Just a reminder for everyone to try to remember to look out for your neighbors this time of year (or any time really).
My house (21st and Waite) was broken into on Friday the
>24th during the daytime. Someone forced open my bathroom window. The
>person rifled through pretty much everything in my house but they only
>took my laptop computer. Unfortunately they also went through my file
>cabinet with all of my financial information so I've had to cancel my
>bank cards and place a fraud alert on my credit report. This happened
>sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday. I wanted to pass the
>word on so that people can be extra alert and watch for anything
>suspicious.
Take care and be safe!
Lee
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
South Precinct Email Community Newsletter - Nov. 2006
Pedestrian Safety
The first week of August, we did a newsletter regarding serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents. Since that time, we’ve continued to experience tragic pedestrian collision injuries and fatalities.
Tatsuo Nakata, the chief of staff to City Councilman David Della, was struck Tuesday morning, November 14th, and later died from his injuries at Harborview. Wednesday morning, November 15th, a 57-year-old woman was struck by a car near Safeco Field, at around 6:45 AM and was hospitalized with serious injuries. Less than an hour later, an 11-year-old boy suffered minor injuries after he was struck shortly after 7:30 AM. by a school. Mayor nickels announced plans to crack down on speeding and motorists driving illegally through crosswalks.
Based on accident data collected in Washington State since 1993, about 35 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur in the two months between the end of daylight-saving time and the end of the year. Less daylight and blustery weather are likely major factors. However, other reasons for these pedestrian collisions come down to the human factor. As motorists, how much attention are we paying to traffic conditions and pedestrians? As pedestrians, how are we utilizing the street, sidewalks and crosswalks?
Some Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Look both directions before crossing a roadway.
• See and be seen — drivers need to see you to avoid you. Wear bright/light colored clothing or reflective clothing at night so drivers see you.
• Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
• Cross streets only at street corners or marked crosswalks or intersections. Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorists see you.
• Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way when crossing mid-block.
• Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
• Do not run across a dark street to catch a bus; cross at crosswalks or intersections.
• If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for drivers who may pull out and not see you as they looking for traffic.
• Remember: Telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
• Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
Some Vehicular Safety Tips:
• Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Motorists should be on particular alert for pedestrians along school-bus routes, at intersections, and near transit stops and centers.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at ALL intersections, whether in a marked crosswalk or not.
• Always yield to pedestrians upon making turns at intersection
• Use extra caution when backing out of driveways and driving around parking lots.
• Be aware of weather conditions, such as ice, before starting a trip, and allow ample time to travel.
Until Next Time, Take Care And Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Block Watch 102
Dear Community Friends:
In our last newsletter we discussed what Block Watch is. In our effort to
dispel rumor, myth and misconceptions, we now present Block Watch 102: What
Block Watch Is Not.
Block Watch is not a single entity. There are over 3000 individual active
Block Watch groups in the city of Seattle. They all have a slightly
different flavor, feel, focus and level of participation. Some block watch
groups consist of just their street from corner to corner. Others encompass
several blocks. Neighbors decide what works best for them.
Block Watch is not a police department controlled tool. While the police
department assists neighbors in getting block watches established, the
police department does not ³run² them. You on the blocks do. Those
involved in Block Watch are not police department employees, the department
does not ³supervise² Block Watch captains or contacts, nor do these captains
and contacts ³report² to the police.
Block Watch is not about patrolling your neighborhood with flashlights and
baseball bats. We encourage neighbors to be visible and out and about in
their neighborhood: the more you are, the less likely bad guys will want to
be around. So, some neighbors do engage in safety walks. That doesn¹t mean
they confront every unknown person they see and challenging their purpose
for being on ³their² street.
Block Watch is not intended as a means to harass, coerce, intimidate or cry
wolf. Block Watch is about preventing crime and improving public safety of
the neighborhood. It¹s not about using the police or city systems to hassle
someone you don¹t like. If you have an issue with a neighbor, before you
start rallying the block watch and city resources to go after that neighbor,
examine what it is about the neighbor you have an issue with. Is it really
a public safety concern, or do you just not like the way the person lives?
There may not be a direct public safety, criminal or quality of life issue
to be addressed, so don¹t use Block Watch to create one.
Block Watch is not about living in your neighbor¹s hip pocket, or you
telling your neighbors every aspect of your business. You can still have
your privacy. It is about getting to know each other and being familiar
enough with each other to know who lives in the neighborhood and who
doesn¹t, which cars are part of the neighborhood and which aren¹t, and when
something suspicious is going on.
So If Block Watch Is Not Those Things, Then What Is It?
· When you go to your window to open or close your drapes, take a moment to
glance around the neighborhood and see what¹s going on.
· When you go out to your car or walk to the bus stop, instead of focusing
on the car or where your feet are going, look around and check the
neighborhood.
· When you go out of town, you let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep
an eye out for your place. And if you have someone staying at your place
while you¹re out of town, you let neighbors know so that your house sitter
doesn¹t get 911 called about them.
· Get to know each other, communicate with each other, and you let people
you see on the street know you acknowledge their presence.
This is Block Watch.
Until Then, Take Care And Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Block Watch 101
Over the past few months, I’ve had numerous conversations with folks regarding Block Watch. There seems to be some concern over what Block Watch is and confusion about what it is not. So, we present Block Watch 101: What Block Watch Is.
What Block Watch Is
Block Watch is a national program that is based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime. Seattle’s Block Watch program began in 1972 and the police department’s Crime Prevention Coordinators lend support to neighborhood block watch efforts. Roughly 30% of Seattle neighborhoods are currently involved in Block Watch, compared to a national average of around 10%.
Block Watch can be stripped down to three elements: awareness, communication and commitment to watch out for each other. Block Watch is about being aware of what’s going on in the neighborhood. It’s about communicating with each other and with police when you see something suspicious or that seems out of place for your block. And it’s agreeing to keep an eye out for each other’s safety and each other’s property.
· Awareness - being aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. Being aware of who your neighbors are and getting to know them. Being aware of the public safety concerns – and working to address them.
· Communication - Communication with each other and Police. When you get to know your neighbors, when you become more aware, you’re better able to communicate when something is suspicious or warrants a call to police. When you know each other, you become more willing to communicate about the suspicious or abnormal. How do you find out what’s normal? Get out of your home and engage; get to know your neighbors, talk with each other and alert each other about unruly or suspicious activity.
· Commitment to watch out for each other - Just as you are more willing to communicate with people you know, you are more likely to be watchful for those with whom you’ve established a relationship. Think about those you know on your block or in your apartment or condo complex: Aren’t you more likely to keep an eye out for them? Wouldn’t you expect them to do the same?
Block Watch is really just an extension of what you are probably already doing on an informal basis, and what many neighborhoods have done for years. If there is some activity in your neighborhood that is unruly, doesn’t fit or is suspicious (and only you would know what that might be for your neighborhood) communicate that with neighbors and with police. You tell your neighbors so they can be aware and watchful of the activity that caused your concern. You tell the police so that we can do something about it.
Block Watch involves commitment. It is a commitment to be concerned about your neighbor's property as well as your own, and a commitment that when you see suspicious activity, you will take action by calling your neighbors and 9-1-1(when warranted).
Next Time, Block Watch 102 - What Block Watch is not.
Until Then, Take Care And Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
What Block Watch Is
Block Watch is a national program that is based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime. Seattle’s Block Watch program began in 1972 and the police department’s Crime Prevention Coordinators lend support to neighborhood block watch efforts. Roughly 30% of Seattle neighborhoods are currently involved in Block Watch, compared to a national average of around 10%.
Block Watch can be stripped down to three elements: awareness, communication and commitment to watch out for each other. Block Watch is about being aware of what’s going on in the neighborhood. It’s about communicating with each other and with police when you see something suspicious or that seems out of place for your block. And it’s agreeing to keep an eye out for each other’s safety and each other’s property.
· Awareness - being aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. Being aware of who your neighbors are and getting to know them. Being aware of the public safety concerns – and working to address them.
· Communication - Communication with each other and Police. When you get to know your neighbors, when you become more aware, you’re better able to communicate when something is suspicious or warrants a call to police. When you know each other, you become more willing to communicate about the suspicious or abnormal. How do you find out what’s normal? Get out of your home and engage; get to know your neighbors, talk with each other and alert each other about unruly or suspicious activity.
· Commitment to watch out for each other - Just as you are more willing to communicate with people you know, you are more likely to be watchful for those with whom you’ve established a relationship. Think about those you know on your block or in your apartment or condo complex: Aren’t you more likely to keep an eye out for them? Wouldn’t you expect them to do the same?
Block Watch is really just an extension of what you are probably already doing on an informal basis, and what many neighborhoods have done for years. If there is some activity in your neighborhood that is unruly, doesn’t fit or is suspicious (and only you would know what that might be for your neighborhood) communicate that with neighbors and with police. You tell your neighbors so they can be aware and watchful of the activity that caused your concern. You tell the police so that we can do something about it.
Block Watch involves commitment. It is a commitment to be concerned about your neighbor's property as well as your own, and a commitment that when you see suspicious activity, you will take action by calling your neighbors and 9-1-1(when warranted).
Next Time, Block Watch 102 - What Block Watch is not.
Until Then, Take Care And Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Friday, October 13, 2006
Recent South Seattle Incidents - reminder to be on the look out!
Dear Community Friends:
Since we last wrote, activity in the precinct has been intense. To highlight just a few items:
· Sept 21st: Shots were fired from one car at another in the area of the Rainier Beach Jack-In-The-Box. One person died and one was seriously injured.
· Sept 23rd: One person died from injuries sustained in a fight with a domestic violence abuser as the person tried to help the survivor of the violence leave the abuser.
· Sept 23rd: An unattended car, left with the engine running and a one-year old child inside, was stolen from outside the victim’s residence. Officers located the car nearby; the child was unharmed.
· Sept 25th: A victim died of stab wounds suffered during a domestic violence assault.
· Sept 26th: A person was shot five times at close range during a possible drug deal.
· Sept 28th: A suspect shot at a patrol car, shattering a window, while the officer was in the car. The officer was not injured.
· Sept 29th: A vehicle traveling a high rate of speed crashed and rolled over on the 8400 Block of Seward Park Ave S. The four passengers were injured but alive at the time of the accident.
· Sept 30th: A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed hit a wooden pole and traffic signal at 57th & Rainier. The four passengers were killed instantly. The impact was such that wreckage from the accident was spread out over several city blocks. Downed power lines from the accident knocked out power in the area for hours.
Additionally, there has been a sharp increase in residential burglaries. We’ve written before that in a large percentage of residential burglaries, the suspects gained entry through opened and unlocked doors and windows. This is still occurring. However, we’re also seeing a spike of forced entry burglaries, with suspects breaking into homes through basement or side windows, rear doors, etc.
When we process all that has occurred these past few weeks, rather than dwell on them or be fearful because of them, we need to look at what we can do to respond to them and prevent things like this from happening to us and those around us.
The police department rarely has the staffing levels to do proactive patrols. Often, officers are going from one 911 call to the next with no opportunity to make proactive contacts that may deter crime. Police officers cannot prevent crime by themselves, but we as individuals can. Officers respond to crime and in many instances deter it by their presence. But they cannot prevent you from abusing a loved one, they cannot prevent you from using drugs, they can’t prevent you from leaving your unattended car running or prevent you from driving at excessive speeds. But you as an individual can.
· We can pay attention to how we drive and be more cautious, and encourage others to do the same.
· We can not leave our cars running and unattended. We can not leave our children unattended.
· We can think about how we process anger. Rather than striking out to cause harm, whether with a hand, knife or gun, take a step back, breath and think.
· We can continue to be observant and report crime. Even though it could take some time for an officer to respond to a burglary call, they will respond. They will gather information and evidence and get it to the detectives for follow-up. In some recent burglaries, officers were unavailable to respond in a timely manner because of other criminal activity occurring at the same time that was at a higher priority level. However, officers were still able to get information from the witnesses and write a detailed report. That information led detectives to identify and locate the suspects. The 911 calls still made a difference.
We as individuals can make a difference.
Until Next Time, Take Care and Stay Safe! (and give us feedback regarding the new newsletter format)
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Since we last wrote, activity in the precinct has been intense. To highlight just a few items:
· Sept 21st: Shots were fired from one car at another in the area of the Rainier Beach Jack-In-The-Box. One person died and one was seriously injured.
· Sept 23rd: One person died from injuries sustained in a fight with a domestic violence abuser as the person tried to help the survivor of the violence leave the abuser.
· Sept 23rd: An unattended car, left with the engine running and a one-year old child inside, was stolen from outside the victim’s residence. Officers located the car nearby; the child was unharmed.
· Sept 25th: A victim died of stab wounds suffered during a domestic violence assault.
· Sept 26th: A person was shot five times at close range during a possible drug deal.
· Sept 28th: A suspect shot at a patrol car, shattering a window, while the officer was in the car. The officer was not injured.
· Sept 29th: A vehicle traveling a high rate of speed crashed and rolled over on the 8400 Block of Seward Park Ave S. The four passengers were injured but alive at the time of the accident.
· Sept 30th: A vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed hit a wooden pole and traffic signal at 57th & Rainier. The four passengers were killed instantly. The impact was such that wreckage from the accident was spread out over several city blocks. Downed power lines from the accident knocked out power in the area for hours.
Additionally, there has been a sharp increase in residential burglaries. We’ve written before that in a large percentage of residential burglaries, the suspects gained entry through opened and unlocked doors and windows. This is still occurring. However, we’re also seeing a spike of forced entry burglaries, with suspects breaking into homes through basement or side windows, rear doors, etc.
When we process all that has occurred these past few weeks, rather than dwell on them or be fearful because of them, we need to look at what we can do to respond to them and prevent things like this from happening to us and those around us.
The police department rarely has the staffing levels to do proactive patrols. Often, officers are going from one 911 call to the next with no opportunity to make proactive contacts that may deter crime. Police officers cannot prevent crime by themselves, but we as individuals can. Officers respond to crime and in many instances deter it by their presence. But they cannot prevent you from abusing a loved one, they cannot prevent you from using drugs, they can’t prevent you from leaving your unattended car running or prevent you from driving at excessive speeds. But you as an individual can.
· We can pay attention to how we drive and be more cautious, and encourage others to do the same.
· We can not leave our cars running and unattended. We can not leave our children unattended.
· We can think about how we process anger. Rather than striking out to cause harm, whether with a hand, knife or gun, take a step back, breath and think.
· We can continue to be observant and report crime. Even though it could take some time for an officer to respond to a burglary call, they will respond. They will gather information and evidence and get it to the detectives for follow-up. In some recent burglaries, officers were unavailable to respond in a timely manner because of other criminal activity occurring at the same time that was at a higher priority level. However, officers were still able to get information from the witnesses and write a detailed report. That information led detectives to identify and locate the suspects. The 911 calls still made a difference.
We as individuals can make a difference.
Until Next Time, Take Care and Stay Safe! (and give us feedback regarding the new newsletter format)
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Monday, October 09, 2006
Free trees!
Plant-a-Tree-for-Free
As part of the Mayor's Fall Tree Planting challenge, City of Seattle residents can request a free tree (supplies limited, one tree per household) beginning September 7 to plant in their yard.
Trees will be available for pick-up at two locations on October 28. After submitting the form below, you will be sent or emailed a coupon to bring when you pick up your tree.
http://www.seattle.gov/environment/trees/tree_request.htm
As part of the Mayor's Fall Tree Planting challenge, City of Seattle residents can request a free tree (supplies limited, one tree per household) beginning September 7 to plant in their yard.
Trees will be available for pick-up at two locations on October 28. After submitting the form below, you will be sent or emailed a coupon to bring when you pick up your tree.
http://www.seattle.gov/environment/trees/tree_request.htm
Saturday, September 09, 2006
PICNIC at the PRECINCT and community update
PICNIC at the PRECINCT
For Southeast Seattle Neighborhoods
Saturday, September 16, 2006
1:00 - 4:00 pm @ the South Precinct - 3001 S Myrtle ST
Get a precinct tour and meet your local police officers, SWAT, K-9, Bomb Squad and Mounted Officers!
Fun for the whole family! Great food, magician,
balloonist, bouncy machine, music & dance groups!
Win SPD memorabilia, and great prizes and
gift certificates from neighborhood businesses!
Please Join Us!
--------------------------------------------
Dear Community Friends;
Back to School Safety Tips
(The following is from a Seattle Police news release from September 1st, 2006.) The Seattle Police Department would like to remind drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful as the new school year starts. We are asking students to be extra cautious when walking to and from school. Here are a few tips:
• Pay special attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards
• Never cross the street against a red light, even if you don't see any traffic coming
• Wear reflective clothing and bright colors so drivers can see you easier
• Plan a safe walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and if possible, with intersections that have traffic controls
• Advise children to arrive early for buses, stay out of the street, and to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street
Drivers also need to be very aware that school is back in session and children will be walking to and from schools and bus stops. As autumn approaches, there will be less daylight and children will be out early in the morning and more difficult to see.
• Be watchful around schools and bus stops for children running into the street
• Watch for children entering the street from behind buses or running to catch the bus
• When driving your children to school, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don't leave until they are safely on school grounds
• Drive slowly when approaching children riding bicycles and walking near the street.
• Watch your speed when entering school zones.
The Seattle Police Department wishes everyone a safe school year.
Things To Be Aware Of
We’ve had reports of small groups of teen males who would go door-to-door in a particular neighborhood and ask residents if there were any odd jobs they could do. While polite and well groomed, these young men used the cover of offering to do odd jobs as a way to case the residence or steal a purse or keys that were left by the front door.
We’ve also seen the ploy of youth going door-to-door asking residents if they had seen the youth’s lost puppy. While perfectly plausible, this ploy has been used to gain access to people’s homes and when the resident’s back was turned, the individual(s) went through a purse, and took keys and/or other items.
When a stranger comes to your door, for whatever reason, you do not have to let them in. Talk to them through the door. If the reason they are at the door seems unusual or suspicious to you, let neighbors know so they can be aware and watchful of their activity as well. Call 911 and let the operator know that though the situation is not an emergency, it seems suspicious to you and you wanted to make a report.
Second, don’t leave your purse, briefcase, keys or wallet within easy reach of the front door or on a table next to an open window.
Now That School Is Back In Session . . . .
If you see groups of youth just hanging out during the day, going door-to-door, looking into peoples homes or yards… you may want to say something to your neighbors and police at that time, rather than have your neighbor come over and tell you that they were burglarized some time that day, and then you have to tell them that you saw some kids but didn’t think anything about it. Remember, the youth are supposed to be in school, not going into Mrs. Austin’s back yard.
Until Next Time, Take Care And Stay Safe!