Contributed by Officer Timothy Mitten
Community Action Officer
Black Mountain Precinct
Phoenix Police Department
It seems just like yesterday it was January of 2016 and we were facing another year ahead of us full of family, school, work, vacations, triumphs and tragedies. The holiday season is now upon us and is a time for reflection, celebration and renewal and as we do these things let us all remember the less fortunate or those having difficulties, temporary or permanent. There are many ways we can assist, from the donation of time, money or gifts to even the small things like being courteous or polite during this hectic season.
The Desert Ridge Community Association police patrols will be increased during the holiday season so if you see an increased police presence in your neighborhoods it is more than likely the officers hired by your association. The end of this year will conclude our fifth full year of this highly successful program which was expanded during the summer to thirty five shifts per month and also covering the Aviano Community. The crime statistics for previous years was published in the Summer Issue of Desert Ridge Lifestyles and posted online as well. If anyone has any questions about this program and its operation, feel free to contact me through email or phone.
This past year has been an active one for law enforcement and Phoenix PD in many ways, between the Presidential election, the various tragic events across this country from Orlando to Dallas and many more has kept law enforcement and the communities we serve in the forefront. The officers of the Phoenix Police Department, regardless of any of the events occurring will continue to serve the citizens of Phoenix in a respectful and professional manner. We appreciate and are very thankful for the continued gestures and words of support that we get from everyone, it means a lot to the officers to know that they are supported in their jobs.
The Phoenix Police Department has also come under new leadership with the hiring of Chief Jeri Williams in October of 2016. Hopefully we can get the new Chief out to an event in Desert Ridge so everyone can have the opportunity to hear her vision for our department and how she plans on maintaining and improving the community and Phoenix Police partnership.
This time of year also brings along many events to attend, family to visit, traveling, shopping and much more. Many of you will not think of crime prevention during these festive times but a few simple reminders will help reduce the opportunities for you and your family to be a victim.
When walking to and from stores keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, do not divert your attention by texting or talking on the phone, digging for car keys or be burdened with too many bags.
Park in a well lit area, do not park in dark or faraway places. I know it is difficult to find good parking, but do the best you can. If you go in at daylight hours and think you might be inside until it is dark, park as if it were dark.
Roll the windows on your car all the way up and LOCK your car. Do not leave valuables, packages, or even gym bags, in plain view inside the car; put them all in the trunk. Gym bags or other bags in view may not have but a few items of clothes in them but the thieves do not know that and will try anyways.
When parking your cars at home, get them in the garage if you can. If you must park in the driveway or street, remove all valuables, garage door openers and lock the car. Many thieves will break into a car just to take the garage opener and then use it to take items from the garage or enter the house at a later time.
Do not keep large amounts of cash with you or display cash when shopping. Take with you only what you need for the day. Be on guard while at ATM’s.
Keep a constant eye on your children and ALWAYS know where they are. Children are easily distracted by the decorations and excitement of the holidays and may wander off in only a couple seconds.
Do not drink and drive, please use a designated driver, call a taxi or Uber. This time of the year many people have holiday functions from work or family and drink when they usually don’t and make a bad decision to drive which could end up having tragic consequences. Please enjoy the season but drive responsibly and patiently.
Make sure the doors and windows to your home are locked, the front lights are on all night and keep a watchful eye for suspicious activity. If you are expecting deliveries and you will not be home, ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up when they arrive. Please call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 if you see suspicious activity.
Please drive carefully, schools will be out on winter break and many kids will be out in the neighborhoods trying out new bikes, toys, and you need to be aware of their presence.
If you are going to be out of town for a winter vacation, tell a trusted neighbor to watch over your house, do not post on social media that you will be gone and call the Black Mountain Precinct at 602-495-5002 and ask for a Vacation Watch. Officers can check on your house while you are gone, if the radio calls allow them to.
Lastly, be patient. The crowds are larger, people are rushed and stressed. Some people do not like the holidays and can act out so please exercise patience and we all can enjoy the holidays in our own way.
Thank you again for another year of working together and the partnership your community has with the Phoenix Police Department. It is a leading example of what a neighborhood can do to improve the quality of life in many ways for its residents. If there is anything I can do or if you have any questions on any matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at 602-495-5238 or at tim.mitten@phoenix.gov. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
