Dear Fellow Residents, as a victim of two car break-ins this year, I'd like to get together to talk with an open mind about steps we can take to reduce crime in the neighborhood. If you're interested, please let me know an I'll organize something.

Greg Buford
512-320-1988

Good idea. Not only is crime itself bad but it may lead to increased insurance premiums for all of us living here.

I wonder if we should distribute flyers reminding people of things like removing valuables from cars parked on streets, making sure car doors are locked or parked in garage, making sure garage doors are closed and locking the door that opens to garage, etc.

Does APD patrol our neighborhood on a regular basis? I never see them around. Do we still have a security patrol officer cruising around? I never see him either.

The sad fact is that our neighborhood is an easy and attractive target for thieves. We must, therefore, exercise eternal vigilance to protect ourselves and our families. Hard targets are unattractive targets. Empty cars. Locked doors and windows. Armed alarm systems. Alert neighbors. It all makes a difference.

Re the absence/presence of APD neighborhood patrols. When I do see the rare patrol car during my frequent walks, it is usually parked in some out-of-the-way spot; and with the highly tinted windows, it's impossible to tell what the occupant is doing. Rather than watching and protecting construction sites, should we as tax-paying homeowners not be a higher priority?

I did see an APD officer on motorcycle patrol the other morning about 5 AM.

He was here to do traffic control over by Mattie and Simond-Camacho where there was a camera crew filming.

Hi, Lorrie. I've gotten quite a few private messages on this subject, and I'm gathering a lot of information. I'll be posting again soon some ideas, as well as suggest a time and place to discuss. Best regards,

Greg Buford
512-320-1988
gregbuford@global.t-bird.edu

Sounds good. Thanks. Greg!