Downtown Austin Crime Prevention http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org Connecting residents, businesses, police and Austin downtown stakeholders Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:47:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Vehicle Break-Ins Downtown http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/vehicle-break-ins-downtown.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/vehicle-break-ins-downtown.htm#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:54:33 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=325 As the economy continues to struggle, more break-ins of personal vehicles are being reported downtown.  Please remember to LOCK your car, and HIDE all valuables.  Most break-ins occur when things of value such as laptops, iPods and backpacks are in plain sight,  Add that to an unlocked car and you have…well…me!  Yes, my car was broken in to in our enclosed parking garage and several things were stolen, all because I forgot to lock my car.

If you, or your property, has had a break-in, call 311 to file a report.  If you see suspicious activity, such as this guy in the photo from Feb. 8th suspected of vehicle break-ins, call 911 immediately!

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/vehicle-break-ins-downtown.htm/feed 0 Man with 47 arrests since 2007 attacks APD Officer and nurse http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-with-47-arrests-since-2007-attacks-apd-officer-and-nurse.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-with-47-arrests-since-2007-attacks-apd-officer-and-nurse.htm#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:46:44 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=279 According to the Statesman’s blog The Blotter, A man found wandering 6th Street around 1am on Oct 27th appeared to be on a narcotic according to the arresting officer.  When taken into custody, he became violent attacking the attending nurse and punching the APD officer.  Jack at Krimelabb shows that Elroy Smith has 47 arrests accounting for 75 offenses since 2007.

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-with-47-arrests-since-2007-attacks-apd-officer-and-nurse.htm/feed 0 Man arrested downtown: again and again and again and ag… http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-arrested-downtown-again-and-again-and-again-and-ag.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-arrested-downtown-again-and-again-and-again-and-ag.htm#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:23:59 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=275 Here is a good test case for why we need to do more to fight crime while protecting our citizens, even the most vulnerable and homeless.   Here is a man that has been arrested several times over the past few years, quite often for possession of drug paraphernalia along with a host of class ‘C’ misdemeanors.  Would he have this many arrests if he were given a chance to get off the streets?  Only one way to find out…

Thanks to Jack at Krimelabb for the information!

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/man-arrested-downtown-again-and-again-and-again-and-ag.htm/feed 0 Downtown Commanders Forum http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/downtown-commanders-forum.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/downtown-commanders-forum.htm#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:59:01 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=264 You are invited to attend the Downtown Area Commanders Forum.  Meet your local APD officers and get answers to questions you may have.

Tuesday, October 13th

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Mexican American Cultural Center

600 River Street

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/downtown-commanders-forum.htm/feed 1 What’s Happening on 5th Street?? http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/whats-happening-on-5th-street.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/whats-happening-on-5th-street.htm#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:40:56 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=249 DSC_0167

DSC_0183

DSC_0198

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/whats-happening-on-5th-street.htm/feed 1 Resident Works with APD on Drug Busts http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/resident-works-with-apd-on-drug-busts.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/resident-works-with-apd-on-drug-busts.htm#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:26:46 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=244 Over the weekend, downtown resident ”Harvey Mushman” called APD on four separate occasions regarding drug deals he saw going down in front of his home.   I am posting this as a reminder to us all that we, as citizens, can make a difference if we are willing to take the time and make the call to 911 when necessary.  Also, we learned a valuable lesson that night we can also share.

~ When calling 911, it is good to record the response time.  “Harvey” was able to record this on three of the four calls which is information we can use to determine future expectations as well as reporting back to our District Representatives at APD.

~ If you want an officer to call you back regarding the outcome of the call, you must specifically request so.  Tell the 911 operator you are requesting a call back at the number provided.

~ Take photos of the activity if you can do so safely.

~ The police are hard at work and do make a difference.

Out of the four calls “Harvey” made, we learned that the average response time on a Friday night is 10 to 20 minutes and the officers were able to make arrests in two of the instances.  Said “Harvey” “So, bottom line is that 1) I made an error in not specifically asking for a “callback” 2) Response time on a busy Fri(day) night is 10-20min 3) APD is out there busting these guys.  I am pretty pleased with the results. 2 out of 4 isn’t bad. Let’s hear it for the APD! If we all stay on it, then I know we will get better response times and less drug activity.”

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/resident-works-with-apd-on-drug-busts.htm/feed 1 Woman Attacked Sunday Night near 360 Condos http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/woman-attacked-sunday-night-near-360-condos.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/woman-attacked-sunday-night-near-360-condos.htm#comments Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:15:40 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/woman-attacked-sunday-night-near-360-condos.htm Someone reported on the 360 resident communication that they saw a woman who had just been allegedly attacked on 4th St between San Antonio and Nueces. The report says she was hit by a man who then stole her cell phone. APD was just arriving on the scene.

The report warns “So be aware of your surroundings and if you still need Pepper Spray, we bought our at McBride’s on Lamar.”

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/woman-attacked-sunday-night-near-360-condos.htm/feed 0 DANA Board members weigh in on APD Initiative http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/dana-board-members-weigh-in-on-apd-initiative.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/dana-board-members-weigh-in-on-apd-initiative.htm#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:45:05 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=234 The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association talked with Bobby Longoria of The Daily Texan to weigh in on the APD Quality of Life Initiative started last Friday and running through the end of September.   Check out page 7A in this pdf copy.

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/dana-board-members-weigh-in-on-apd-initiative.htm/feed 0 APD Announces Downtown Quality of Life Initiative http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/apd-announces-downtown-quality-of-life-initiative.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/apd-announces-downtown-quality-of-life-initiative.htm#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:07:32 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=229 Thank you to the Downtown Austin Alliance for the verbiage!

The Austin Police Department’s North Bureau unveiled its plans for the 2nd Downtown Quality of Life Enhancement Initiative begins Friday, August 14, 2009 will run through Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

The initiative will again focus on consistent enforcement relating to crimes and behaviors that affect public safety and detract from the enjoyment of the downtown area. The public should expect to see a greater police presence which is intended to foster a safer environment by deterring crime while soliciting the cooperation of the public in keeping the entertainment district friendly for residents and visitors.

In a 2008 survey conducted by the Austin Police Department, stakeholders including downtown business owners, residents, tourists and other participants, cited drugs, theft and excessive alcohol use as some of the key crime issues affecting the quality of life in the downtown area while homelessness, litter, and traffic were listed as the top three quality of life issues.

“Austin is seeing an ever increasing use of the downtown area at night,” said Austin Commander Chris Noble. “With the influx of visitors and city residents enjoying the nightlife, the city has had to address spikes in nuisance crimes such as aggressive solicitation and public drunkenness as well as the offenses of burglary of vehicles, theft and assault.” The initiative, which is an enhancement of the Downtown Area’s routine operations, will specifically target these activities and others.

The public is reminded that they can assist in deterring crime in the entertainment district by securing their belongings out of sight in parked cars, remaining alert, and obeying motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian regulations.

]]> http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/apd-announces-downtown-quality-of-life-initiative.htm/feed 0 APD Working Overtime for Punch & Runs http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/apd-working-overtime-for-punch-runs.htm http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/apd-working-overtime-for-punch-runs.htm#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:39:31 +0000 Marshall Jones http://www.downtownaustincrimeprevention.org/?p=224 APD has allotted overtime hours on 6th Street after the recent string of Punch and Run attacks that occurred.   “We are only about three weeks into our phase of the operation, so statistically it’s a little hard to say yet,” said commander John Romoser of the task force’s impact on downtown crime. “We believe that the mere presence of the officers having a deterrent effect.”  Read the KXAN story here.

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