April 2010 * Community Newsletter

www.facebook.com/pages/CHNeighborhoodWatch

Neighborhood Safety Alert!
Don’t be the victim of a “Crime of Opportunity”
It can not be emphasized enough to remember to lock your car doors and not leave valuables in your car. Keep yourgarage door closed unless you are using the garage.
If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, call the Cottonwood Heights Police at 801.840.4000 to report. If you see and crime in progress, call 911 immediately to report.

Clean out your medicine cabinet event and mini-fair!
Saturday, April 24th is the “Clean out your medicine cabinet” drug drop-off event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event is being held at the Smith’s grocery store located at 3470 Bengal Blvd. in Cottonwood Heights.  “Drive-up and Drop-off” all your unused over-the-counter and prescription medications so they can be safely destroyed and kept out of the wrong hands and out of the water supply. There will also be a “mini-fair” and some booths.  For more information visit www.medicationdisposal.utah.gov

Now is the time to start planning your Neighborhood Watch Block parties! If you plan to close your street for your party, you will need to file the appropriate forms with Cottonwood Heights City. Contact Stacie Skelton to have the appropriate forms emailed to you ( stacieskelton@gmail.com ).

Save the Date!! Neighborhood Watch National Night Outis Tuesday, August 3rd. There will be a party, so stay tuned for more details!

Now that warmer weather is upon us, here are some great tips.

• There is safety in numbers
• Walk/run in areas that are well lit whenever possible
• Keep your head up and look confidant
• Give accurate details to friends or family about where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Always carry a personal safety device

March 2010  *  Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

HOW TO RUIN A CRIMINAL’S DAY:

Crimes of opportunity are the name of the game!  Criminals hate not finding easily pawned valuables in cars.  And they are especially annoyed when you don’t respect that unlocked cars are, indeed, their personalized invitations to grab and run. So don’t “give crime a chance!”

1. Coats > remove keys, wallets, checkbooks, other personal belongings when hanging coats in public places.
2. Hide! > If you don’t want to lose it, hide it in the trunk of the car or put it in the house!
3. Passenger windows > Keep passenger windows up so purses or valuables can’t be snatched at a stoplight.

KEYS: Quick Safety Ideas

1. Separate them > Keep car keys separate from house keys.  If you need to give car keys to a valet or mechanic, they don’t get access to your house keys.
2. Emergency key > Keep an emergency car key in your wallet or other secure location, in case keys are accidentally locked inside your car.
3. Lockbox anyone? > Ever consider a lockbox with a combination to store spare keys should you get locked out of the house? DO NOT hide spare keys anywhere outside.
4. Have your door keys ready > Carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.

‘Tis the Season of Spring Cleaning!

Someone once asked whose perverse idea it was to have spring cleaning at the same time as spring hay fever.  Good question!  But seriously, spring cleaning can be dangerous for us all with falls and poisoning being two of the top causes of home injuries.

1. Keep floors, walkways, and stairs cleared of objects as you clean and re-organize.
2. Keep children away from cleaning buckets to prevent drowning – it only takes 2 inches of water…
3. Keep cleaning supplies, and outdated medications that you are tossing away, out of children’s reach.
4. Use step ladders to reach high places safely.
5. Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.

See www. homesafetycouncil.org for more great home safety tips and ideas!

Don’t forget to visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CHNeighborhoodWatch

Neighborhood Watch has become especially practical in our current society, in which two-income families are the norm and many neighborhoods are deserted during the day. While criminals have attempted to use this statistic to their advantage, law enforcement has uncovered an important reality: the communities in which citizens have observed and reported suspicious activity have enjoyed lower crime rates. That is the bottom line, WE, the residents of Cottonwood Heights, can make our neighborhoods a safer place to live by being INVOLVED!

The Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch (CHNW) program is comprised of many neighborhoods in varying stages of organization; some have been well-organized for 20 years and some are in the infancy stage. In the past year there has been a big push to find, document, and support all existing Neighborhood Watch group within Cottonwood Heights and to organize the rest of the neighborhoods within the city into well-trained groups.  If you would like to register your Neighborhood Watch or would like to be a Block Captain or Neighborhood Coordinator, please sign up online at www.chneighborhoodwatch.com .

The newly set-up CHNW groups are devoted primarily to disseminating information on the nature and volume of burglary and securing residential property and making it less vulnerable to break-ins and using an “extra eyes and ears” approach to crime prevention. Those new Neighborhood Watch are encouraged to view the training videos at www.chneighborhoodwatch.com provided by the CH Police Department.

The goal of the CHNW is to eventually have all Neighborhood Watch groups enjoy a much more proactive, community-oriented endeavor providing a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement, and citizens for the protection of their communities. Currently our more well-established neighborhoods incorporate activities that not only address crime prevention issues, but also restore pride and unity to a neighborhood by enjoying annual block parties and participation in community cleanups and other activities that strive to improve the quality of life for community residents.

Currently, CHNW is working with members of the CH Community Emergency Response Team to determine the best way for both organizations to work together within our neighborhoods. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch November 2009 Newsletter

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch is organizing in your community, and we need you to get involved! What’s in it for you? It’s safer streets and homes, community spirit, camaraderie with your neighbors, stronger relationships with law enforcement, and so much more. And it’s easy to participate in Neighborhood Watch!

Neighborhood Watch embraces and strengthens many things we’re already doing, such as watching out for each other’s homes or working together to solve problems. But Neighborhood Watch brings along the power of organization and the ability to focus energy and resources.

Often Neighborhood Watch groups get started because there have been incidents in the community that have caused concern – acts of vandalism, burglaries, or auto thefts. These are the types of crime that Neighborhood Watch is the most successful in reducing. An active Watch group can also help reduce drug dealing and open-air drug markets, discourage gangs, improve the security of young people, and help older neighbors stay safe from crime.

Get to know your neighbors. You are each other’s best defense against crime. Studies show that where neighbors work together, where they know and respect each other, there’s less crime.

To read more about why Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch needs you: http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/neighborhood-safety/neighborhood-watch-needs-you.pdf

To become an integral part of your Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch, visit: www.chneighborhoodwatch.com and “join in.” If your neighborhood or block isn’t yet organized, become a Neighborhood Coordinator or Block Captain.

HOW TO RUIN A CRIMINAL’S DAY

Criminals love it when you are alone and away from people who could help you. So shop with a buddy and protect yourself from being isolated and becoming a potential assault victim because you are alone or in a dark or lonely area of a parking lot.

‘T was the month before Christmas and all through the town

People were busy shopping and rushing around.

The purses and wallets were filled with lots of money,

In hopes that finding great deals would help Mommy!

With bags full of gifts in every hand to carry,

Thieves were eager to catch shoppers unwary.

So shoppers take care and aim those thieves to outsmart–

Put the bags in the trunk and find a new place to park.

MALL SHOPPING AND SAFETY

1.         Always try to walk to and from your vehicle with another person. If you are            shopping alone, consider walking near other shoppers in the parking lot.

2.         If shopping alone and leaving at night – particularly if you’re carrying several bundles – ask a security officer to accompany you to your car. Most malls will            provide that service.

3.         Consolidate purchases into one or two large shopping bags so you can keep track of everything. Never leave your purchases unattended, even for a few minutes.

4.         A man should carry his wallet in the front pocket of his pants, rather than in a back pocket or in his jacket. A woman should hold her purse close to her          body, with the opening facing toward her; when walking with another person, the purse should be held between the two.

5.         While Christmas shopping in large crowds, it is best to keep personal items in front of the body and never let those items out of sight.

6.         Park in areas that are well-traveled and will be well lighted if you return after dark. When parking in an attended lot, leave only the ignition key.

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:

For Mall and shopping safety check out this site: http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/christmas/MST.htm

Christmas shopping safety tips: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/204697/shopping/safety_tips_while_christmas_shopping.html

To view the National Sherriff’s Neighborhood Watch website: www.usaonwatch.org

Citizen Corps was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. For info: www.citizencorps.gov

Visit www.bereadyutah.gov for more information on how you can be prepared in the case of an emergency.

REMEMBER:

Call the Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC)  Police Dispatch @ 801-840-4000 for non-emergencies.

Of Course Call 911 for emergencies.

WE SEE, WE HEAR, WE CALL

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

www.chneighborhoodwatch.com

“We See, We Hear, We Call”

October 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Salt Lake Tribune, Wednesday, August 12, 2009, “Watch groups warned not to usurp the law”

SL Tribune reporter Steve Gehrke interviewed some of Cottonwood Heights NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH coordinators in the wake of the Bluffdale man “shot and paralyzed by a fellow safety advocate” and these are some excerpts from that article.

“We never want neighbors to feel like [citizens] have to put themselves in harm’s way,” said Stacie Skelton, Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch (CHNW) Area Coordinator. “We just want people to be aware of who their neighbors are and report things that are suspicious.  If your neighbors are on vacation, but you see a van pull up and people start moving them out—call that in.”

CHNW Neighborhood Coordinator Al Haslam, issued a cautionary warning to his fellow volunteers: Don’t carry a weapon and don’t approach suspects.  “We are not enforcers of the law — we don’t do what they did out in Bluffdale,” Haslam said — referring to safety advocate Reginald Campos, who is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting and wounding a disarmed fellow watch organizer. Instead of patrolling neighborhoods or confronting suspects, Haslam said watchers need to contact police. Officer Beau Babka said cops would take it from there. POLICE DISPATCH IS 801.840.8400.

PROACTIVE POLICING KEEPS THE CITY SAFE

SL Tribune reporter Steve Gehrke, in the same article, also asked Officer Beau Babka to respond to criticisms that police are too heavily patrolling the city.  “We’ll take the heat if we have to.  We feel it’s a positive – there’s nothing better than a proactive policing philosophy.  It lowers crime, builds trust, and reduces fear.  Criminals know the proactive communities.  And they might not stay away, but they’ll think once or twice.”

Officer Babka said police are grateful that residents are ready to help police and they don’t have to be part of the formal NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group to help keep the city safe.  Neighbors shouldn’t worry about bugging police and he encourages them to err on the side of public safety.  “If you see something suspicious or out of the ordinary, there’s nothing wrong with calling us [801-840-4000].”

www.chneighborhoodwatch.com

HOME SECURITY

What’s the biggest door in your house?  Give up?  It’s your garage door!  Secure it just like you would the front door – any time of day! Criminals love the hours of 3 pm to 5 pm, when the kids are home from school and the parents aren’t, because the kids often leave the garage door wide open.

HOW TO RUIN A CRIMINAL’S DAY

Criminals look for easy targets! A burglar wants to get in quickly and quietly, find valuable items that are easy to sell, and exit quickly. So make it difficult!

MAKE YOUR HOME DIFFICULT TO ENTER

1.         Install hardwood or metal doors within doorframes of the same material.

2.         Use quality, case-hardened, steel deadbolt locks.  For glass panel doors, use double-cylinder locks.

3.         Sliding doors need a metal or wooden bar set in the lower track of the door to block them from opening.

4.         Use your locks at ALL times, even if you are at home.

5.         Lights!  Use motion sensors outside or inside timers to turn lights on/off at             night when you are gone. Leave your porch light on at night!

6.         Don’t hide spare keys—burglars know all the best places.  Give a spare to a         trustworthy friend or neighbor.

WANT MORE IDEAS?

Go to www.chneighborhoodwatch.com

And don’t forget: We see, We hear, We call!

801-840-4000 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies.

WEBSITE SLIDESHOW now available: Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch Basic Training #2:  How To Secure Your Home

During the coming months, you’ll also receive a copy of this and other newsletters with information on many topics that will help you and your family.

www.chneighborhoodwatch.com

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

“We See, We Hear, We Call”

September 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Deseret News, Tuesday, June 30, 2009:  “Children help S.L. police catch burglar red-handed”

Pat Reavy reported on a sister and her brother, ages 11 and 10, who gave such an accurate and detailed description to police around 9:30 pm that they were able to apprehend the burglar in the act.  The boy heard a sound of breaking glass outside, looked out of the window at the neighbor’s house and saw a man putting his hand into the broken glass hole to open the door.  He told his sister to call 911.  Police said that because of the excellent description provided by the children, police were able to arrive quickly and spot the invader just as he was walking out with a plasma TV in his arms.

What did the kids do right?  They heard, they saw, and they called the police.  They DIDN’T try to stop the burglar or interfere.  That is what NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is all about!

KSL News, Wednesday, July 22, 2009: “Bluffdale man shot while on neighborhood watch”

A tragedy occurred at 11 pm when two individuals, both representing their neighborhoods, were involved in a shooting. One of them is now paralyzed as a result.  You can read about this in the newspaper or go to KSL on the Internet.

What did the two men do wrong?  They were on a citizen patrol.

How is it done the RIGHT WAY?

Our Cottonwood Heights Police Department does not support citizen patrols (especially armed citizen patrols) as part of the NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH program and asks participants to be the eyes and ears of the police department and report all suspicious activity to dispatch.  Block Captains and other members of the NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH are to observe and report only.  If you see a possible crime being committed, and if it is a non-emergency, call the Cottonwood Heights Police dispatch at 801-840-4000. If it is an emergency, call 911.  Do not approach the suspect (s). Do not carry a weapon. We are not trained to enforce a law, only to observe and, as necessary, report.

TIME TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL

Safety should be uppermost in our minds as drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

1.         See a stopped school bus > you stop.

2.         Crosswalks: SLOW DOWN, watch for students crossing at crosswalks.

STREET-WISE KIDS

Talk with your children, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends about safety basics.

1.         Stop, look, cross with the crossing guard or walk sign.

2.         Get out on the front passenger’s side of the car- NOT the driver’s side

3.         Always walk home with a buddy or a group of kids: don’t walk alone!

4.         Make sure your child knows the safest routes to and from school.  Walk the routes together and point out places he/she could go to for help.

5.         Talk about what to do if they get lost or separated from you in a public place (parent will search in the last place you were together, go to a clerk that is standing behind the cashiers desk and ask for help: know home phone number and their full name.)

BICYCLE SAFETY: A REVIEW FOR ALL AGES

1.         Protect your head: wear a helmet.

2.         Reflector tape: bike and clothing.  Light clothing is not enough.

3.         Look out: before you enter an intersection, a driveway; obstacles in your path.

4.         Check your equipment: working brakes, wheel condition, handle bars, seat, pedals, helmet.

5.         Lock it up whether you are gone for a few minutes or a few hours.

CHECK IT OUT:  Join in and we will send you our monthly newsletter. Or just check the website monthly to read it online!

Each month we will post a newsletter with information on how to protect your home, how to report suspicious activity, and many other topics that will help you and your family.

Cottonwood Heights NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

“We See, We Hear, We Call”

August 2009 Newsletter

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH in Your Community

In 1972, the National Neighborhood Watch Program was begun with the goal of uniting law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a coordinated effort to reduce residential crime.  Through the Program, individual citizens learn how to make their homes and families less inviting targets for crime.  Citizens learn to work with law enforcement through block and neighborhood groups to control crime throughout the community.

RUIN A CRIMINAL’S DAY!

A criminal hates publicity.  It is most annoying when neighbors are watching for unusual activity or unknown people loitering.  How can a criminal get any work done when people are asking questions, writing down license plates of strange cars and making it more difficult to sneak in and out of a home or car?  What kind of criminal can hang around when everyone has their porch lights on or even worse, those ridiculous motion detector lights that turn on when someone walks up to the house?  No criminal wants to hang around when cop cars show up just because the neighbors think there’s something suspicious going on next door or down the street. Nope.  Those kind of neighborhoods just ruin a criminal’s day!

GET INVOLVED

Want to get in on the fun?  You could be one of many to keep crime out of your neighborhood!  “How?” you may ask.  Get involved.  All you need are your eyes, your ears, and your phone.  The Cottonwood Heights Police Department and interested citizens are kicking off a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Program covering the entire Cottonwood Heights community. You are already doing it and you didn’t even know it!  When was the last time you picked up mail for your vacationing neighbor, or took care of a pet, or watered the yard and plants for a day or two, or went to check on a neighbor you hadn’t seen out and about for a while?  You were doing the same stuff the NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH program does.  Getting involved means calling 801-840-4000 whenever you see something suspicious or weird going on.  You get to DO SOMETHING.

All family members are welcome to join NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, as young people can add substantially to the success of the program. Senior citizen participation is also a plus; retired seniors are home and can observe the neighborhood when many other adults are at work.

INFO:   Go to www.chneighborhoodwatch.com.   During the coming months, you’ll receive newsletters with information on how to protect your home, how to report suspicious activity, and many other topics that will help you and your family. On our website, you’ll be able to connect to information links about up-coming events, current crime statistics, and tips to improve home, family, and neighborhood safety.