will take precedence. But alerting the police to increased property-crime activity in your neighborhood can help them prioritize their patrols.
Take care,
Wedgwood Neighborhood Blockwatch