Each year when we have National Night Out festivities, we are reminded of the important role our residents have in crime prevention and keeping our city safe. (Incidentally, save the date – Aug. 4, 2009 has been set for next year’s event).
Something that becomes glaringly obvious each time we hold National Night Out is this: For all the importance of evidence, good police work, and the more exciting elements of law enforcement, it all pales in comparison to the involvement of the community. This week I want to share some great examples.
An area of Kent’s West Hill has developed a strong neighborhood council and members of our department, including Neighborhood Response Team Officer Brendan Wales, have developed personal relationships with those residents. Part of the ongoing communication includes updates on what is going on in their area, and e-mails sent back and forth when residents have questions or concerns. A strong message we always send is for residents to call when they see something suspicious. Officer Wales has been working on reports of identity theft and fraud in the area.
A resident called 911 to report a vehicle approaching mailboxes, and driving slowly around the area. Officer Carrie Nastansky found the vehicle, and after stopping and identifying the driver, observed mail with different addresses in the back seat. The 23 year-old female driver was not from the area, and certainly was not a mail carrier.
A search of the car revealed drugs, and mail and credit cards from more than a dozen thefts. Investigation showed that the woman and an associate are suspected in burglaries, mail thefts and identity theft. A great case, where the critical element was a phone call from a resident.
Last week, we received a phone call from a resident reporting a burglary. It was almost 3 a.m. when the resident heard and observed someone apparently prying a front door open. Officers were very close by, and were in the area quickly. The suspect, a 29-year-old Seattle man, tried to get away on foot. This happened to be the same night that we had more than 30 officers working to arrest street racers. More than a dozen squad cars almost immediately flooded the area. The suspect must have thought he walked into the middle of our parking lot.
Officer John Shipman and his K-9 partner Jango tracked the man into the woods, who was “treed” 20 feet up, much like a bear cub. He eventually came down and was arrested. He had prior convictions for controlled substances and weapons violations. I hope he tells would-be criminals not to come to Kent because there will be a whole lot of officers on the scene.
This great response is due to residents watching and keeping an eye out for each other.
Have a great week.
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