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

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

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

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!

August 23, 2006

Dear Community Friends

Summertime Burglaries
As we entered the warm weather months, I wrote these words in a June newsletter:
“We often see an increase in residential burglary and theft in the warm weather months. At times, we leave our windows open for ventilation when we are not home. In a vast number of summertime burglaries, the burglar gains entry through an opened or unlocked door or window.”

Looking at the increase in residential burglaries we’ve experienced over the summer, one thing stands out: in the vast majority of burglaries, the burglars gained entry through opened windows. Some removed items from opened garages. This is one instance where I really wish I didn’t have the data backing me up when I say, “I told you so.”

I have received calls from many south end residents who want to start block watches because of increased burglaries. I’ve received angry missives because someone was a victim of a crime. I’ve been peppered with calls and emails from people wanting to know what the police department is doing about the increase in burglaries. I have two basic questions:
1) Did you report it? You’d be surprised how often the response is “no.”
2) How did the burglar again entry? See above.

I am more than happy to help people get a block watch started. After all, it really is about connecting with neighbors, agreeing to watch out for each other and communicating with each other and police about suspicious activity. I am also more than willing to address people’s concerns about area crime and police response. Working with neighbors to explore strategies to address criminal behaviors and other public safety concerns is what I do.

However, when armed with the information that a large number of burglars gain entry through an open window, and people still leave their windows open when away from home, and then are angry at the police because they were burglarized, I have to shake my head and wonder what else we need to do to get the point across before the burglary occurs.

I may be the preacher and you the choir, but I will continue to stress this point and ask you do the same: most crimes are crime of opportunity; you reduce the opportunity, you reduce your probability of becoming a crime victim.

Lock your doors and windows when you leave home. Don’t present an easy opportunity for someone to gain entry to your home or remove items from your garage.

Please, don’t hand me another “I told you so” moment.

Othello Park Update
Over the past several months, members of the Othello Park community have been working with the Parks Department to put together positive, family friendly programming for the park. The intent behind this is that if we want to drive out the negative criminal behaviors at the park, we need to replace them with positive community focused activities. The Parks Department hired a special activities coordinator who is focused on bringing positive community activities to Othello Park and John C Little Sr. Park (in the New Holly area).

To that end, there are a series of community concerts that are planned for Othello Park over the coming months. Attached with this newsletter is a list of dates, a call for community participation (including performers and volunteers) and contact information for those who wish to become involved.

Until Next Time, Take Care and Stay Safe!

Mark Solomon South Precinct Crime Prevention

August 2, 2006 - community newsletter

Dear Community Friends

Pedestrian Collisions
During the past seven months there have been four serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents resulting in two fatalities and two serious injuries. Three of these accidents took place when the pedestrian was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk and was struck by a moving vehicle.

These tragedies might of been prevented if the pedestrians and motorists had been more aware of each other prior to the accidents. The following are some safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.

Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Dress to be seen. Wear bright/light colored clothing so drivers see you.
• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• If crossing a multiple lane road, visually clear each lane as you proceed.
• 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.
• Look LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT prior to entering the street.
• Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
• Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorist see you.
• Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
• Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.
Vehicular Safety Tips:
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Do not drive with distractions (cell phones, eating, etc.)
• Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
• Look ahead for potential dangers or people in the roadway or crosswalks.
• Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks: on a two-lane road, the pedestrian must be completely across the roadway before you begin moving again. On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within one lane of your direction of travel.
• 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
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
• Know your surroundings while you drive, be a good defensive driver. Think outside your car.
• On bright days wear sunglasses or use your sun visor to minimize bright glare.
• Always have ample driving time, try not to be in a rush - a patient driver is a safe driver.

Night Out 2006
I want to thank all of you who hosted a Night Out Against Crime event and welcomed members of the Police Department to join you. It was a great night (and great food!). In the South Precinct, there were at least 73 registered Night Out events – an increase from previous years, so we apologize if none of the South Precinct officers visited your block. Hopefully, we’ll be able to visit you (and eat your food) next year.

Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!

Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME - August 1st

Join us at 6:00 in front of 2360 20th ave. south for food and conversation!

It's potluck so please bring something to share, and if you have any lawn chairs to share, bring those on over as well!

Announcements:
If you have an old telephone (cel or otherwise) you wish to donate, please bring it for collection, it's for a good cause - Verizon Wireless' HopeLine Program which is for domestic violence survivors.

If you want some free trees for your parking strip, i'll have a sign up sheet for that this year.

Bring along any new neighbors who are not on our list so we can sign them up for our block watch.

See you Tuesday! Lee