Foothills Area Command Crime Prevention Information: February 28, 2014

I have some information to share on Foothills activity over the past week. Please alert your Neighborhood/Home Owner Association memberships, Neighborhood Watches and management teams/residents at your Crime Free Multi-Housing rental properties.

2 New Foothills Area Command Neighborhood Watch Groups!
Congratulations to the residents on Kaibob Road SE between Colville and Buffalo River Road. You are off to a great start!

Thanks for a great meeting on Cullen Lane and including Hayley Court and Blevin Court – welcome to Neighborhood Watch!

Foothills Area Command Churches:
I saw a report this week of broken windows and the Pastor’s vehicle tire punctured by offenders. Please continue to serve as extra ‘eyes’ for our faith community. I am available to conduct a security assessment by appointment – just give me a call to schedule a visit at 323-4644.

Burglaries to Vacant Homes and Businesses in the Foothills:
I checked burglary activity for last weekend at vacant properties and thieves are stealing metal/copper wiring, a gas range, a washer/dryer set, a mattress and box spring set and an attempt was made to steal a refrigerator.

Be mindful that vacant structures are targeted and criminals take advantage of the fact that most vacant properties are not being checked on regularly by owners and neighbors don’t know who is supposed to be at these homes. Be alert to odd vehicles, visitors, people loading up appliances, etc. In one instance, the method of entry was via a doggie door to a vacant home. Watch for odd behavior and do not hesitate to contact APD at 242-COPS (2677) from a safe place to report suspicious persons who may be ‘casing’ a property or trying to get into a property. Call 911 if a crime is in progress.

Warm Weather is Approaching – What I Want You to Know:
Graffiti, vandalism, door-to-door soliciting and burglaries may increase.
Keep your garages closed and secured.
Lock up doors and windows.
First floor windows should have anti-lift/anti-slide mechanisms.
Check your exterior lighting to ensure it is doing the job.
Trim shrubs and trees to enhance sight lines and eliminate hiding spots.

Vandalism:
Foothills vandalism calls over the past week reflect citizens’ property is being egged, vehicle windows are being broken and door locks damaged (these can be interpreted as attempted auto burglaries in some cases), and solar lighting was ripped out a resident’s yard and thrown in the street. I also saw reports of subjects spray painting in arroyos off of Juan Tabo in separate sections of Juan Tabo where arroyos intersect.

If you see graffiti, please call the Citizens Contact Center by dialing 311 and reporting it.

If you see someone in the act of committing vandalism, call APD at 242-COPS (2677), then let your NA/HOA, Neighborhood Watch Block Captain know so they can alert the surrounding neighbors.

Thanks for your support of our Foothills officers and leadership and the Crime Prevention programs. Be safe!

Jill Garcia, Crime Prevention Specialist
APD, Foothills Area Command
12800 Lomas Blvd NE
332-5240 Foothills Substation
323-4644 Direct Line to Crime Prevention