CRIME ALERT!  VOICEMAIL 214-967-5065

6.7.10

Claremont Neighbors,

There was another break-in yesterday (6.4.10) afternoon on Claremont Drive. This is the 5th burglary in 2 weeks (7th if you count 2 storage/shed break-ins). The description of the break-in is similar to the one that occurred on Wednesday, 6.2.10. They broke in through the back door, and stole a Flat Screen TV. They ripped it off of the wall mounts. A neighbor spooked them so they left pretty quickly and that is all they got away with.

Description of the Thieves:  (2) African-American males, in their 20's.

Things to be aware of:

  1. Look out for any teenagers that look like they are scoping out houses. There have been reports of kids with backpacks or a basketball looking at the front of the house. The backpack contains equipment in which to break and enter a home.  This was a familiar MO used last summer in the Forest Hills neighborhood. Summer is here, kids are out of school. Treat any teenager with a backpack as suspicious. If he has a cell phone with him, he could be a lookout.
  2. Look out for any car that looks unfamiliar or doesn't belong in a neighbor’s driveway, alley-way or parked in front of a house. Call 911 immediately if you see a suspicious car. Don't worry about offending someone, if they belong in the neighborhood, they can prove it and should be happy to see that people are looking out for one another by calling the police.
  3. Consider getting a security alarm. If you have an alarm and have recently had AT&T U-Verse installed, verify with your alarm company that the alarm is still monitored with your new phone service. U-Verse or other digital phone services such as Vonage, or TWC's work differently than a normal analog phone line. This needs to be checked if you change services. Check it with your alarm company NOT the phone company. Your alarm company can run a test while you are on the phone with them.
  4. Keep your curtains closed, especially when you aren't home.
  5. If you buy something valuable like a flat screen TV, DO NOT put the box out for bulk trash pick-up! Cut it up and recycle in your recycle bin or take it somewhere else to throw away. I see this frequently when we patrol the neighborhood. If you leave a box like this at your curb, you are telling potential burglars that you have something worth taking in your house. Burglars see this as an invitation.
  6. If you have an alley, please keep your bushes trimmed and debris and trash bins out of the way so that when we patrol, we can easily make it through the alley's without scratching our cars.
  7. Please take a minute to tell your neighbors who don't have email about this. Tell them to call the CANA voicemail weekly, 214-967-5065.

    Thanks and stay safe,
    T.J. Callaway

tjcallaway76@gmail.com

VOLUNTEERS IN PATROL (VIP)

WHAT IS VIP?

Volunteers In Patrol (VIP) is a neighborhood patrol program designed to reduce crime through increased cooperation between citizens and the Dallas Police Department (DPD). Citizen volunteers donate their time to patrol their neighborhoods by driving their own vehicles. The vehicles are very visible, being equipped with flashing amber light and signs attached to the sides, front, and rear. They are trained by the DPD to observe, recognize, and report suspicious or criminal activity. Once detected, this activity is immediately reported to 911.

The program is non-confrontational. The volunteers are trained to not approach suspicious activity or persons, but to back away from the situation and, if possible, remain in sight and observe until the police respond. This program allows citizens to take an active role in crime prevention by becoming the eyes and ears of the DPD.

The program also brings the neighborhood closer together by building camaraderie between the residents, which creates a safer environment and a better quality of life. It also sends a message that the neighborhood is aware, alert, and will not tolerate criminal activity.

Additionally, VIP personnel will maintain a vigil to be alert for situations or activity in the neighborhood that, while not suspicious, might help to create problems or criminal activity, and to report such situations to their respective neighbors. For example: open garage or house doors that would allow unauthorized entry, wandering unattended children, and open yard gates that allow access to pools by children.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, be in good health, have a valid driver’s license, and have no criminal record. They must complete applications that are submitted to the DPD for background checks. Once approved, applicants must complete an eight-hour training program administered by the DPD. The course consists of:

For more information about Volunteers In Patrol, contact CANA’s VIP Coordinator T.J. Callaway, tjcallaway76@gmail.com   For more information about Crime Watch and Volunteers In Patrol contact http://www.dallascityhall.com/committee_briefings/briefings0607/PS_060407_crimewatch.pdf and to apply, email ronald.carpenter@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us

CANA DATABASE

During 2009 CANA spent most of the year updating our computer database.  Our goal is to improve communication with our friends and neighbors. This information will be kept confidential and will only be used by CANA and our Volunteers-In-Patrol Program.

Having this information helps us contact you immediately if CANA Volunteers-in-Patrol see suspicious activity on your property. It also allows us to send you e-mail updates on monthly crime statistics, crime alerts, information from City Hall, and other CANA news and events. By relying more on e-mail for communications, we save paper, printing and distribution costs. Reducing paper communications also helps CANA “go green” and conserves the environment. Don’t have an e-mail address? Don’t worry. We’ll still do our best to keep you informed by phone or regular mail.

CLICK HERE for a signup form to receive up-to-date Claremont and neighborhood news.

CANA GENERAL MEETINGS

Fall 2010

The fall CANA General Meeting and National Night Out will be held simultaneously on October 5, 2010.  If you are interested in helping this year, please contact Antoinette Martinez at amr.martinez@yahoo.com

Spring 2011

The date for the spring CANA General Meeting has not been determined at this time.

CONTRIBUTING

There are several ways you can contribute to the Claremont community.  You can contribute financially and you can volunteer your time.  Contributions should be made out to:

CANA

Attention:  Treasurer

Joyce Smith

8235 Claremont Drive

Dallas, Texas 75228

 

If you would like to learn more about ways to volunteer, please fill out the Volunteer Form: volunteerapplication.pdf. 

PUBLIC ACCESS

Citizens can access this program by going to www.dallaspolice.net and clicking on "Active Calls."  Information provided includes a Map link, with the block only (addresses are rounded to the nearest number), Incident Number, Patrol Division responsible, Type of Call, Call Priority, and Unit Assigned.  Calls involving sensitive information have been deleted to protect the victims.  You can link this website by going to the Northeast website at www.northeastcrimewatch.org.

BULK TRASH

Bulk trash in the Claremont area is scheduled to be picked up the week of the second Monday in each month. It has to be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. the Monday of pick up week and can be placed by the curb the Thursday preceding the collection week, but not before 7 a.m. Collection dates can be confirmed by calling 311 or checking www.dallascityhall.org

NEW POLICE SECTOR FOR CANA

Effective on January 2009, CANA will be in Sector 230, Beat 237 for the Northeast Division of the Dallas Police Department.  Our reporting area is 1199.