CrimeWatch UpdateFrom: Yearsley, Greg
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2007 3:46 PM
Subject: CrimeWatch Update

BE ALERT! 

Since it appears that the incidents of car break-ins may be on the rise again, the HOA met this past weekend with Officer Matthew Rumatz, our Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) for the Hills. Officer Rumatz wants to help us in any way that he can.

Here are the suggestions that Officer Rumatz offered-- 
#1 
We must all report incidents to the Police immediately after they occur. Please report to the Police Department FIRST and then to Officer Rumatz. His cell # is: 214-878-7604, and he has asked us to use it.

--There is no way to investigate and work towards a solution unless the GPD knows that break-ins occur. 
--An immediate report may allow collection of evidence that a later report will not. 
--Reports provide documentation that a localized problem exists, which directs more attention to the issue. 

#2 
Be mindful not to disturb the crime scene too much. 
--There may be evidence that can be gathered and used. 

#3 
Ask for Forensics. 
--While it is not customary in car break-ins to request (or be granted) Forensics, Officer Rumatz said his superior Lt. Gregory has granted permission since these incidents continue to occur in the Hills.

--Explain that our NPO, Officer Rumatz. is working on these break-in cases and believes that Forensics (fingerprints) will help.

#4 
Use good sense. 
--Some break-ins are occurring in unlocked vehicles. 
--Some people are inviting thefts by leaving something tempting (including satchels) in plain sight. 

Report other incidents, such as garage break-ins, vandalism, eggings, etc. 
They may be caused by the same perpetrators (how often do you get to use that word?) 

Please do all that you can to help the GPD, the HOA, the CrimeWatch group, and your neighbors discover who is behind this annoying petty crime and vandalism so we can put a stop to it.

Hills HOA Board 
Greg Yearsley 
Phil Kessel 
Ken Vaughan