-Write up courtesy Claire Catherwood, West End Community Watch Group
The West End Community Watch group met on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, in the Fellowship Hall of West End Baptist Church in Henderson.
Sgt. Marti Stewart presented the crime report. There had been the usual home and vehicle break-ins.
Asked what the police do following a home break-in, Stewart said police patrols will be increased in the area. Break-ins occur on homes with and without security systems. Any debris noticed in front of homes should be removed immediately as it had been noticed that bottles and shoes left in yards appear to signal that the house has been “cased” and is a good target for theft.
Thieves take notice of the distance between homes, the presence of dogs, lighting, etc. Break-ins happen at all times of the day.
Vehicles that are break-in targets are usually left unlocked, so lock all vehicles. Generally, locked cars that are broken into had something of value left on a seat where it was visible or there was a jacket or sweater that looked like something may have been left under it. Remove everything from vehicles and lock all doors. Lock up mowers and bikes, too.
It seems car and home break-ins occur in one area of the city, and then the perpetrator moves to another area where they occur, again, for a period of time. Most are believed to be thefts by one person.
Report strangers walking in the neighborhood. Report anything that looks odd, suspicious or just not right. Call 911!
If you will be out-of-town for a period of time, inform the police so they can add patrols to the area. The best way to do this is to ask your area police officers for their cell phone numbers and text them. Include dates the house will be vacant and who, if anyone, has a key.