August 2016 Update
General Update: Crime has been low again this month with few home or vehicle burglaries to speak of. In fact, our neighborhoods have seen a dramatic drop in crime generally with some astounding year-over-year statistics. For the first six months of 2016:
- Violent crime is down 100%
- Auto theft is down 88%
- Burglary is down 61%
- Theft is down 95%
- Robbery is down 86%
Source: HPD & Harris County Constable’s Department, Precinct 1.
The Constable attributes these significant reductions in crime to the deterrence value of having marked patrol cars in our neighborhood during high crime times as well as the multiple arrests the Constable has made to move the criminal element out of our neighborhood.
That is why it is so critical that we all pitch in to keep the constable patrol funded. The Security Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce that our Mandell/Winlow fundraising this year was successful and that we will be able to purchase next year’s contract to keep the constable patrol running through October of 2017.
However, the number of Mandell Place and Winlow Place residents subscribing to the Constable Patrol has significantly diminished over last year, dropping from 183 to 111 subscribers. One of thereasons that we are able to renew the contract for next year despite this fall off in subscribers is a significant financial buffer left over from last year’s fundraising efforts. That buffer is now depleted and can only be rebuilt by increasing our subscriber base.
For those who have already subscribed, thank you so much for your contribution to our neighborhood’s safety and security. For those who have not subscribed or renewed please do so now. Please also keep reminding your friends and neighbors to subscribe too!
A Note From Constable Rosen: The neighborhood crime that our patrol deputies come across most frequently is the nighttime burglary of parked cars and trucks. In the dark, crooks pull on door handles to see which ones are unlocked. Or they bash through vehicle windows using a heavy tool such as a tire iron. Once inside, they grab cash, coins and wallets, or anything re-sellable such as laptop computers, cell phones, jewelry, athletic equipment and other items.
But there are ways to drastically reduce the chance that your vehicle is the next target. Some of the actions are so simple that you might think every vehicle owner does them. But you’d be surprised how many people don’t. Locking your doors may cause a criminal to sneak to the next car or truck in the search for something easier to steal. Park in a well-lit area, whether that’s your driveway or on the street. Crooks would rather work in the shadows or darkness. When you are not in your vehicle, hide valuables in the trunk or remove them. A purse, phone, coat, briefcase or ring left in plain sight makes your car or truck a lure for the bad guys. They want to commit a crime of opportunity. You want to remove the opportunity. These steps cost nothing.
Vehicle alarm systems, driveway gates and easily-noticed residential security cameras can all reduce these common crimes. Also, there are kits that truck owners can buy to make their vehicle tailgates much harder to remove. Many rims and hubcaps can be locked, too. Of course, Precinct 1 deputies will continue to be on the lookout for anyone “casing” neighborhoods in search of the cars that are easiest to enter. We always need your help with this vigilance. If you see suspicious activity, call our dispatch line, 713-755-7628 to let us know.
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).
- Take down license plate numbers or take a cell phone photo of suspicious cars or people you notice around the neighborhood.
- 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.