Happy New Year!!

Here's wishing all of you a happy and prosperous 2009!

More Excitement in the Neighborhood

I just got back into town today and found out that a F-350 pickup belonging to a landscaper was stolen from in front of our complex this afternoon. In addition, a vehicle was stolen from a nearby apartment complex a little while later. Of course, we've had the usual burglaries but this represents an increase in vehicles actually taken by thieves. No suspects have been found in either case. Please be aware that these incidents are occurring again; perhaps the lovely weather is getting people out of the house again:-)

More Thefts

The office building on 2626 Cole had a couple of businesses broken into. In addition, a tourist had a host of items stolen from a restaurant at West Village. And, of course, the usual couple of motor vehicle burglaries. Remember to lock your vehicle and take your stuff out of the car so it won't be so attractive to a would-be thief...

Robbed at Gunpoint

Someone was robbed at gunpoint at Sambuca on 2120 McKinney around 1:00 a.m. on Dec. 17. The suspect has not been apprehended. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings and that you are safer in a group.

Even Police Vehicles Get Broken Into!!!

It looks like a police vehicle was burglarized last night - the thief got a Glock 9 mm, among other items. If it can happen to the police, it can happen to you! Be watchful and take your valuables with you (on your person) or leave them at home!

Thefts Continue

A purse was stolen from 3227 McKinney last night, I assume it ocurred at Frankie's and was similar to recent crimes where purses have been stolen from women in bars. Keep an eye on those purses and wallets, folks!!!

Vehicle Stolen at Gunpoint

At 1:30 this morning, two men stole a car from the own at gunpoint in a parking lot at McKinney and Routh. Just an FYI, no suspects have been caught.

Link Between Graffiti and Crime

Here's a great article that discusses a study that proves there is a link to lowe-level crimes such as graffiti and littering and their effect on the rise of crime in areas where they occur. Copy and paste the link and remember to report such items to 311.

http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/culture/2008/11/20/graffiti-triggers-crime-and-littering.html

Stolen Vehicles

There have been a number of vehicles stolen in Dallas recently. There was one stolen from the 2700 block of Cole yesterday. Remember to lock your vehicle. Also, there was an assault on our block last night - it may have been a domestic dispute and someone was taken into custody.

BMV at 3209 Cole

FYI, another vehicle was broken into last night around 9:00 p.m. Remember to lock, take, and hide. And, remember, the holiday season is the time of year when thefts are on the rise...

Weekend Mischief

Over the weekend, there were several incidents involving gunshots - someone fired on a taxicab at 2900 Carlisle at midnight the other night and someone also shot out the car windows on a couple of vehicles in our general area. In addition, a couple of serious accidents occurred on McKinney; the one in front of LaTour was a fatality. Be careful out there; even this morning there were lots of folks speeding on Lemmon. Holidays and bad economic news do affect us; more anxiety and bad decisions result.

Oak Lawn Intruder Suspects Arrested

Two suspects in the Oak Lawn home invasion were arrested yesterday - they are also suspects in several similar robberies.

"Creepers"

I didn't realize there was a name for the purse and wallet thieves I've warned about recently. See this article - copy and paste the link into your browser. Again - keep an eye on your purses and wallets!

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/120308dnmetcreepers.3aaf272.html

Armed Intruders in Oak Lawn Neighborhood

This morning at about 7:30 a.m., two armed intruders broke into an occupied residence on Hawthorne (off of Hall St in Oak Lawn area) and ransacked the residence while holding the residents at gunpoint. No information on the suspects has been released yet. As soon as we have more information, we'll post to the blog. Be careful out there and keep an eye out for your neighbor as well.

Another Purse Missing

A patron of a local bar reported her expensive purse missing the other night - either she lost it or someone stole it. Again, ladies, always keep a hand on your purse!

Home Burglaries

Two home burglaries in the neighborhood yesterday - remember to make your home look occupied so it is not attractive to burglars!

Time to Think About Others

As we approach the holidays, we typically start thinking about how we can help others who are not so fortunate. Of course, it is something we should do all year long. Check with charitable organizations, churches, and schools to see if they need money and/or items for the less fortunate. The help you give might be just what a struggling person needs to keep them from a life of crime.

More Burglaries, Etc.

There have been several BMV's and burglaries in the past few days, including one on Cedar Springs in which a driver's car window was broken and the victim was robbed at gunpoint. Of course, the usual refrain, be careful and aware of your surroundings when you're out and about, particularly at night.

Holiday Shopping Tips - Safety

Here are a few tips courtesy of North Texas Crime Prevention Association:

Shop before dark when possible.
Shop with a friend.
Never park in an unlit area.
Lock packages in the trunk of your car and keep doors locked and windows closed.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

More on Aggravated Robberies - ATM Bandits

Four aggravated robberies in Dallas have been thieves forcing people to ATM's at gunpoint where they empty their bank accounts. Be careful when you go to an ATM anyway - you never know who is watching.

Home Burglary in Knox Park Area

An apartment on Buena Vista had its door kicked in and contents stolen during the day yesterday. Remember that it is the holiday season and these types of burglaries happen more often because thieves know we're hoarding stuff for the holidays. Make sure your home looks occupied when you're not home.

Aggravated Robberies and BMV's

'Tis the season for robberies and BMV's. In the past few days, there have been three persons robbed at gunpoint - one in Uptown and two at Knox Henderson. The suspect in the robbery outside Manny's Restaurant in Uptown was apprehended - the other suspect is still at large. In addition, more and more BMV's every day. Remember to stay safe - be aware of your surroundings, safety in numbers, and take your stuff out of your cars.

Purse Snatching

There was a purse snatched from a woman's shoulder in the WalMart Grocery parking lot at about 10:00 last night. Remember to look around and be aware of your surroundings and do not carry your social security number in your purse! In addition, we're in the holiday season now and thieves know that people are carrying money and credit cards right now. Be careful!

Huge Increase in BMV's

The past few weeks have seen a huge increase in BMV's - most occur within a few blocks of each other. It makes me think the activity is organized again. So, do not leave anything in your car, even for a few moments and always report suspicious activity to 911.

BMV, BMV, BMV

Several more BMV's in the neighborhood lately - take the usual precautions. Remember, the holiday season is upon us and there will be a rise in burglaries and thefts. In addition, make arrangements for your packages - don't leave them at your door for days on end as that does signal an empty home. Make arrangements with a friend or neighbor to hold your packages till you get back from you travels.

Great Tips from FW Police

DOs
--- Leave outside lights on at night and keep lights on in more than one room.
--- Secure all doors and windows.
--- Always lock your door when going to the rest room.
--- Keep car doors locked at all times; even if you are going into a place for a short time.
--- Always look in your back seat before entering your car.
--- Always have keys ready to unlock the car door and enter without delay. Never walk across the parking lot digging in your purse for your keys. Have them in your hand before leaving a building.
--- Always park in well lighted areas.
DONTs
--- Do not jog alone!
--- Do not enter your residence alone if anything seems suspicious!
--- Do not walk alone!

November 5

Another middle-of-the night BMV across the street - the thief got an iPod device of some sort. It's difficult to find witnesses to these crimes in the night so make sure you don't leave anything for them to steal.

November 4

An "suspicious" individual "with a limp" was spotted yesterday morning peering into car windows. It sounds like someone on the hunt for the valuable stuff people continue to leave in their cars. Remember to take your stuff with you or hide it very well.
In addition, another wallet was removed from a woman's purse in a restaurant. I advise all women to buy a purse hook that will keep your purse close to you and in your sight at every moment. Let me know if you need more information!

Lone Star Towing

From Dallas Morning News today:

Dallas pulls license of towing company tied to complaints at Fair Park 11:23 AM CT

11:24 AM CST on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
By RUDOLPH BUSH / The Dallas Morning News
rbush@dallasnews.com

The city of Dallas has revoked the license of a controversial towing firm that hauled dozens of cars away from lots surrounding Fair Park during this year’s Texas/Oklahoma game.

Citing a long list of violations against Lone Star Towing — and 40 complaints stemming from the Texas/OU game alone — the city’s transportation regulation director, in conjunction with the city attorney’s office, pulled the firm’s license in a letter sent today.

In revoking the license, the city determined that Lone Star’s violations were intentional and firm principals were aware they were not following city regulations.

Lone Star can appeal the decision within 10 days.

BMV's

Another BMV restaurant parking lot yesterday - another navigation system gone. Please remember to take your stuff when you leave your car. It gets dark earlier so it's also easier for the thieves to move about undetected and harder to get a good description of them. In addition, as we move into shopping season, the burglars know they can get good stuff from cars.

Towing

Copy and paste into your browser - link to story on barkingdogs.com about Lone Star and its (probably illegal) governmental entity fee. http://www.barkingdogs.org/news/node/484

Car Taken at Gunpoint

A Bentley convertible was stolen at gunpoint from its owner yesterday from a parking lot in the 2800 block of McKinney. Plese remember to be aware of your surroundings when walking to your car.

Assaults and BMV's

There have been a couple of late-night assaults recently - they both happened late at night and occurred in or near bars. Be careful when you're out clubbing! Also, three BMV's in the area - three GPS systems, iPods, etc. taken. Remember to take all that stuff out of your car when you park it!

Mischief

Lots of "criminal mischief" acts lately, including the events in our alley last week, and other vandalism in the general neighborhood. And, of course, it's Halloween so be careful of ghouls and goblins!!

BMV's

Neighbors, again, we are having lots of BMV's in the surrounding areas. Please take precautions so you are less likely to be victimized. Although there were no BMV's on Cole this week, there are lots of them on surrounding streets like Lemmon and Howell. Remember to hide your belongings and lock your car. Be careful of where you park....

Events of Last Week

It seems that the acts residents witnessed over several nights last week were random - more in the vein of vandalism than organized criminal acts. The past couple of days have been relatively quiet. However, Halloween is just around the corner so keep your eyes and ears open. For some reason, that "holiday" brings out the hooligan in some...

Purse Watch

A couple of wallets have been stolen from open purses in restaurants and stores this week. Keep your purses secure, ladies, and do not let them out of your sight for even a second!

Alert

From RJ:

To all,

Last night at about 2;30 am I heard some commotion in the back alley.
I went outside at the same time as a resident on the third floor.
We noticed a guy running down the alley across Bowen. I went out and
discovered that a car had been broken into, but it appears that we
scared them off. The police and I knocked on a few doors and I
apologize if I woke you up, but we did find the owner of the car. I
do not know if it is the construction or just that time of the year,
but crime seems to be on the rise right now. Please keep your eyes
and ears open. Also make sure that the gates close behind you when
you come into the complex.

ALSO REMEMBER TO HIDE, TAKE, AND LOCK. UNFORTUNATELY, ITEMS LEFT IN YOUR VEHICLE MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO BURGLARS. THERE IS DEFINITELY AN UPSWING IN CRIME RIGHT NOW.

Warning - Intruder on property 10-22-08

From Terri:

BDC Homeowners,

Last night at 2:30pm a man tried to come through our front door (#2103). He was either very drunk or on something or both. He was also screaming and howling at the top of his lungs.

It took Dallas Police 25 minutes to arrive and by the time they got here, he was gone.

Description:
Male
Caucasian
20ish
Approx 6'1"-6'2"
Dark Hair

WE ALL NEED TO ENSURE THAT WE CLOSE ALL GATES BEHIND US AND THAT THEY ARE LOCKED. REMEMBER ALSO THAT TUESDAY NIGHTS ARE BIG BUSINESS AT PRIMO'S AND REPUBLIC AND THAT THERE LIKELY ARE LOTS OF DRUNKS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Habitation Burglaries

There have been several burglaries lately in which a thief has kicked in doors and stelen items from homes while the owners were not home. Remember to make your place look occupied!

BMV's and Car Thefts

I don't know if we are seeing another organized BMV ring or just lots of crimes of opportunity, but there have been two BMV's here in the past two days as well as a vehicle stolen from across the street. Be aware - try to park in the garage if you can. Remember, though, that such crimes can happen anywhere. Always remove items from your vehicle and remember to lock it.

Lots of BMV's, etc.

The past few days have seen several BMV's in the neighborhood as well as purses stolen from women at bars or restaurants. In addition, there was a burglary/assault in a nearby apartment building. Keep taking the usual precautions to make your car's contents less appealing and to make your unit look occupied!

More of the Same

Lots more BMV's, car thefts, and hit-and-runs. Remember to make your stuff less attractive to thieves!

Another Handgun

I notice another handgun pulled on a victim - it looks like it occurred at the carwash across from West Village at about midnight the other night. Be aware of your surroundings!

BMV's on the Rise

We are having another rash of BMV's in the neighborhood so remember to hide, take, and lock. We've also had a few cars stolen lately. In addition, a gun was pulled on someone at West Village a couple of days ago, at 4:30 in the afternoon! Remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times. I suspect that with the economy in the tank, we'll be seeing more such activities and, of course, there is always a rise in thefts as we get closer to the holidays.

More BMV's and Purse Snatching

In the past few days, there have been several BMV's in the neighborhood. Once, again, do not leave anything in sight in your vehicle that might tempt someone! In addition, a purse was stolen from a bar patron. I've noticed several of these types of offenses recently, mostly at Mockingbird Station, but now they are occurring in Uptown. Keep an eye on your purse!

More BMV's, Shoplifting, and Indecent Exposure!

Yesterday was a busy day in the neighborhood - several incidents of shoplifting as well as indecent exposure in a store. Naturally, we also had more burglaries of motor vehicles. Just remember to take all your stuff out of your car and lock it so you won't attract thieves.

Great Article on Dallas Crime

Copy and paste the link for the article. It tells about the rate of solving crimes (70% for murder and 7% for burglaries) and gives some great tips on staying safe.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/092808dnmetclearancerates.18d7b90.html

In other news, make sure you visit the State Fair of Texas this year!

Aggravated Robbery at 3800 McKinney

I notice that Friday night at 12:15 a.m., there was a robbery at gunpoint of a victim who lives at the north corner of McKinney and Blackburn. The items taken included a Blackberry, drivers license, credit cards, and social security number. Please be careful when you get home at night, especially if you are alone. In addition, never carry your social security number with you. Lock it up - it is the key to all your financial information and an easy way to steal your identity. Stay safe!

Miscellaneous Police Activity

I've noticed a rise in random assaults, criminal mischief, vandalism, shoplifting, and the like. There are still BMV's and other petty crimes but there is no obvious trend in certain types of crimes. As always, be vigilant and call 911 when you observe suspicious activity. By the way, I've noticed lots of gates left open - please makre sure you pull them closed after entering or exiting....

Not Many Details in Assault Near Katy Trail

There are no sketches or further information on the assailants in the attack near the Katy Trail. However, the suspects may be a black male and two white males. Again, be careful if you are out walking by yourself. By the way, the police do not believe that this assault is related to the other Oak Lawn and Uptown area sexual assaults.

Rape in Uptown-Katy Trail Area

Police are looking for three men who committed a rape in the neighborhood at 3:40 a.m. Sunday, Sept 14. The victim was out walking at 3:40 when she was accosted. Please do not walk by yourself in the middle of the night. It is very dangerous and so few people are out that you can easily fall victim to any crime. We will update when there are further details and/or description of the attackers.

Hurricane Ike Watch

See http://weather.dallasnews.com/US/TX/119.html and http://www.srh.noaa.gov for updates. Take all the normal precautions for flash floods and tornadoes. The Weather Service is forecasting possible high winds and flash flooding on Saturday and Sunday, Sept 13 and 14. Remember to keep your flashlights loaded with batteries and do not drive into deep water. Here's a link information on what to put in your home safety kit along with tips on NOT coming into contact with downed power lines - http://www.oncor.com/safety/. (You'll have to copy and paste all the above mentioned urls into your browser.)

Craigslist Crimes

The Dallas Monrning News is reporting that several crimes in the Metroplex have been perpetrated using Craigslist. Copy and paste this link in your broswer to read the article and for tips on staying safe.
\\http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/091008dnmetcraigslist.12801db.html

Fall Football Frenzy

Football season is here again so all the neighborhood sports bars are busy again. Be mindful of those who have a had a few drinks and are out on the streets. Increased traffic and noise are always the end result of football in Uptown:)

BMV Reports

I'm seeing many more burglaries of motor vehicles, mainly in the area between Fitzhugh and Knox right now. Of course, always take out anything of value, and lock your vehicle before going shopping or to nearby restaurants. In addition, remember that there have been a few robberies with assaults late at night in that area.

More Robberies

There have been several more incidents where folks have been robbed by armed individuals. It looks like one may have happened in the Albertsons' parking lot. Be aware of your surroundings when you go to and from the store, especially if you see people loitering outside of the store.

Crimes in Area

I have noticed several crimes recently involving women and purses - a robbery at gunpoint late at night on Travis and several purse snatchings or wallet snatches at restaurants on Mockingbird. Please exercise caution amd keep an eye on your purse.

Unreported Crimes

Please remember that you need to report crimes through the 911 system. Unreported crimes are not counted in police statistics that are used to determine police coverage to our neighborhood.

Get Ready!

Remember - school starts on Monday, August 25! Slow down in school zones, stop using your cell phone in school zones, watch for pedestrians, and support your local school.

Reporting Crimes

In the past couple of days, I have noticed broken glass (presumably from car windows) in the 3100 block of Cole and the 3200 block of McKinney. In checking the Daily Crime Report, I notice that no crimes were reported for these locations. If a crime occurs, please call 911. Our police protection is call driven, based on the number of calls made to 911. Of course, such calls MUST be legitimate. Please keep our neighborhood safe.

Crime Statistics

Check out the Daily Crime Report (link to left) to see current statistics for our area. Amazingly, we have had few crimes reported in the past few days. Maybe the heat is too much, even for the bad guys!

Metal Thefts

There is a growing increase in the number of metal (especially copper) thefts these days. As the economy continues to struggle, I think we'll see people taking risks to make a few dollars on metal for recycling. Be aware of suspicious activities, especially people on poles and roofs who do not seem to belong there. As always, report suspicious activity to 911; do not ever approach a suspicious person yourself.

Be Alert

Although two suspects have been caught in the Uptown burglary spree, another residence on McKinney was burglarized yesterday. Always be careful and take precautions so you are not the next target.

Property Found

According to the Dallas Morning News: the police have located a lot of property tied to the Uptown burglaries. "People who believe their stolen property could be among what police recovered can call Dallas police central patrol at 214-670-4414 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m."

Good News!

Police have arrested a second suspect in the Uptown high-rise burglaries! We still need to be alert and take steps to protect our property. though...

Robberies in Neighborhood

Recently, there have been several robberies in which the victim was struck and robbed by a suspect. Remember to be aware of your surroundings, especially when you're alone.

More Motor Vehicle Burglaries

I've noticed lately that the BMV's are rising again. Remember the mantra "hide, take, lock" and remind your visitors to do the same.

Parking Your Bike

Remember that is is illegal to park your Vespa or comparable vehicle on the sidewalk. It still requires a parking space.

The Internet

The internet is one of the greatest resources we have but it does have a few drawbacks. In looking at a recent news story, I googled the name of the subject and was amazed to come across various social networking sites that gave precious personal information about them. Remember to use good judgment in posting to these sites. It is easier than you think for a professional to determine things such as where you live and when you will be home.

Some Good News?

Apparently, a suspect in the Uptown burglary spree has been arrested in Hurst. For more details, copy and paste the following link in your browser.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/072308dnmetuptownsuspect.7f66e12c.html

Pedestrians Crossing!

Pedestrians are at risk in the neighborhood - make sure you let the pedestrians cross. Even though a driver may turn right on red, the pedestrian still has the right of way. Be courteous!

Driving Safety

I've noticed that in the past few weeks, there are many more people on bicycles, motorbikes, and motorcylces sharing the roads with cars and SUVs. Please stay alert so we can all stay safe. Incidentally, you may have noticed new signs under the school zone signs at Travis TAG - the City of Dallas recently passed an ordinance prohibiting cell phone use of any kind while in a school zone. Keep this in mind when school starts at the end of August. This applies to any school in the city regardless of school district, and whether the school is public or private.

Burglaries

More burglaries of motor vehicles have been reported in our area. Remember to remove all items from your vehicle before you lock it and leave.

Possible Burglary Suspects on Tape

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/071808dnmetuptownburglary.65c0622d.html
Copy and paste the link in your browser for a recent DMN article on the recent home burglaries. This photo seems to be from a camera at the Mondrian. Although these burglaries seems to target high-rises, you never know where they might strike next. If you see anything suspicious, call 911.

BMV Reports

Well, we had small drop in the BMV rate recently. Unfortunately, it is back on the rise. In the past week, approximately 15 burglaries of motor vehicles have occurred in our general area. Remember, always lock your vehicle, and hide or take your valuables. BMV's take just seconds to commit and it is nearly impossible to catch the culprits in the act.

Recent Burglaries

The DMN is reporting several more thefts in the area - including one in which a police officer's badge and baton were stolen. This should be of tremendous concern to all of our neighbors - a burglar posing as a police officer can pose great risk to residents. Please exercise caution and do not be afraid to call 911 if you feel anything is suspicious!

Daily Crime Report Information

If you are interested in knowing about crime in the neighborhood, copy and paste the following link into your browser:

http://www.dailycrimereport.com/dallas/central/dallas_central_120/index.php

You don't have to wait for an article in the Dallas Morning News to report on crime trends - in fact, we reported on the recent upswing of residential burglaries on our blog a month ago.

Vacation Tips Article

Here's a link to a July 12 article in the Dallas Morning News that summarizes the preceding vacation tips and alerts you to a growing number of residence burglaries. (You'll need to copy and paste the link into your browser to read the article...)

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/071308dnmetuptownburglar.3d1f290.html

Vacation Tips - Number Four

Buy a timer to make your lights turn on and off every evening while you are gone. It will make your place look lived in..

Residence Burglaries on the Rise

DPD is advising that burglaries of residences in the neighborhood are on the rise. Be aware and make your home look lived in. If you have a garage, make sure it's always closed. Don't let packages sit in front of your door for days. And, always get to know your neighbors. They are your first line of defense.

Vacation Tips - Three

Use covered luggage tags when you fly. Rings of thieves operate in and around airports, making note of residence addresses on luggage. It's a sure bet that if you are traveling, nobody's home. Be aware of your surroundings and of people who are "hanging around."

Vacation Tips - Two

Stop your mail while you are gone. You can do this online at www.usps.com. You can also go to the post office and fill out a request to hold mail. If you don't want to do that, ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail for you.

Vacation Tips - One

Let a trusted friend or neighbor know when you will be away on vacation. Make sure someone has your contact information, whether your cellphone number or the phone number of your hotel so that you can be reached if there is an emergency at home.

School's Out!

I just wanted to let everyone know that yesterday was the last day of school for DISD. Just be aware that you'll be seeing more kids around as they enjoy their summer. And, still, be careful in school zones as many schools offer summer programs for kids.

Police Reports

Anyone can access police reports in a timely fashion these days. Just click on the www.dallaspolice.net link to the left for the Public Access icon. If you'd like to see what's happened in our neighborhood, insert 122 in the Beat No. field. You can sort by date, address, complainant, beat number, etc. It is a great resource and will give you an idea of what is going on in the neighborhood.

A Word About Purses

Yesterday one of my coworkers ran into the post office for a minute and returned to find her car window broken and her purse missing. The police officer explained that burglars watch for women who get out of their cars without their purses because they are sure to hit the BMV jackpot. So, ladies, please remember to take your purses with you no matter how long you think you'll be out of the car - at the gas station, the post office, running to your mailbox, etc.

BDC Alley

A resident has reported a theft from a second floor balcony in the alley between Bowen and Hall, behind BDC. The male suspect has dark hair and was wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt and pants and now has a bicycle. This incident highlights the issue of security on the second floor - everyone please keep your doors and windows locked, even if you are on the second floor. It is easier to get up there than you think. In addition, a tall fence has been erected at 3207 McKinney so there is no visibility from McKinney to the alley. As a regular patio sitter, I can confirm that there is no shortage of people wandering around in the alley who have no business there. Please exercise caution and remember that you should not confront anyone suspicious - call 911.

Dallas Morning News article on burglary increase

Copy and paste into your browser the following link for today's article on the rise in burglaries and some advice on how to protect your property.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/052708dnmetburglarbattle.3c0e36a.html

Making a 911 Report

When you call the police, give the following information to the operator - your name and address, reason you are calling, the location of the activity you are reporting, and a detailed description of the event, person, automobile, etc. Make your report as detailed as possible so the police can apprehend the suspect(s). If you are calling from your cell phone, you must report your location - make sure you give the operator your telephone number in case you are disconnected - cell phones do not give your location in same the way that your land telephone line does.

When do most crimes occur?

According to the Dallas Police Department, there is no "time" when most crimes occur. They are spread through daylight and nighttime hours. The best protection is to be on guard no matter what time it is. And always keep doors, and windows locked. Remember to call 911 if you see something or someone suspicious. Never confront anyone on your own.

What is a Crime Watch?

The Dallas Police Department defines a Crime Watch program as "a group of neighbors working together along with law enforcement agencies and local organizations to reduce residential crime." Members of the Crime Watch should not confront suspects or take risks - instead they should call local law enforcement at 911. Alert and observant neghbors can help reduce crime. For instance, all our dog walkers should carry their cellphones (in addition to their pooper scoopers) and be alert to any suspicious activity. And. the most important thing is to get to know your neighbors. They are your first line of defense...

Burglary of Motor Vehicles

As we know, burglary of motor vehicles is the most common crime in the neighborhood. Thes best way to avoid it is to hide or take valuable items you are carrying in your car, and make sure you lock your vehicle! I see broken glass along curbs almost every day. A recent news report suggests that these are organized crimes - a group of people will come through a neighborhood quickly, and burglarize many cars at a time. If you see any suspicious activity or spot someone breaking into a vehicle, call 911.

Contact Us

You may contact the Trolley Line Crime Watch at trolleyline@gmail.com. We appreciate suggestions and information about what is going on in the neighborhood.

Introduction to the Trolley Line Crime Watch!

This new crime watch program covers the portion of Uptown Dallas that lies between the Katy Trail and Oak Grove Cemetery and between Lemmon West and Allen Street. The historic trolley line runs through the neighborhood, hence the name Trolley Line Crime Watch. Our neighborhood has a wonderful school, the William B. Travis TAG School that is part of DISD and educates children from grades 4 through 8. (Just remember to obey the speed limits and flashing lights when school is in session.)

Uptown's mixes of business and residential properties requires a delicate balance so that all properties retain their value and vibrance. Membership in the Trolley Line Crime Watch will be for "residents only" - businesses have their own associations and have different needs. We encourage all residents to stay alert and stay safe.

Keep watching this blog for news and warnings!

Be safe....

Jennifer