Read all about the potential buglary that may been prevented by watchful neighbors by LaRustica on Beach Drive by clicking here.   West Seattle Blog reports to be on the watch for:

"Please be aware of an adult male (approximate age unknown), about 6-6′2 in height, approximately 180 lbs in weight, wearing a Nike hat, with brown “greasy” hair in a ponytail."

The suspicious vehicles were described as  "a white unmarked van and some kind of tan/gold colored sedan".

This is a great example of why block watches and looking out for each other is so important.

Check out the coverage from West Seattle Blog on last night's Seattle Night Out event.   Neighborhoods in West Seattle did everything from live music to outdoor formal sit-down dinners and a show of support for the family who lost their home to the fire last week.

If there were any SNO events last night along the neighborhood of Beach Drive, please let us know.  It would be great to have some photos!

Our community forum is the perfect place to plan for this event which typically takes place the first Tuesday in August.   We now have 12 months to plan for Seattle Night Out 2010.

Hopefully your block has organized a neighborhood social event…but if there is not get-together planned near you, you can still support National Night Out.   The Seattle Police Department asks that you turn your porch lights on by 8 p.m. tonight in a show of support.   And this day is also a good reason to stop by a neighbors to say hello and get reaquainted.  This is also a great time to start a Block Watch or to schedule a Block Watch meeting if it's been a while.

Next year I'm hopeful that we use BDB's new community forums to be more organized for this event.    It would be nice to know of all the events planned in our neighborhood to be more "connected".

If no party has been planned in time for tonight's national event… there's no reason not to plan a "post" neighorhood night out on a more convenient date.

Precinct Public Safety Newsletter

July 28, 2009

Dear Community Friends,

Hot Weather Safety Tips:

The following are some tips from the Washington State Department of Health:

q       Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you are sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.

q       Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.

q       Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.

q       Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.

q       Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.

q       Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help.  If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.

q       Make sure pets have plenty of water.

q       Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor.  If you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.

q       If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.

q       Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

If you go outside:

q       Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler; then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.

q       Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.

q       Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.

q       At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.  Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.

q       Avoid sunburn: it slows the skin's ability to cool itself.  Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

q       Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly or very young people.

For more information, click on the following links:

• Hot weather precautions 
• Beat the heat
• Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Summer safety for children  
• Keeping pets healthy in the heat

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2009! Seattle’s “Night Out” must be completed before July 31, 2009.  Take a few minutes, go to:  https://www.seattle.gov/police/nightout/swregister.htm. 

Registered blocks will be granted free street closure for Tuesday, August 4, 2009.  Information on registered blocks is shared with the Fire Department so they are aware of streets that will be closed.

Picnic at the Southwest Precinct is Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 1-4 pm!

All Southwest Precinct community members are invited to the 2300 SW Webster St. to enjoy a day of dancing, music, food, magic, balloons, raffles! Meet your local officers, SWAT and other specialty units and get a chance to take a precinct tour!

Resources To Keep You Informed

Police Blotter, http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/

Subscribe to SPD: Crime Blotter http://feeds.feedburner.com/SeattlePoliceSouthwestPrecinct

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard, West Seattle Herald http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

West Seattle Blog, Tracy Record, Editor http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?page_id=4988

Seattle Police Department main web pagehttp://www.seattle.gov/police/

Southwest Precinct Web-page http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htmSeattle

Police Crime Statistics http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats.htm

For More Information Call: Benjamin Kinlow,

Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 or email benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov.  Check out www.seattle.gov/police/precincts/southwest/prevention.htm

You have just a couple more weeks to register your Night Out block party with the Seattle Police Department.   The area of Beach Drive that we live in has enjoyed this chance to get together for the past couple of  years with a fun pot luck. I'm look forward to this year's event!

I invite you to head over to the BDB Community Forums and let us know if your holding a block party and if you're a block watch captain–it would be great if Beach Drive was "connected" with who's doing block watches…we might even learn of areas that need help getting one started.   

Being aware and knowing your neighbors is a great first step in preventing crime.

Precinct Public Safety Newsletter

June 18, 2009

Dear Community Friends,

Night Out is now ready for online registration at http://www.seattle.gov/police/nightout/default.htm.

Summertime Security Tips

During warm weather months, we often see an increase in burglary and theft.  Reasons for this include:

q       Windows at residences left open for ventilation when residents are not home.

q       Unattended open garages while residents are working in the yard or have briefly left the home.

q       Unattended personal belongings while at a park or other recreational venues.

q       Unattended personal belongings visible in our vehicles.

We want to remind you about the potential for an increase in burglary and theft and provide you with concrete steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability.  Please share these tips with your neighbors.

Close And Lock Windows; Limit How Far They Can Be Opened

q       Always close and lock windows whenever away from the home.  If you choose to ventilate your home when you are not home because of the heat, be aware that you are vulnerable and an easy target for the burglar.

q       If you leave windows open enough for ventilation, secure with less than 4” opening with a dowel.  Some windows have stops installed on the inside track, which help prevent the window from being opened too far.  However, some of these are not very sturdy and can be opened given the right amount of force.  Augment those stops with a dowel.  For double hung windows, use sash pins to better secure the windows. 

Lock Your Doors

Install good quality dead bolt locks with at least a 1” throw on all exterior doors.

q       Replace the existing screws in the strike plates and two screws per hinge with 3-4 inch screws.  This will secure the doorframe to the 2×4 framing of the house.  This makes it much more difficult for a person to force open a properly locked door.

Working In The Yard

If working in the yard in the front or back of the home:

q       Do not leave your front door open and/or unlocked.  Close and lock garage and storage unit that is out of your line of sight.  Be mindful of what is in plain view to anyone who may walk or drive by. 

Secure Tools and Ladders

q       Secure all tools, including ladders, so they cannot be used to gain entry into your home or that of a neighbor.

Make it appear that your home is occupied. 

q       You can do this by having timers set within the home that will turn lights on and off.  You may want to consider timers for your exterior lights or photocell attachments (which activate when it gets dark and go off when it becomes light) and motion sensors.

If Away For An Extended Period Of Time

q       Ask a friend or trusted neighbor to watch your home and collect your mail and your newspaper.  If they see suspicious activity, they will know to call 911 for you. 

q       Call Police 625-5011 and ask for a “Request to Watch” for your home while on vacation

Do Not Leave Personal Belongings Unattended

Whether they are in a shopping cart or on a picnic blanket, always maintain positive control over your belongings.  Never leave personal belongings unattended in your vehicle. 

Seattle

has an incredibly high rate of theft of personal property from vehicles, particularly at public parks.

Resources To Keep You Informed

Police Blotter, http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/

Subscribe to SPD: Crime Blotter http://feeds.feedburner.com/SeattlePoliceSouthwestPrecinct

Police Blotter, Megan Sheppard,

West Seattle

Herald

http://www.westseattleherald.com/news/police%20blotter/

West Seattle

Blog, Tracy Record, Editor

http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?page_id=4988

Seattle Police Department main web page

http://www.seattle.gov/police/

Southwest Precinct Web-page

http://www.seattle.gov/police/Precincts/Southwest/default.htm

Seattle

Police Crime Statistics

http://www.cityofseattle.net/police/crime/stats.htm

For More Information Call: Benjamin Kinlow,

Crime Prevention Coordinator, (206) 684-7724 or email benjamin.kinlow@seattle.gov.  Check out www.seattle.gov/police/precincts/southwest/prevention.htm

West Seattle Blog has a disturbing story about how a man (mis)represented himself as an employee of Comcast when knocking on a door at 7pm last night at Beach Drive and Douglas Place.

Read the entire story by clicking here.

Warm summer nights breeds opportunity for criminals when doors and windows are left open.  In this case, Chris from Beach Drive was taking a nap when the stranger awoke him knocking on the door.  I do encourage you to read the entire post at West Seattle Blog and to call the Police when you suspect something's not right.