How To Start Up A Block Watch In Your Neighborhood

Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, who oversees Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries, offers to help neighbors set up a block watch in their area of the neighborhood, as well as discuss current crimes happening in the community along crime prevention ideas.

She commented: 

The Block Watch program was created to educate and empower citizens so they can be a part of improving their street, neighborhood and city.   

It is based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime.  

Block Watch meetings typically take about an hour to an hour and a half. They are very easy to schedule and can be quite fun and informative. I can help facilitate the meeting and speak about area crime, crime trends, prevention methods, etc. You can make a difference in reducing crime and keeping your block safe. 

Go here for more information.

Mary can be reached at mary.amberg@seattle.gov.  

SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Offers License Plate Theft Prevention Tip

Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, who oversees Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries, offers this tip to prevent license plate theft.

Do you know your license plate number? Do you check your plate daily? Seattle had a couple hundred reported licenses plate thefts last year. This can happen to almost any year/make/model of car if the screws can be easily removed.  

A criminal will steal a license plate to put it on a stolen vehicle so it doesn’t appear to be stolen. It is recommended to replace easy to remove license plate screws with anti-theft tamper resistant license plate screws. This will make it much more difficult for a criminal to steal your plate in the future and save you a from a possible trip to the DMV.

Mary Amberg, also can help set up neighborhood Block Watch meetings, as well as meet  with neighbors to dicuss current crimes happening in the community along with crime prevention ideas saying:

The Block Watch program was created to educate and empower citizens so they can be a part of improving their street, neighborhood and city. Block Watch is a program based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime. Block Watch meetings typically take about an hour to an hour and a half. They are very easy to schedule and can be quite fun and informative. I can help facilitate the meeting and speak about area crime, crime trends, prevention methods, etc. You can make a difference in reducing crime and keeping your block safe. 

Contact Mary at mary.amberg@seattle.gov.  

New North Police Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Named

Mary Amberg

new North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

 

Seattle Police Department has finally hired a Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, for Laurelhurst and 24 other neighborhoods in the North Precinct Area boundaries.

 

Sergeant Dianne Newsom, with the Seattle  Police North Precinct Community Police Team, told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff that the previous coordinator, Elizabeth Scott quit to take another job. She held the position about a year and after that it has taken quite some time to find a new Coordinator. 

Terri Johnson was in the position prior to Elizabeth for about 4 years and transferred to another Precinct in May 2014. She took over from Diane Horswill, who was in the position a number of years, and lost her position along with 5 other Crime Prevention Coordinators from other Seattle Police Precincts in March 2010 due federal grant money running out resulting in budget cuts..

 

Mary Amberg, is currently completing training, which she said she hopes to finish in the first week or two of February, before she steps into her new role.

 

Mary sent the Laurelhurst Blog Staff this information:

I have a long history of working in the Criminal Justice System. I am originally from the Metro Detroit area of Michigan. I received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from University of Michigan.  

While going to school, I worked with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Internet Crime Unit helping them detect internet fraud and internet predator crime. I moved to Seattle about six years ago to finish my master’s degree in Criminal Justice at Seattle University.  

During that time I volunteered with the Seattle Municipal Court and worked out of the Seattle Police Department’s East precinct under their Crime Analyst at the time. Most recently I have been working downtown at Seattle Police Headquarters in the Data Unit.

 

The Laurelhurst Blog Staff asked Mary what her role is as Crime Prevention Coordinator and she said that it will be to "promote, organize and coordinate the participation of citizens and businesses in crime prevention program activities."

 

She said she will be conducting meetings with individuals, the community and business groups to provide information, training, education and problem solving on crime-related issues.

 

Mary will also be available to help facilitate Block Watch meetings to discuss ongoing crime problems and come up with solutions to reduce crime in the area.

 

Mary also added that she is an avid animal lover. She has two adorable pugs and loves riding horses.

Mary said she looks forward to hearing from community members and meeting anyone that is interesting in learning more about crime prevention.

ADT Securtiy Solicitors Combing Streets And What Police Say You Should Do When One Knocks



The Laurelhurst Blog Staff has received many emails asking about the solicitors carrying ADT signs that have been recently walking around the neighborhood.

One resident on 46th Avenue NE near the school said he had two different ADT solicitors visit him within two hours.

Here are some emails received:

We encountered a young woman  carrying an ADT sign walking down the street near Laurelhurst Elementary School. We asked her if she was soliciting and she said she wasn't and didn't know what that meant. We told her that she had to have ID, which she showed us.  We also asked for a phone number and brochure for ADT which she said she didn't have. She added that she didn't know the number to call ADT but had her "manager's phone number" who she started to call , who was most likely jus a few blocks away. We also told her that it is not allowed to knock on doors where there is a "No soliciting "sign and she said she didn't know that and didn't care.

Just wanted to alert you all to a suspicious man who came to our door to see if we were interested in an alarm system.  He was carrying an ADT sign that he looked to have pulled out of someone's yard.  My husband told him we weren't interested.  Seemed like he might have been checking to see if anyone home and if we have a security system.  We called the non-emergency police line to file a report. 

An ADT Security guy came to my house.  I took his flier and did some follow-up research to see if he was legit. I called their number and received good information from the woman who answered.  Based on the website, it does appear to be a legitimate business. Not to say that means the solicitors are totally legitimate, but it is at least a real company.  

The ADT sales guy that came to our house was on the scruffy side and not particularly professional. I'm guessing that they scrambled to get sales teams out to NE Seattle to take advantage of residents' concerns sparked by the Halloween break-ins. 

A lot of people who do this sort of door to door soliciting are, in fact, young men with some kind of criminal record - simply because they have so much difficulty finding other jobs. The pay is low (and infrequent), and of course they are not exactly 'polished' salespeople, so they will often be exceptionally 'pushy.' Good to send them on their way as fast as one is able to (politely) do.

The Laurelhurst Blog has published many posts on suspicious solicitor over the years.  They show up in a variety of ways - some saying they are practicing their social skills, same ones reportedly also visiting other nearby neighborhoods, others claiming to sell magazine subscriptions, and another person saying he is a janitor at whatever business is nearest the home he is visiting and saying he needs money as he is locked out.
Seattle Police regularly sends out notifications about your rights when a solicitor comes to your door.

SPD advises residents to not open their doors to solicitors, but to say "No thank you" or "Not interested" through the door.

SPD also says:

Most of these solicitors are not legitimate. These solicitors are scammers and give very little, if any, of the money they collect to the charity or organization they claim to represent. If you do answer the door and the solicitor becomes angry, threatening or verbally abusive, call 911.

SDP also says before opening the door, check to see that the solicitor is displaying proper identification mandatory in Seattle, showing the residential sales identification which number, seller’s photograph, along with the name of the licensee as well as the agent, and the type of product or service being sold. This must be on the outside of their clothing so it is easily viewable.

The license is only valid for the product or service specified. For questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs 206-684-8136. 
Here more  tips give by the Seattle Police Precinct Crime Prevention Team:

If you are displaying a "No Solicitor" sign it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.

Each residential seller is required to immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.

If requested to do so, the seller must leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is ade by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.

Don't pay immediately or give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from he company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel as well as a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Canelllation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling the order.

For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.

Never be afraid to say “NO!” to high pressure tactics and end your conversation with the salesperson.

Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Burglary Update From Terri Johnston, SPD Crime Prevention North Precinct Police Coordinator

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information on recent break-ins and how to protect yourself:

• The North Precinct Burglary/Theft Unit continues to follow up on recent burglary arrests done by North Precinct patrol officers, and  due in some part to your watchfulness and good 9-1-1 calls.  The 19 year old serial occupied burglar and auto thief who was hitting the north end neighborhoods hard approximately 9 weeks ago has been charged with nearly 10 years.  He is in jail and won’t be released for a long time. 

• A 39-year old, white female was arrested last week for multiple burglaries in the north end, some in which the residents were home at the time of the crime.  She confessed to detectives that she is an addict, and she preferred burglaries to prostitution. She spent the day with detectives showing them houses she had hit.  She told the detectives that she was surprised how many people leave their house keys out in  mailboxes; or on the front porch (she found keys in a pair of shoes on front porch).  Please re-think the hide-away key.  You may think it is unusual to put in under a paving stone, or huge flower pot, etc. but burglars who do this for a living, know our hiding spots.  She also told the detectives that she often looked in the windows and could see the desirable loot in plain sight (purses, cash, electronics).

• I talked with a gentleman recently who lives in the Maple Leaf neighborhood.  During the glorious weather we have had, he was gardening in the front yard.  A thief, unseen by neither the homeowner nor nearby neighbors, entered this home through the unlocked back door and took cash and prescription meds. from a back bedroom.   I know it may be inconvenient to keep your doors locked when you are home and gardening, but these crimes are quick and contribute to our burglary rate increases during summer months. 

Terri can be contacted at the North Precinct at 206-684-7711.

Update From Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator

Here is some important information from Terrie Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator:

Retaining 3 Crime Prevention Coordinators: Mayor McGinn and the Seattle City Council decided last November to maintain the 3 remaining Crime Prevention Coordinators for another year. This means I will continue serving the North Precinct’s neighborhoods with establishing and maintenance of Block Watches; conducting free security surveys for both commercial spaces and residents.  I am available for personal safety trainings; workplace violence prevention, etc.  I am happy to be a part of the Community Police Team, and look forward to continuing this meaningful work. 

Property Crime Update:  In much of the North precinct, the burglary rates have decreased or stabilized.  There are still increased numbers of residential burglaries in some northeast neighborhoods.  They are primarily occurring during the hours of 6 a.m. to about 6 p.m. 

Knocking on doors to see if anyone is at home is still a common method used by thieves.  In some cases, there is a female driver who serves as chauffeur and lookout, for her male accomplices.   The lookout has been seen texting the thieves about watchful neighbors, etc.  Kicking in doors, or door jambs is prevalent.

We recommend all exterior doors be solid core doors, (or metal) and are a minimum of 1 ¾” thick.  For maximum security, all exterior doors should be equipped with a deadbolt lock and reinforced strike plates, using 3” screws which will go into the framework.  Locks within 40 inches of glass are vulnerable.

Watchful neighbors remain your best alarm.  9 times out of 10, our burglars are arrested due to 9-1-1 calls from neighbors who heard or saw something suspicious and made that call.

Calling 9-1-1:  I think I speak for the entire Community Police Team when I tell you that every day in our e-mail inbox, or on our telephone’s voicemail inbox, we find messages from the community that say something like this, “I wanted to let you know that I just saw something suspicious but I didn’t think this merited a 9-1-1 call."

Almost always the information is detailed, with good descriptions and refers to something that may or may not have been criminal, but certainly seemed odd.  And almost always it is too late for SPD to do anything with that information.  

I am now hoping to encourage you to trust that gut feeling of yours.   If you get the sense that something weird is happening, even if it isn’t an emergency, please call 9-1-1 and simply state what you are reporting.  The call taker will decide whether your call should be transferred off the primary line onto a secondary line.   You don’t know what you prevent by getting a patrol cruiser coming into your neighborhood.

Terrie can be reached at 684-7711 for any questions or follow up services.

Response From Seattle Police Department To Ongoing Parties And Potential Criminal Activity At Laurelhurst Park

Fire Pit used for large late night gatherings at Laurelhurst Park

We received the following two responses from the Seattle Police Department regarding continuing large gatherings and excesive noise, including drug use at the Park, specifically from parties held at the Fire Pit.

The first response is from  Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, in response to a post we did on Wedneday of this week, regarding continuing large gatherings and excesive noise, including drug use at the Park, specifically from parties held at the Fire Pit:

I  know summertime use, and sometimes misuse of our Parks occurs throughout Seattle.  From Golden Gardens to Seward Park, young people often meet up to hang out, play music and sometimes they engage in criminal activity. 

9-1-1 needs to be used for reporting underage drinking;  property damage; disturbances; noise complaints;
etc.  Calls are dispatched on a priority basis, depending on what is happening simultaneously in that district.  SPD does not have the staffing levels that would allow us to patrol parks on a regular basis. 

However, we are complaint driven and will respond to the neighborhood complaints.  So our message to nearby residents is call when you wish a patrol officer to respond. It will be the officers’ discretion on whether anyone is identified, arrested, cited or trespassed.  

Perhaps neighbors and/or parents can do routine dog walks through the park too, on the popular nights if you suspect that Laurelhurst teenagers are the problem. 

If the teenagers are driving in from another neighborhood, do not hesitate to use 625-5011 to report any parking violations.  Teenagers love their cars and do not want them towed! 

I have forwarded this e-mail to my supervisor, the Sergeant of the Community Police Team; and your CPT officer.  I have also sent it to the Parks Dept. Public Information officer for her response.  tj

And this response is from Seattle Police Department's Sergeant Dianne Newsom, in charge of the North Precinct Community Police Team:

Parent patrols of the area  make the neighborhood kids not hang out there. 

The Park exclusion ordinance does apply to all city parks including Laurelhurst.

I have notified the District Sergeant about your concerns

Reminder From Seattle Police That Fireworks Are Not Allowed And How to Report Illegal Fireworks

Terri Johnston, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent this important information to keep in mind over the 4th of July holiday week-end regarding the use of fireworks:

Fireworks are not legal in the City of Seattle.

• DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have life threatening emergency and need immediate response from Police, Fire or Medics. The 4th of July is perhaps the busiest day of the year for the 9-1-1 Communications Center, which becomes overloaded by non-emergency fireworks calls. 
• Use the non-emergency line to report Firework violations at 625-5011 only for July 4th. 

Tips On Avoiding Home Burglary From Seattle Police Crime Prevention Coordinator

Terrie Johnston, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator,  has sent out some helpful tips on how to avoid a home burglary.

She states in her email that there have been about 85 reported burglaries in the North Precinct neighborhoods ( about 35 in total) since the beginning of June. Of those, 45  were non-forced entry burglaries, meaning that the burglar entered through an open or unlocked door or window, or had a key. 

Here are some tips she offers from lessons learned from this month's burglaries:

• Opened windows on the upper floors may be just the opportunity the would-be thief is seeking.   Crooks used plastic lawn chairs, patio furniture, ice chest, garden pots and in one case a ladder to climb up onto the 2nd floor and came in through open windows. 
• Pet doors were the method of entry in several of the burglaries, so be aware.  
• Back doors were popular this month, so reconsider how easy it is for your watchful neighbors to see onto your back yards. 
• The victims’ tools which were left out were used to pry open a rear basement door, and again on the door leading into the upstairs. 
• Decorative rocks and bricks were thrown through back windows in a few of these crimes. 

Terrie is available to schedule a free assessment of your home’s security. She can be reached by email at  terrie.johnston@seattle.gov or by phone at 206-684-7711.

Peak Time For Door To Door Salespersons And Helpful Tips On Dealing With Them

With the onset of warmer weather, more door to door solicitors are out making their rounds.

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information on how to deal most effectively and safely with the salespersons as we move into the peak time of door-to-door sales.

Recently, Laurelhurst Blog readers reported solicitors knocking on doors trying to sell magazines and other solictors wanting to practice their social skills.

Terri mentioned that the "Locksmith Scammer" has also been seen in neighorhoods throughout Seattle, claiming to need money to pay a locksmith.

Terri says:

There are many legitimate companies in this industry with professionally trained salespeople.  There are less reputable companies in this business willing to take advantage of  unsuspecting individuals who trust people knocking at their door. Sometimes residents forget to practice good personal safety.

Seattle Police officers respond to calls from citizens concerned about door-to-door salespeople. The results have ranged from the officers checking identification and sending the seller to the City of Seattle Revenue & Consumer Affairs office for their business license, to arrests of individuals posing as residential sellers, but wanted on warrants. There have also been arrests for aggressive behavior, threats made against the resident, burglaries, and assaults.


Homeowners may consider posting a sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.” In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

Helpful tips:

Before opening your door look for proper identification. In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the seller’s photograph on their outer clothing, along with the name of the licensee as well as the agent, and the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified. If you have any questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs 206-684-8136.

Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.

Each residential seller is required to immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.

If requested to do so, the seller must leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is ade by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.

Don't pay immediately or give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from he company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel as well as a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Canelllation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling the order.

For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.

Never be afraid to say “NO!” to high pressure tactics and end your conversation with the salesperson.

Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Stolen Bike And Boat Have Been Found

Great news about two unfortunate situations we posted about over a week ago.  The stolen bike and boat have both been found.

The bike was located at a North Seattle pawn shop after the pawn shop employee provided the police, as is routine, a list of items received, including the bike.

The police then did an internet search on the bike and found the post on the Laurelhurst Blog and made the connection. 

The North Seattle Police Precinct then contacted the Blog staff and and we put them in contact with the owner.

The Blog staff was also contacted by the a UW police sergent, who also saw the bike information on the Laurelhurst Blog, and asked to be conected with the owner of the bike, as well as verify the matching police report and serial number.

The bike was first taken to a nearby consignment bike shop and the person who stole it was told that it was commission only upon sale of the bike. So the individual then took the bike with him and drove to the pawn shop to sell it.

Coincidentally, the owner of the bike left a photo and information at the same consignment bike shop before the bike was brought in for the attempted sale. The employees recognized the bike and they called the owner.

The owner of the bike is still waiting patiently for the return of his bike and has been told by the police that "unfortunately recovering property to the victim is sometimes a tedious and time consuming process."   He has seen photos of the bike and positively identified it.

And the boat was located in South Seattle very recently, hitched to the back of a stolen truck.

Laurelhurst Community Club Crime Prevention Coordinators would like to remind neighbors how important it is to file a police report and keep serial numbers and photos of your valuables. 

The Laurelhurst Blog staff are happy to have been a part of solving the case of the stolen bike. We thank the neighbors involved for sending in the information to post.

And then the power of the internet, starting with a neighborhood blog, took over for the happy ending.

Boat and Trailer Stolen From Driveway In Laurelhurst And Photo Of Male Stealing Bicycle From Garage

Several people have emailed us about a 21 foot boat and trailer being stolen out of a driveway on the 3100 block of West Laurelhurst Drive on Wednesday night, April 27th, between 10:45pm and 7am.

The boat was on a dual-tire trailer and was hooked up to electrical in the driveway.  The homeowners and neighbors were home at the time.  See the picture below of the boat.

Also yesterday a bike was stolen in the same general location on the 3100 block of West Laurelhurst Drive, on the way out to Webster point.

The person was caught on video removing the bike. See the photos below provided to us by the Laurelhurst Community Club Crime Prevention Coordinators.

One of the Crime Prevention Coorindators said "Let people know to keep garages closed and items locked as criminals seem to be coming out with the good weather."

If you have any leads on either of there incidents, please call the Seattle Police Department.

Picture of boat that was stolen 

 Still photo from video of person about to steal the bike from someone's garage

Person stealing the bike from a residen't garage

New Crime Prevention Coordinator For Laurelhurst And NE Neighborhoods Through The End Of The Year

Terrie Johnston has been newly assigned as Crime Prevention Coordinator (CPC) for the North Precicnt, including Laurelhurst and all neighborhoods in the North Precinct’s jurisdiction.

She is replacing Diane Horswill, the long time Crime Prevention Coordinator for the North Precinct, who lost her position in March due to budget cuts.

Each police precinct in the city has a dedicated crime prevention coordinator which has been part of the police budget until last October, when the positions switched to being paid with by federal grant money.  Last month, Diane and five other crime prevention coordinators from each of the Seattle Police Precincts lost their jobs when the grant money ran out.

The Seattle Police Department recently secured grant funding for a total of four CPCs through the end of this year.

Terrie told us that "back in the day, there were more than 21 Crime Prevention coordinators doing the work city-wide. Budget cuts reduced that number to 14, then to 7 (which we’ve had for the past several years) and alas, now we have been cut down to 3, and have been advised we will no longer be on the Police budget after 12/31/11."

Terrie will have the same responsibilities as Diane, including educating the public on ways to reduce their risk of becoming victims, acting as a liaison between neighborhoods and the police, setting up Block Watch Captains, offering ideas about crime prevetnion, discussing ongoing neighborhood crime problems, serving as a resource in helping to come up with resolutions and coordinating the yearly August Night Out Program for neighborhoods. 

There has not been a press release about the transfers of Crime Prevention Coordinators, but Terrie said she has been told the Chief’s office plans on doing one.

Terrie can be reached at 206-684-7711.