General Update: Significant property crime continues to remain low in our patrolled neighborhoods. The only significant incidents to report for the month of February were 1) a break-in on the 1800 block of Marshall Street where criminals had broken in through a back glass door and stole electronics and cash before exiting through the front door, and 2) a motor vehicle break-in at Cherryhurst Street and Ridgewood Street. Hopefully, unfortunate incidents like this remain isolated and rare occurrences now that the patrol is in place. Complete statistics for the month are attached with sensitive security information removed.

Starting this month, we are also excited to announce that we will begin sharing deputies with Vermont Commons and Park Commons, who have recently begun their own constable’s patrol program. This essentially doubles the days we have active constables coverage. More importantly, a deputy should be just a few minutes away during all the high crime times. By coordinating with other neighborhoods who are instituting their own constables patrols we can increase our effective coverage without increasing the cost of our constables program, it is a great win-win.

Finally, we are aware of the increase in crime and suspicious incidents in the neighborhood surrounding Cherryhurst park in March. The Security Foundation Board has been in close contact with the Constable regarding this problem, and the Constable is developing new strategy and tactics to counter such incidents. We should have more to report in our next newsletter when the statistics for March become available.
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 at713-755-7628).
  • 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.

In addition, the Constable offers other security services that we encourage you to take advantage of:

  • Vacation watch – Go to http://pct1constable.net/sign-up/vacation-watch/ to sign up you home for vacation watch if you are going out of town. The constables will stop by your house every day to make sure that all is well while you are away.
  • Crime Alerts – You can receive immediate crime alerts directly from the Constable’s office by signing up athttp://pct1constable.net/sign-up/crime-alerts/.
  • Security Audit Deputy – Please email Deputy Mathews-Segura at Tracie.Mathews-Segura@cn1.hctx.netto schedule a security audit. Deputy Mathews-Segura will come to your home and let you know how you can be more secure

For complete list of the constables services and information visithttp://pct1constable.net/.

Lastly, HPD has distributed burglary and security tips for the Rodeo, but these are generally aplicable to our neighborhood as well:

  • Prior to leaving for your trip remove any extra items from your vehicle, laptops, book bags, even weapons. Leave these things at home. Make it appear your vehicle is empty, especially if you plan to park at remote parking facilities (bus or train lots). A vehicle is a method of transportation NOT A SECURE LOCATION for your valuables.
  • Always carry your driver’s license or identification card along with a limited amount of credit cards/debit cards. Avoid carrying extra credit cards and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Women should consider wearing a small purse across their body to keep their hands free, especially if you have small children.
  • If you plan on attending with children and you become separated, teach them to know they can ask a police officer if they need help.
  • Park as close to your destination as possible and pay close attention to where you parked in the lot.
  • Stay alert while you are walking to your car. Talking or texting on your phone or digging in your purse for your keys while walking is a distraction and you could be an easy target.
  • Be just as vigilant about your surroundings during the daylight hours. A crime can occur at any time.

Published by Najib El