For more information on the Neighborhood Watch Training Sessions, please see page 5 in this newsletter.

From The Desk Of
Chief Oates...

Neighborhood Watch programs across the country got a new mandate from Attorney General John Ashcroft, who announced an expansion of the community crime prevention program to include the participation of ordinary citizens in detecting and preventing terrorism. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the need for strengthening and securing our communities has become even more critical President Bush has announced that, with the help of the local law enforcement, the Neighborhood Watch Program will be taking on a new significance. Every citizen can assist local law enforcement by playing an active role in his or her community and neighborhood. Neighborhood Watch deters criminal activity and helps protect American families. The heart of prevention is watching out, helping out, reporting suspicious activity or persons and creating neighborhoods and communities in which citizens are active and contributing.

It is your dedication to protecting your family and neighbors that will truly make the difference. Thank you for answering the call to make this commitment. Together we stand united and make Ann Arbor a stronger community.

Do You Wear Your Crime Prevention Hat At Work?
Submitted by: Ro Evans

We are constantly reminded about what to do to prevent crime in our neighborhoods, and how to better secure our homes to deter someone from breaking into it. Do you ever think about any crimes that might happen at work? Contrary to what we may want to believe, crimes happen in the workplace too.

Have you ever thought about where you keep your purse, wallet, keys or other valuables at work? Well you should. These items should be kept in a locked drawer or closet.

If you bring personal items to work, you might want to think about marking them with your driver’s license number. The driver’s license number should be preceded by "MI" for Michigan, and followed by "DL". This will prevent the number from being altered.

When strangers are in the office, make sure someone knows who they are visiting, what their purpose is and if they are workmen make sure that you check their identification.

Always let someone know where you are going to be, whether you are going to the mailroom, if you are going to be late for work or even if you are staying late at work. Just in case something happens, someone knows where you were at what time you were there. Report any areas that have malfunctioning lights, areas that are dimly lit, and doors or windows that do not lock properly. Don't assume that someone else had already reported it.

If you’re making plans outside of work, don’t advertise it to the whole office. Someone could be in your office that does not belong. They could easily get a hold of your personal information (where you live, phone number, etc.) and break into your home. They could also commit other crimes like identity theft.

Don’t leave crime prevention up to anyone else, you be responsible. Remember the Ann Arbor Police Department provides free business and residential surveys to assist you in deterring crime. Call (734) 994-8775 to schedule an appointment. Be safe in every place!

Organizing a Neighborhood Watch has much to do with the perceived threat of crime in the neighborhood. This seems to be the primary factor that encourages participation in Neighborhood Watch. What I would like to do is describe the process in my neighborhood to organize our Watch program during a non-crisis time. The current incarnation of our Neighborhood Watch arises not out of a crisis or crime wave but from a group of resident who wish to maintain the sense of security that we have enjoyed over the past few years.

We are still in the midst of organizing but have been encouraged by some of our activities that have helped us in recruiting more of our neighbors to sign up for block captain training.

We began by inviting Crime Prevention Specialist Adele El-Ayoubi. Neighborhood Watch coordinator for the Ann Arbor Police Department, to make a presentation to a group of interested community members. She gave us a history and overview of Neighborhood Watch in the city and in our area. We got names and addresses of all present. We contacted everyone on the list and set up an organizational meeting. Only about half the original list (-12) returned for this meeting. Many strategy sessions followed and we noticed that participation continued to drop. We decided that we needed to become more visible and began to publicize the Neighborhood Watch, first with notices in the in cooperative’s newsletter. At our community yard sale we had members that publicized our existence and gave informational literature to the neighbors. After this groundwork was laid we realized that we really need something larger to really bring us together and gather greater participation. As, timing would have it, we decided that a neighborhood celebration during National Night Out would be a good time to get together and to talk about the Neighborhood Watch.

Our small, but dedicated group of volunteers decided that a bicycle parade around the neighborhood for the children would meet the spirit of the occasion and also give us an opportunity or gage whether we could generate more interest in the Neighborhood Watch. We advertised with flyers and a notice on our notice board. We invited our neighborhood COP officers, Adele and the Chief. We were also able to get Fire Department participation and have several firefighters attend with a fire truck. We were hoping for, at least 35-40 neighbors that, we thought, would be a good turn out.

The program was simple. It started with decorating the kids’ bikes with balloons and streamers and proceeded with (Chief Oates and several police officer joined in with the kids and parents) a bicycle parade around the neighborhood, followed by refreshments and goody bags (badges, whistles, candy treats, etc.) for the children and some donated door prizes for the adults. Adele and volunteer helpers also provided Ident -a - kits and Polaroids of the kids to the parents who desired them. We explained to those present what the Neighborhood Watch was about and encouraged everyone to sign up. To our surprise our participation in the event was more than triple what was expected and we were able to sign up around 40 new people who were interested in participating in Neighborhood Watch. We were pleased and hope that this is only the beginning. We definitely plan to continue with this event and seek other opportunities to make the Neighborhood Watch as visible as possible to our neighbors.

Upcoming Events

BABYSITTER’S CLASS

The Ann Arbor Police Department in conjunction with the Michigan State Police Post #26 will be offering its babysitter’s safety class on a monthly basis. The class will cover Safety Practices, Fire and Burn Safety, 911 simulations, baby care, what a parent is looking for in a babysitter, and First Aid certification. To register for a class, please contact the Ann Arbor Police Department, Crime Prevention Office @ 734-994-8775.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

With the increase call for volunteers and the increase in demand, the Ann Arbor Police Department will be offering its Volunteer Training Program. If you are interested in volunteering for the Ann Arbor Police Department, please contact the Crime Prevention Office @ 734-994-8775 for information on when the session is offered, what types of duties are available and for an application.

CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY

The Ann Arbor Police Department continues to offer the Citizen’s Police Academy Program. This program is offered twice a year. During the Academy the participants are given an understanding of how the police department runs, what we do and why we do it in a particular way. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the Crime Prevention Office of the Ann Arbor Police Department @ 734-994-8775.

IT CAN'T HAPPEN TO ME...

About noon on a gray November weekday, there was pounding on my front door. Startled by the pounding, I went to check. A couple was standing on my front porch looking in the front door. I opened just the main door and spoke to them through the storm door, noticing they were not wearing any uniform, nor looked like any religious representatives who typically dress up. They asked for directions for a social service agency, which was nearby and only required the simple directions “At the corner turn right and it’s at the end of the block.” I was asked to repeat these directions several times, red flags beginning to alarm me that something just did not seem quite right. The man did all the talking, while the woman seemed uneasy and did not speak at all. Their manner was awkward. As they walked away, I made note of their appearance and clothing, becoming more alarmed when they walked to the corner and turned not right but left!

I called my neighbor to see if she had noticed them, only to find out they had stopped at her house and asked the same question! Not only that, they had pounded on her door, causing her dogs create quite a ruckus, the same reaction as my dog. At this, I decided to notify’ the police, using the non-emergency number 994-2911, and reported the suspicious activity. I was asked several questions, and told an officer would be sent to the area.

Within fifteen minutes an officer arrived, informing me that they had patrolled the neighborhood, and stopped at the social service agency to see if they had seen the subjects. Neither the officer nor the agency has seen them. As we talked the couple walked by at the corner, coming from the direction of the social service agency! I pointed them out to the officer, who went to speak with them. Shortly thereafter, another officer arrived. It was determined that the man was wanted for arrest under a warrant from Monroe County.

Many of the vehicles are taken from driveways or off of the street in front of the owners’ home. The vans are not usually locked and it is believed that the suspects are punching the ignition or stripping the steering column.

• Make sure to lock all vehicles.
• Remove all items of value from your vehicle. While out shopping do not place items in plain view, place them in a trunk or in the back covered.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Use auto alarms or “The Club” whenever your vehicle is not in use.
• Report all suspicious incidents, persons or vehicles in the area to 911.

I would like to include some of the comments that have been made about the training sessions.

Q: Was the Neighborhood Watch Captains’ Training what you expected?

A: Good coverage of main issues.
A: The focus is on communication with neighbors and how to facilitate that. This is helpful.
A: Much more organized.
A: Very Informative since I haven’t been a captain that long.
A: I expected more content and less time on participant stories and complaints.
A: I wasn’t expecting a certain thing, just hoping to learn more, which I did.
A: Excellent review of material plus good new info.
A: Sharing of actual crime committed in A2 really emphasized the need for N.W.

Q: Did you learn something that will help you as a Captain?

A: Responsibility of Block Captain, how to report suspicious activities and what qualifies as suspicious.
A: The way 911 prioritizes A2 calls. Cell Phones go to towers.
A: I always thought of the Neighborhood Watch program as reactive, never proactive.
A: Good direction on not to personally intervene or take risks.

Overall comments:

Good program, I will check with adjacent streets on organization and encourage more participation.

Great to have this meeting to rekindle the purpose of neighborhood watch.

It was informative to see the chain of response to various incidents. Good use of actual events we have experienced in A2.

Can we get electronic versions of the forms you have in the training handbook?

Thanks! It’s good to know that we can join in to help the community.

Good handouts, could you categorize crime on web & have block captains log on for info?

My one suggestion is to communicate the program to the public. Possibly send a letter to each elementary school for PTO to discuss or provide information and a contact name. I never knew about the program and I wish I did.

Important activity. We have a long way to go, but if we keep at it and are persistent in our efforts, we should eventually have success.

Examples of what other have experienced was helpful. E-mail notification is great. Great cookies.

Sorry it took 911 to make us all realize how important such a “grass root” organization is tied to disaster preparedness.

I look forward to becoming a part of Neighborhood Watch.

Neighborhood Watch Awards

1. Outstanding Block or Co-Captain. To annually recognize the significant contributions made by the outstanding block captain or co-captain whose exceptional dedication and enthusiasm for neighborhood watch has provided a positive impact on the quality of life for others

2. Outstanding Neighborhood Watch Group. To annually recognize the outstanding neighborhood watch group which have made the most significant contributions in the city.

3. Outstanding Supportive Business. To annually recognize the outstanding business who has made the most significant contribution to the prevention of crime for their community

Criteria for Nomination:
1. A Neighborhood Watch member must make all nominations and no member may nominate himself or herself for the Outstanding Block Captain Award.
2. Documentation should be concise and specific. Documentation must include and is limited to:
a) A one-page cover letter from the nominator.
b) Nomination form must be included with the packet.
c) No more than three double-spaced pages of the award nomination criteria.
d) Nominees must be involved in Neighborhood Watch for at least 1 year.
e) Submissions must be received no later than July 1, 2003.

Please provide the following information in your narrative:

1) Describe the crime prevention programs that this individual or organization is involved in (include the year the activities began).
2) How was the individual or organization involved?
3) Describe the uniqueness of the activities, services, or material developed by the person or organization. What makes this program, person, or unit outstanding?
4) Identify support within the community and involvement with other organizations.
5) Include any additional information that supports this nomination.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT A NOMINATION FORM

Neighborhood Watch Advisory Board

Sandra Arlinghaus......Northeast Ann Arbor
Stuart Baggley......Northeast Ann Arbor
Irene Brock......Central Ann Arbor
Jack Dentler......Northwest Ann Arbor
Ro Adrienne Evans......Northeast Ann Arbor
Tim Hilledbrand......Southern Ann Arbor
Willie Horton......Southern Ann Arbor
Conrad Juchartz......Western Ann Arbor
Rosemary Lewis......Western Ann Arbor
Cendra Lynn......Western Ann Arbor
Diane Schillack......Western Ann Arbor
Sue Tarle......Northeast Ann Arbor
Teri Teeri......Western Ann Arbor

You can reach the Neighborhood Watch Advisory Board by calling 971-1591. Please leave your name and number and a member of the board will return your call.

Prepare Yourself and Your Family
For the winter months ahead

Snow Condition Yellow:
Hazardous driving conditions exist with heavy snow and/or ice, drifting, and limited visibility. Traffic is moving at reduced speeds with major highways being maintained in fair condition, but local roads may be impassable. Motorists to be urged that if they must drive, use extreme care and allow a significant drive time.

Snow Condition Red:
Very hazardous driving conditions exist on major highways with heavy snow and/or ice, severe drifting and extremely limited visibility. The majority of local roads are impassable. Traffic is stalling in some areas, and the storm is expected to continue or worsen. The entire road system may become completely unusable. Motorists are urged not to drive.

If you do have to travel in a winter storm, prepare yourself with the following items:

• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Sack of sand (or cat litter)
• A smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for
• Drinking water
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps

For further information regarding
Emergency Management issues, please call the
City of Ann Arbor
Emergency Management Division
@ 734-761-2425.

Lucy A. Teets
Assistant Emergency Manager
111 N. Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor. MI 48104

IDENTITY THEFT REPORTS ON THE RISE

(Submitted by Adele El-Ayoubi. C.P.S.)

Complaints about Identity Theft are on the rise. It is the fast growing crime that topped the government’s list of consumer frauds for a third year in a row.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that 43% of roughly 380,000 complaints involved the hijacking of someone’s identity information, such as credit cards or social security numbers, to steal money or commit fraud.

“We didn’t lose our credit card, nothing has been stolen and we use a shredder to grind up anything with our social security number or credit card number on it We have not charged anything on the Internet in several years. So we were surprised to find over $900 in charges on our December Charge statement all made on the west coast for items that we did not purchase and we live in Ann Arbor and have not been traveling.”

An Ann Arbor Resident and a Block Captain, who wanted to share this information with others, submitted the above. They did everything that they were supposed to do; the most important is that they checked their monthly statements. Identity Theft bandits may victimize up to 700,000 people in the United States each year, the Justice Department says. It costs the average victim more that $1,000 in expenses to cope with the damage to their accounts and reputations, the Federal Trade Commission said.

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?
Identity Theft is best defined as when someone acquires key pieces of another’s personal information to: Impersonate that person, or to commit crimes in that person’s name, or to: Aid and abet in committing a crime in that person’s name, or to: Sell or market personal information.

PREVENTION

If you record personal identification (PIN) numbers and passwords place them in a secure place.

Never select a personal identification (PIN) number or password using a recognizable number (street address number, telephone, date of birth) or names that can be researched such as your mother’s maiden name

• Change passwords regularly

• Be aware of shoulder surfers

Walk away from ATMs that have unusual directions or instructions or special software attached.

Never give your password or personal identification (PIN) number to anyone, not in person, by phone, fax or via the Internet

In the event your password or PIN numbers were compromised, change them immediately.

PROTECTING WHAT YOU HAVE:

• Limit the number of credit/debit cards you carry.

• Always check your bank statements and utility bills.

• Make copies of front and back of all your identification and store in a secure place.

• Report any stolen/lost financial transaction devices including checks to the financial institution immediately.

• Never give your credit card number over the phone or the Internet except for secure commerce.

• Shred all credit card offers you receive in the mail.

• Never provide social security numbers or credit card numbers as identification for checks.

• Safeguard ATM debit/credit card receipts.

• Use a locked mailbox.

• Do not leave payment checks in mailbox.

• Minimize use of social security number. Do not give it out.

• Destroy old check stock, keep new checks locked in a safe place. do not have new orders mailed to your home.

• Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement once a year to check for fraud.

• Request an annual credit report from one of the three major credit-reporting agencies.