News from the North Precinct Police - Aug-Sep, 2007
Keep doors and windows secure to avoid opportunity theft.
Summer is gone but the warm weather is still with us! We still need to be diligent about the usual warm weather problems that plague us. We often forget how important it is to secure windows in hot weather. The thief knows we are careless and banks on our carelessness to supply him or her with many of your valued possessions. Keep your windows and doors locked. If windows have to be open (no more than 4") always use a dowel to block any further opening. One home invasion took place in Rainier Valley. The culprit was later arrested in our North Precinct. None of us would have wanted him making himself a visitor in our home.
Homes undergoing remodeling are a target for theft.
Across the city there have been numerous problems where remodeling of unoccupied homes is taking place. If you are remodeling or have neighbors who are remodeling; keep an eye on those cars and trucks that pull up to theses sites. There have been high incidences of vandalism, including flooding the interiors and pouring paint all over most of the interior surfaces of these properties.
Lawn furniture is a target for theft.
Another strange crime that is taking place again this summer is the stealing of lawn furniture, particularly wicker furniture. You may have seen one of these crimes portrayed on national TV when an owner had a video camera recording the event. They still did not have the culprit arrested. Make sure that your outdoor items are not left where they become an attractive lure for a thief.
IN MEADOWBROOK:
Underage drinking and noisemaking in Meadowbrook.
I have heard several complaints from Meadowbrook residents regarding underage drinking and loud noises coming from the area around 32nd NE & 105th where teens gather to drink late at night and into the early morning hours. They leave behind their bottles and debris for neighbors to pick up the following morning. Unfortunately this is mostly a low priority call for the understaffed police department. Nevertheless a call to 911 so that this nuisance is recorded and eventually dealt with will be your best bet. Cooperation regarding being in a park after 11 PM... from the Parks department has not been forthcoming.
Unlocked, parked cars being used as smokers' "hide-a-way" in Meadowbrook.
Another resident expressed his displeasure with teens using his antique cars as a hideaway to smoke, drink etc. along 35th NE & 110th. Students attending Summit School seem to be the culprits. School District Security has taken low interest in the problem.
These last two problems are examples of letters that need to be written to officials up the chain of command (mayor, Seattle City Council, School Superintendent, etc) to help resolve these problems. Both the Seattle Park Department and the Seattle Public School District need to have their feet held to the fire regarding policies that are in place regarding this behavior.
Illegal fireworks on 4th of July in Meadowbrook.
Last but not least, was the high incidence this past 4th of July of the use of illegal fireworks.
It is fun to see the fireworks. If we can't be content with going to the public firework shows or watching the event on TV, let's keep its use legal. Rockets that go up into the air 20 - 30 feet and land many feet away are not legal and they are dangerous.
TV told us prior to the "Fourth of July" that 911 could not handle all of the complaints and that more serious problems would not be able to be met if residents called 911. Those announcements may well have made the culprits think this was open season to go ahead and shoot off fireworks. We need to be diligent in thinking through what can be done to prevent serious fires and health risks.
Aundie Collison
Meadowbrook Representative to the North Precinct Advisory Council