Neighborhoods and communities all around us strive to be safe and enlist the help of the Constable Patrol Program to help ensure that security just as we do. Nonetheless, crimes of opportunity occur everywhere and even though our crime rates have dropped significantly since contracting with the Program we cannot let our guard down. Here are 2 reminders from the Braeswood community that crime is never far away and some tips to ensure your safety.
In the first incident, one of our neighbors left their bank with a couple hundred dollars in cash. They left the cash in the car and a few minutes after arriving home, someone broke into the car and stole the money. It is unlikely that this was a random event and more likely they were followed home from the bank.
In the second incident, a neighbor was parking her car in her driveway about 10:20 pm. As she exited, she spotted a man in the driveway carrying a hammer. She quickly got into the house, called for help and our on-duty deputy and HPD responded. The man was combative and was arrested. Obviously, this situation had the potential to be much worse.
Several ways to avoid being a victim:
- As we have seen in the news several times in recent weeks, criminals follow us home after shopping or banking. When you leave the bank or ATM, pay attention to who leaves at the same time and watch for someone on your trail. If someone worries you, call 911 and drive to a busy, public place where people are available to help.
- Before you get in or out of your car, be mindful of what’s happening around you. Look for people or cars that look out of place. Our deputies are eager to check out suspicious people or vehicles that might not belong here.
- Never leave anything of value visible in your car. That includes phones, charging cables, firearms, backpacks, and packages. Yes, it is a pain to tidy up the car every evening, but our belongings are magnets for thieves.
- Park high up in your driveway or inside the garage whenever possible. Most vehicle-related crimes happen to cars parked in the street. And ALWAYS lock the doors.
General Update: There was an overall increase in criminal activity for January, compared to the significantly low numbers from November and December. There were 10 HPD reported incidents in our neighborhoods – 4 Thefts from Vehicle, 4 Thefts (3 occurring on Kipling St), 1 Breaking & Entering on Harold St, and 1 Theft of Vehicle. There were 2 Crime Alerts from the Constables office. Click on the map for more detailed information.
Constable Activity Report – January:
Below is a run down of last month’s Activity Report from the Constable Patrol. Each time the deputy on patrol is called out or observes some activity of interest, he/she documents the call and the report is compiled at the end of the month. It’s a nice way to see what our deputies are up to!
Alarm Local – 1
Abandoned Vehicle – 0
Aggressive Animal – 0
Burglary – 1
Burglary/Motor Vehicle – 0
Business Check – 4
Contract Check – 109
Criminal Mischief – 0
Discharge of Firearm – 0
Disturbance/ Loud Noise/ other – 3
Follow Up – 7
Information Call – 0
Meet the Citizen – 120
Meet the Officer – 0
Neighborhood Check – 0
Park Check – 10
Property Found/Lost – 0
Solicitors – 0
Special Assign – 1
Suspicious Person – 10
Suspicious Vehicle – 0
Theft – 3
Traffic Hazard – 4
Traffic Stop – 11
Vacation Watch – 27