Comment

Comment by Karen Zgoda on December 29, 2009 at 6:06pm

Any neighborhood will have crime, it's an unfortunate fact of life. While I understand your fear and concern, here are some crime advisory tips from the BPD:

• Protect yourself while you are out
• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you, especially if you are alone or if it’s dark.
• Do not talk on a cell phone or wear earplugs while listening to an Ipod, CD player or radio while traveling.
• This activity significantly decreases your ability to pay attention to your surroundings and makes you a target for criminals.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where someone could hide.
• Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds and vacant lots.
• Walk confidently, with a purpose and at a steady pace. Know the location if where you are traveling before you set out for the destination.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street. Continue walking.
• Make eye contact with people when walking. Without staring, make a mental note of the description of suspicious individuals.
• If you carry a purse hold it securely between your arm and body; if possible, leave it at home.
• Keep your house or car keys ready. Have them ready before approaching your house or car.
• If confronted, try to remain calm. A criminal will be less likely to attack you if you appear controlled and self-confident.
• If a criminal states he has a weapon, don’t challenge him/her, do not resist – cooperate. Never try to apprehend the criminal.
• The peak time for street robberies are during the evening hours. Stay alert when walking in public places. Do not be distracted by prolonged cell phone calls, listening to music and/or texting. Avoid isolated, poorly lit areas. Report suspicious persons to 911.

Comment by Lisa on December 29, 2009 at 2:51pm

Hello Loay

I appreciate your comment and I think you have made some good points. I am a young single female. I can't help the way I feel and I don't think I'm being excessive. Just the other day a woman was attacked by 3 men for her book bag. I don't want to be that woman. I try to be safe, but it sucks to always have to be on the look out or always thinking someone might try and mug you.
I hope in the New Year we have a safer JP. I think the key to ending the violence is ending the cycle of kids getting involed in gangs, etc.

Comment by Loay on December 29, 2009 at 2:34pm

Lisa

I think that though understandable, your reaction is too excessive. We need to band together to act as a community, but we have to recognize that a lot of the initiative will have to come from us. Be proactive. Have a neighborhood meeting, which is easy to arrange through NFN. Sargent Eric and the police have always been very free with their time in attending meetings, suggesting responnes and discussing the options, and providing context.Do not forget we have been here, and worst, before.

Loay