Monthly Archives: December 2011

Is anyone home?

On December 19, approx 12:00, two YOUNG men knocked on a door on Orchid Lane home multiple times. The woman was on a conference call and did not answer the door. Shortly after the knocking stopped, she heard sounds of breaking and entering from the other room. She went to the room and frightened away the two men: One Native American and the other an African American with “wild hair.” They were in a beat-up green pickup truck and fled in the direction of the apartments on the Southwest corner of 19th and Dunlap. The police were notified and responded immediately. A police report was filed. They have promised to step up neighborhood patrols.

Mail Boxes Smashed

On the night of Saturday December 17, unidentified people destroyed approximately two dozen mail boxes on Orchid Lane, Seldon Way and 16th Avenue. A police report was filed for several of the incidents. Destroying a mailbox is a federal crime, and the appropriate steps have been taken by the police for such an occurrence. Mail was apparently not the motive, as some boxes still contained mail the following morning.

Shhh. I’m hiding from someone.

Approximately December 2 a Male 6’1″ 210 lbs 30-45 years old, shaved head, white shirt, desert camo pants, no shoes was seen hiding in neighborhood carport by a young girl. He said “Shhh… I’m hiding from someone.” He left after being spotted.

Call 911 if you see this man.

Healthy Criminals

Look for bicycles and joggers that don’t look like they belong in the area

In late November, a man was seen on bicycle looking “too closely” into someone’s garage as they pulled out. He was seen a second time with a second man with a backpack. Both looked “shady”

Many criminals will carry backpacks filled with things such as hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools used to break into a house.

This particular bicycle team may be canvassing the area to see who is not at home.

Call Crime Stop if you feel they might be up to no good.

Mail Box Flags

Don’t put checks into your mail box

DON’T PUT YOUR FLAG UP.  If you have outgoing mail, just put it in your box leaning against the side.  The mail carrier will realize that it is outgoing mail.  If a crook sees your flag is up, it tells them that there may be something in the box worth stealing. They hope for checks that they can forge and cash for themselves. Take envelopes with checks and drop them off at any of the following locations instead:

  • A neighborhood drop box in a high-traffic area such as a supermarket
  • Hand them to your mail carrier, or even one that you see on their route
  • Drop them off at the Post Office just north of Northern on the northbound I-17 access Road
  • Going south, drop them off at the Post Office just south of Indian School on 7th Avenue

Also be sure to NEVER leave your mail in your delivery box overnight.