General Update: The constable’s program continues to be a great boon to Mandell Place, Winlow Place and Cherryhurst. The past month saw only a single home burglary (on 1800 Kipling) and a single car burglary (on 2600 Windsor) in our patrolled neighborhoods.
The car break-in was a vehicle parked in the street with a bag containing computer equipment visible in the left rear seat. The thieves broke the rear window to get the bag. It is important to remember that a car is not a secure location for valuables! At a minimum, valuables should be left out of sight and in the trunk, but the best practice is to not leave any valuables in your car at all. The forced entry on Kipling was reported to HPD, but not the constable. Personal items were stolen from the home, including clothing and jewelry. HPD has no suspects but is checking surveillance video from neighbors.
These two incidents, while unfortunate, are a far cry from the number of break-ins that our neighborhoods experienced before the constable’s patrol was instituted. In addition, this month the Constable deployed additional deputies, undercover officers and unmarked cars in an effort to deter crime around Cherryhurst Park, resulting in several successful arrests. Please remember the great strides we have made in reducing property crime as fundraising for next year’s contract starts in May.
A Message from Constable Rosen: “Thefts May Spring up in Spring”
“The warmer weather encourages wildflowers to bloom, bicycle owners to pedal down the street, property owners to spruce up their landscapes, and fixer-uppers to work outdoors. While we of course encourage everyone to enjoy the fresh air in their own ways, we also remind you to use your season-sensitive common sense to prevent your belongings from being stolen. While you “take time to smell the flowers,” please also remember to secure bikes, yard tools, skateboards, outdoor furniture, construction materials and other belongings when not in use; to lock garages, sheds and gates. Because unfortunately, the nice weather makes it easier for thieves to move around outdoors, too. And when you are out and about, please report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Be safe!”
Security Tips: The constable patrol is most effective when we all take common sense steps to deter crime:
- Activate your security system at all times, and connect it directly to the Constable Dispatch (you must call your alarm company and have their responding agency listed as Harris County Constable Precinct One at 713-755-7628).
- Report crime and suspicious activity to the constable’s office at 713-755-7628. Make sure to mention that you are calling from a “contract neighborhood.” (For emergencies in progress, dial 911).
- Go to the website and sign-up for security alerts.
- Lock your garage and car.
- Do not leave items in car.
- Never disclose Constable Patrol hours of operation via online social networks (like Facebook or Nextdoor). We are disadvantaged if potential criminals are aware of our vulnerabilities.
Board of Directors:
Mike Hawash – Chair
Jake Mase & Al Amado – Mandell Place
Benjamin Garry & Mark Schultz – Winlow Place
Bruce Holzband & Thushara Corea – Cherryhurst