More BMV's

Evidently, another breakin occurred in the garage last night. Please don't leave any valuables in your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is the time of year when thieves swarm since there is so much good stuff in vehicles after people go shopping, etc. or when they are stopping to pick something up on the way to a gathering. Unfortunately, these events happen so quickly that it is difficult to catch the perpetrator. Our neighborhood is a primo target because people are perceived to be wealthier and to have more valuable things. We have had dozens of car breakins in the past couple of months - probably another ring that the police haven't picked up yet. In addition, there have been some carjackings over the past few months, one at Albertsons. Always be careful in our neighborhood parking lots....

Update

Seems we had multiple breakins last night. Make sure you file a police report. It sounds like we may have another ring of thieves in the neighborhood. Don't leave any good stuff in your car!

BMV in Garage

One of our residents had a vehicle broken into overnight and many items taken. Please be careful in the garage and remember to take your valuables out of the car. In addition, do file a police report as that does help increase police coverage of our area. Remember, we are approaching the holidays and the time of year when BMV's are on the upswing. Exercise caution in parking lots and in our own garage. I will repost last year's holiday safety tips in the next post.

M Street Attacks

Copy and paste this link to see a story on a serial attacker/rapist on the loose in the M Streets. The M.O. is similar to the Oak Lawn cases - he gets in through unlocked windows or doors during thr hours between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Although thi particular person has not struck Uptown, it's not far from his present hunting ground. Please be careful and remember to lock your doors and windows!

BMV's in Apt Parking Garage

There were four incidents in the Gables parking garage on Sunday, all reported between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. that day. IN one case, all four tires were removed from a vehicle. Please be aware of your surroundings and remove valuables from your vehicle. In addition, make sure that when you enter the gated parking, nobody from outside follows you in. One of the problems out back is that the entrance gate to the garage is often out of order. Another reminder - make sure you lock the gates behind you!

Pool Safety

Please do not swim in the pool when you can see lightning. It is extremely dangerous to people and very detrimental to our insurance policy... Common sense, please!

Crime Reports - Statistics, etc.

I am sure you all saw the stories reported by Dallas Morning News about under-reporting of crimes with a particular emphasis on burglaries of motor vehicles. No matter how you massage the numbers, the basic story is that these crimes of opportunity occur all the time. Keep taking precautions and using common sense to retain your own property. In addition, just a note about the gates. Please make sure you close them behind you - I have found one or two of them open every time I come in. Again, basic common sense....

Graffiti

Sometime during last night, several spots in our neighborhood were "tagged." I noticed graffiti on McKinney between Hall and Lemmon this morning - it wasn't there yesterday evening when I walked by. Please keep your eyes open and report it to 311 if you seen any graffiti. It is very unsettling to see it as it is one of the indicators of a neighborhood in decline. Hopefully, it is an isolated incident...

Public Access to Police Reports not Available

At this time, public access to the police reports on dallaspolice.net is down. However, you can still view current calls, and access the 911 database. It is unfortunate as I do check the crime reports every day to keep you up to date. Plese continue your vigilance.

School Starts Monday

Remember, the little darlings will be back at school on Monday so stay off the phone and keep the lead foot off the gas pedal. The police will be on the lookout - Monday will be a pretty good day for writing tickets:-)

School Zones are Back!!!!

Remember, the school zones will be back tomorrow! Don't use your phone or go above 20 mph in any of our local school zones. Police issued more than 3000 school zone citations last year so they are serious! Be safe...

New Report of Sexual Assault

A sexual assault apparently occurred in an apartment in the 3200 block of Hall Street on the afternoon of August 1. I don't have other details and don't know if it was a stranger or an acquaintance who committed the crime. If I have further details, I will let you know. Be aware of your surroudings and lock your doors, as you should always do.

Two Issues

First of all, we are having more complaints about people who don't pick up after their dogs. Remember, there is a pooper scooper ordinance. If you see someone who does not pick up after their dog, you might gently remind them and hand them a plastic grocery sack.

Secondly, a car in the apartment garage in the 3300 block of Cole was broken into - remember our rules - don't leave anything in your car!

BMV on the Block

There was a theft in the 3200 block of Cole sometime between July 23 and 24. Of course, the window was broken and the GPS system taken. Again, do not leave these things in your car. Do not leave your "home" in them because the thief's next stop will be your home. And, rub off the window where you put the GPS so when you take it our of the window, there will be no clue that you have one. Let's stop attracting thieves....

Apt vs. Condo

See this article (copy and paste in your browser) - this is the interesting thing about condos that become rentals - they are described as "apartments" but are named "condos." I am very familiar with both of these apartment complexes. It is the problem with letting condos go out as rental properties en masse. We are all sympathetic to the plight of someone who is having problems making the mortgage and cannot sell at this time. However, condos that are majority rental properties decline in value and insurance payments increase. In addition, the owners who are left must worry about the people who are renting (who are transient by description). Just a thought.........

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/072109dnmetfire.5c981b48.html

GPS Warning

I saw an interesting story on the news last night about GPS systems and cars. You should not leave your GPS in the car ever! Number one - it's a great target for theft. Number two - your home address can be easily identified and thieves can go there while you are wherever your car is! They also suggested tha you wipe off the window every time you leave your car so the marks from the GPS cannot be seen. That way, your car is less likely to be a target.

Rock the Block

Watch out today! Primo's, Breadwinners, and the Quarter are hosting a benefit for UT Southwestern so lots of people can come out and drink! I noticed that 3207 McKinney is being used for parking - someone has flattened part of the fencing and there are cars there already. I question the ethics of holding parties like this as events for health care issues - I think drinking and driving contribute to public health problems. A couple of months ago, I found it amazing that there was a MADD walkathon in the morning and a few hours later a pub crawl throughout the neighborhood that was purportedly to raise cancer awareness. This makes no sense to me...

My Favorite Gift Shop - Studio 2600

Yesterday I received an email from Diane at Studio 2600, 2600 Routh (an adorable old yellow house) that she is closing for good. Her final sale is Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All goods and fixtures are to be sold. She is looking for someone to lease the building. I am very sad to see her go - she had lovely artsy gifts that were reasonably priced and the store was adorable. She will now be selling the artists' goods through her website. It is sad to see such a great place go away - it is one of the places that makes our neighborhood so appealing. Thanks, Diane!

Twitter Account

Sign up to follow "trolleyline" on Twitter. We will use it for emergency notifications. Please end me an email if you have any questions!

More BMV's

There were actually two BMV's on this block in the past few days. Be aware that there are still thieves in the neighborhood!

A BMV ON Our Block

There was a BMV across the street at 3235 Cole. Please remember to secure your belongings and lock your vehicle!

BMV Suspects Caught

See today's Dallas Morning News! As we figured, the recent spate of burglaries were committed by a group of three young men and they have been apprehended. That doesn't mean you should let your guard down, though. Continue to exercise precautions so your vehicle won't be a target.

More BMV's

There have been a dozen or so BMV's in the neighborhood in the past week - several in the Albertson's and Walgreen's parking lot as well as the apartment complex in the 2700 block of Cole. Remember, it's a crime of opporunity - so don't leave anything in your vehicle that you would like to keep. These things take only seconds and the thief is off and running...

More BMV's

The Gables parking garage has had multiple car breakins in recent weeks - be aware of your surroundings and make sure nobody follows you into our gated garage.

Assaults in 3500 Block of McKinney

I've noticed several assaults in a parking garage up by West Village. I don't know that they are an immediate worry for us but wanted you to be aware of them. They seem to happen later in the evening. Just a warning that we should all be aware of our surroundings at all times and especially make sure nobody follows you in our garage.

BMV's by the Bunches

All the parking lots and parking garages in the vicinity have been hit multiple times in the past few days. Be wary of everyone - nothing reported on Cole yet, but only a matter of time. Make sure you lock your car and make sure you've taken all the valuables or hidden them so they can't be seen by a would-be thief.

BMV Alert - 3200 Block of McKinney

Hi folks! There were several BMV's at the Gables parking garage behind us. Be on the alert. It was either a crime of opportunity and they hit several cars at one time or we have another theft ring operating in the neighborhood. At any rate, keep locking and securing your vehicles and possessions.

3207 McKinney

Permits were issued for demolition and tree removal for the site so if you see workers removing debris, etc., it's legal now. No building permit has been applied for so we have no idea what they developer might build. I'll let you know as soon as I know....

3207 McKinney

It appears that the work crew that came out to the lot this morning was sent away by Dallas code compliance folks. Remember to call 311 if you see anyone working on that lot.

3207 McKinney - a problem again!

If you should see anyone working on the lot at 3207 McKinney, call Code Enforcement at the City of Dallas at 311. The code compliance folks were out here this evening and specifically asked that we contact them if we observe any activity out there. Plese feel free to send me an email at trolleyline@yahoo.com if you have any questions. By the way, it has a new owner....

3207 McKinney

Hopefully, the eyesore will be cleaned up in the near future. It looks like it may have been sold to a developer. Let's see what happens next....

Thinking of Safety

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day and honor the sacrifices of our armed forces. If you would like to make a difference to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, visit cardsforheroes.org. They collect handmade general cards that soldiers receive so they can send them to their friends and loved ones. I am having a card-making marathon at home this weekend - I've made eight cards this morning and plan to continue throughout the long weekend. In addition, you can include an "Anyhero" card that a solider will receive. You can catch them up on local news and just send general sentiments. These cards go to soldiers who may not receive mail from home. Again, check out cardsforheroes.org.

Another Alert for the Ladies

There was a purse snatching at West Village recently - a man jumped out of a vehicle, ran over and grabbed a woman's purse and got back in the car. Be on the alert - don't carry everything you own in your purse, and make sure you get a plate number if this happens to you.

Uptown Burglar Sentenced

The "mastermind" in last year's burglaries got 65 years! Hopefully, this case will help serve as a deterrent to future plotters. It's very sad, though, that someone has wasted his life just to steal things. Here's the article in the DMN - just copy and paste the url.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/051909dnmetuptown.164d6c7a.html

Trial Starts for Uptown Burglaries "Ringleader"

You'll be happy to know that one of the suspects in the Uptown burglaries that caused quite a stir last year is on trial this week. Let's hope the D.A. can make the case stick and the jury sets the maximum sentence.

In other news, there has been another uptick of BMV's in the past weeks. As always, secure your stuff!

Swine Flu

This isn't a crime but it is something we all need to aware of - if you are uncomfortable around people gathered in groups, invest in a mask that is rated N95. You can get them by the box at Home Depot or Lowe's and they are very inexpensive. Keep up with updates and information on dallasnews.com - they have some information sheets with tips on staying well. Above all, wash your hands - keep a hand sanitizer that is mostly alcohol handy and use it often! Above all, stay well!!

New Cameras in Uptown

The police have installed a couple of security cameras at Lemmon and McKinney, both directions. They don't appear to be for red light runners but I am sure they will have footage that will be useful in researching the many accidents that occur up there....

Apartment Burglaries

There have been several apartment burglaries in our neighborhood in the past week, including one in the high rise out back yesterday. Please make sure your unit is secure and let your neighbor know if you're out of town and need someone to watch your place for you. Thankfully, we've not had any home invasions...

Locker Room Troubles

The only occurrence in our neighborhood yesterday was at the gym in the office building at the corner of McKinney and Hall. A locker was broken into and the victim lost his wallet, phone, etc. This is a tough one - if you leave it in your car, it gets stolen...at least locked in your locker you'd think it would be safe. I normally go home before I go to the gym so I can take the minimum items required - water bottle and gym membership tag. I try not to use the lockers for this very reason. I will have to do a little research on the best lock for the gym - and I'll pass it on.

Incident on Saturday

A robber broke into a home on Hibernia (on the other side of McKinney near Routh St) on Saturday and forced the victim to take him to an ATM and withdraw money. Fortunately, the victim was returned to his home. One way to minimize the occurrence of something like this here at BDC is to keep the gates closed and make sure they close behind you! I can't tell you how many times a week I some upon an open gate. Let's keep everyone safe!

More Car Thefts

A vehicle was stolen from the Marquis on McKInney garage yesterday afternoon while about a half dozen vehicles were burglarized at the Post Vintage Apartments' garage in the 2800 block of Cole yesterday evening. Sounds like they thieves got away with lots of GPS's and computers! The car that was stolen was a black Escalade, by the way. In addition, a police officer's vehicle was burglarized on McKinney - the thief got all kinds of equipment for processing evidence, etc. And, our weather is just beautiful right now so there is no impendiment to suspicious folk wandering the neighborhood to take your stuff...

Burglaries of Apartments on Hall Street

A couple of apartments on Hall St have been burglarized recently. They seem to be on the Oak Lawn side, though. We haven't had a lot to report of late, thankfully...

Assault on Carlisle St

Someone was arrested for assault this morning at 2:18 a.m. (I presume after bar time) in an apartment on Carlisle. Incidents like this are senseless, especially when you consider the risks the police have to take when responding to domestic violence and in light of our weather through the wee hours.

Icy Conditions

Do be careful if you are going to work this morning. We've got a solid sheet of ice - our walkways have been iced over since last evening. If you can stay home this morning, please do so. Better to be safe than sorry!

More BMV's Of Course!

Lots of action in the past few days = several cars were broken into - one at the Dallas Theater Center, and several about the neighborhood, though none in our block.

In addition, someone tried to run over a police officer the other night at about 2:15 a.m. - in front of Frankie's. So, if you are a party animal, be warned that there might be a few more police in our neighborhood at night looking for DWI suspects!

Alley Activity - 2:30 a.m. Police Stop

In case you were wondering about what was going on in the alley at 2:30 this morning - the police stopped a suspected drunk driver and pulled him into the parking spaces in our back alley area. He went through the field sobriety tests and was finally released over an hour later. Evidently, his alcohol level did not surpass the legal limit...

BMV at 3007 Cole

A car was broken into yesterday at 3007 Cole. Among the items taken was an iPod. In addition, there were a few more thefts on Blackburn and Buena Vista where the thieves scored GPS's and all kinds of stuff. Don't leave stuff out in the open!!

More Thefts and BMV's

Since my last posting, we have had a few thefts in the general neighborhood. Nothing has been reported in our immediate vicinity, though...

BMV's

There were three thefts from motor vehicles in one day - January 8th. In addition, there were a couple of more and some "creeper" thefts from nearby offices in the past few days. Remember to keep your stuff out of sight in your vehicle and to keep your items secured at work. I have noticed a lot of cruisers in our neighborhood lately so, hopefully, they will catch some of the thieves in the act.

Crimes in and around Bars

I haven't been reporting crimes that occur in bars because they don't normally affect us directly. However, I will begin reporting such crimes to show everyone how much police support is required for these businesses. In other words, our tax dollars are being spent to protect the interests of the bar owners in our neighborhood. We need to remember that a mix of businesses is more conducive to a good neighborhood; concentrating a large number of bars in one neighborhood is not good for residents or property values.

Great New Site

Here's a great new website that shows the local crimes on a map of the area. Just run your mouse over the map and you'll see the text from the police reports and the dates of the reports. I'll also be putting this site in the links section so you can click and go. Otherwise, you'll have to copy and paste into your browser the following url http://www.spotcrime.com/tx/dallas.

New Stuff!

Remember to keep all of your new car towys out of sight from burglars. Someone on Buena Vista had their new GPS stolen - the thieves were caught but it is a common crime. Keep exercising caution!