'Last Updated: July 4th, 2008
Published by Officer J. S. Bogle #1786
Patrol East Community Policing
350 S. Edgemoor, Wichita KS 67218
Work: 688-9545
E-mail: jbogle@wichita.gov
National Night Out
Wichita residents are once again invited to join thousands of other communities across America in supporting a unique, coast-to coast crime prevention project on August 5th, 2008 to give neighborhood crime and drugs a "going away" party. On August 5th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., residents city wide and across the nation, will be asked to turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside on their block.
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs.
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Generate support for starting Neighborhood watch groups.
National Night Out 2008 Schedule:
Thursday, July 31st 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Public Kick Off at "All Star Sports East"
FREE Admission
Reduced Ticket Prices
Media Sponsor: Power 93.9 (Entercom)
Friday, August 1st
KEYN Summer Concert Series in Old Town
Saturday, August 2nd 7:00 pm
Old Town Concert and Motorcycle Rally
(Motorcycle Rally Participants are by invitation only)
Sponsor: T-95 and 104.5 The Fox
Sunday, August 3rd 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Safe & Secure Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo
Half Price Admission
Sponsor: 101.3 KFDI
Monday, August 4th
Safe & Secure Day at Open Wichita Public Pools
(please check here for schedules)
Tuesday, August 5th
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTY TIME
Register your block party online here.
Or call the WPD Community Affairs Section at 268-4101
*****(make sure if you want to block off your street you fill out the form below the "Register Button")*****
Have a pot luck dinner, a BBQ, an ice cream social or whatever your neighbors want to contribute. Discuss neighborhood issues over good food and good company.
Emergency services such as Police, Fire, and EMS will be provided a list of registered block parties so they can stop by to say, "Hello." Discuss issues you've seen in your neighborhood and help us help you improve the quality of life.
Tuesday, August 5th
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
National Baseball Congress Block Party in the Bud Pavilion
Fireworks Display
PRE-National Night Out Activities
Safety Fair at Wichita Target Stores
Saturday, July 12th
21st/Greenwich 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
301 S. Armor 3:00 pm -7:00 pm
Sunday, July 13th
29th/Maize 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Maple/Ridge 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 17th
Seniors BINGO
Wichita Rec Center (TBA - Check here for updates)
Sponsor: Mental Health Association
Saturday, July 19th
Texas Hold 'Em Tournament with the Amateur Poker League
Proceeds benefit the Law Enforcement Memorial
(Limited slots, register via mtennyson@wichita.gov)
REGISTER YOUR BLOCK PARTY NOW
Help Wichita to become a
399 Beat Report:
In tracking the types of crime that are most prevelant to 399 beat, I have updated each with the current 2008 statistics compared to the same times in 2007. Recently, 399 Beat has experienced an increase in the number of cases in which mailboxes have been found open in the mornings when people are leaving for work. Please pay attention to the notice below.
Mail Box Tampering – Mail Theft
The Wichita Police Department has been notified of areas in which unknown suspects have opened several mailboxes and likely has stolen, at least, some mail. This activity has been occurring on 39 and 399 beats over the past month during the overnight hours. One citizen did observe a small, white, 2 wheel drive pickup driven by an unknown person, opening mailboxes in her neighborhood at around 2:30 a.m. 911 was called, but the suspect had left the area by the time officers had arrived. The witness observed the suspect reaching into the mailboxes to try and find anything inside.
The areas on 399 Beat that have been struck, so far, run along Harry near 127th and 143rd St E. On 39 Beat, the area extends just north of 13th St, from just west of 127th St. E extending to the east. There could also possibly be pockets, in the surrounding areas, where this has occurred but has not been reported.
In order to help protect you from loss or theft of property, mail or identity, the Wichita Police Department recommends that you try to take the following precautions:
IF YOU HAVE OUTGOING MAIL WITH PERSONAL INFORMATION (SUCH AS APPLICATIONS), NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS (SUCH AS CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS) OR OTHER SENSITIVE INFORMATION, UTILIZE POST OFFICE DROP BOXES. PUTTING UP THE OUTGOING MAIL FLAG ON YOUR MAILBOX MAY ONLY ATTRACT THESE CRIMINALS.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR MAIL, EVERY DAY! IF YOU WILL BE GONE FOR ANY DURATION OF TIME, ASK A NEIGHBOR, FAMILY OR FRIEND TO CHECK YOUR MAIL FOR YOU (EVERY DAY). YOU CAN ALSO REQUEST A TEMPORARY DELIVERY STOP AT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE SUBSTATION OR BY NOTIFYING YOU POSTAL DELIVERY PERSON.
If you have any information regarding this crime or any crime, or if you have questions or comments, please feel free to call me, Off. J. S. Bogle, your Beat Coordinator at 688-9545 or Email me at jbogle@wichita.gov.
Visit us: www.wichitapolice.com
The mission of the Wichita Police Department is to provide professional and ethical public safety services in partnerships with citizens to identify prevent and solve the problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.
Auto Theft
Through May of 2008, Auto Thefts are up 35.1% when compared to the same time as last year. While the circumstances as to how or why the vehicle was stolen can vary, many have one thing in common - keys. Many are cases where someone ran into the store or into their own house with the vehicle still running. There have been a couple of incidents in which cars were stolen from open garages where the owners left their keys in the ignition. Bottom line is that there are a lot of nice neighborhoods on 399 beat, and that makes its residents a target. Don't give them the chance to make you a victim of crime.
Open Garage Door Burglaries
Residential burglaries are currently up 16% which is actually a decrease from what was reported from last month. Open garage doors still account for a majority of incidents. There are groups of criminals, typically drug addicts, that drive around and specifically look for open garages and will take power tools, lawn equipment or any other items of value including vehicles or items left in vehicles. If you are not in a position to watch your garage, don't leave it open.
Auto Larceny
Auto Larceny on the beat has seen a steep increase on the beat as it is up almost 100%. The bottom line is that anything left in a vehicle will be of value to someone, so don't do it! Locking property in the car is not securing the property and if it is in view, it only increases the chance of the car being broken into. Also, powercords for cell phones and GPS brackets left, in view, in the vehicle invites criminals to break into it with hopes that the phone or units have been left in the car. Criminals know that people can be lazy and leave things in their cars. Please remove all property from your vehicle or at the very least, put it in the trunk.
Non-Residential Burglaries
For the first part of 2008, Non-Residential burglaries are up 6.3% but as the weather becomes warmer, and more construction begins, this could affect this type of crime. Please be sure to report, to 911, any suspicious activity you observe around businesses whether open or closed and around homes under construction.
Crime Prevention Tip of the Month
July 2008
Home Security: A Look at Ways to Secure Doors Using Strike Plates and Key Control Doors
There are many sizes, shapes and types of exterior doors. The security of any door depends on its construction.
The Hollow Core Door is the most commonly used. It is also the least secure. It consists of a wood frame covered with a thin veneer; it is supported by cardboard arranged in a honeycomb fashion, to keep the veneer from collapsing. This type of door should be used as an interior door only.
The Solid Wood Door provides good security. It is constructed entirely of heavy wood. Some doors have decorative wooden panel inserts that greatly reduce its security.
The Solid Core Door provides good security. It is constructed much the same way as the hollow core door; however, the center is filled with compressed particle-type material that provides strength.
The Metal Door is becoming a favorite exterior door and it provides good security. It consists of a frame covered in a 16 to 20 gauge steel covering. The center of the door is filled with compressed hard foam.
Strike Plates
The weakest area of many doors and locking devices is the strike plate. High security strike plates mounted with three-inch screws will strengthen the doorframe where the throw of the dead bolt meets. The three-inch screws will extend through the doorframe and secure into the stud or existing frame structure of the home. With shorter screws, the strike plate is only secured into the doorframe, which is usually constructed of soft wood that splinters easily.
Deadbolt Locks
The Spring Latch, key in the knob lockset, offers zero security. Known as the "credit card" or "ten second" model, is found on many homes. On exterior doors, this lock set should be an addition to the deadbolt lock. Doors leading into the home from an attached garage or from the basement should be considered an exterior door.
A Single Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and thumb turn from the inside. Single cylinder deadbolts are intended to be used on solid doors with no glass within 40 inches of the lock.
A Double Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and inside. It is intended for use on doors with glass within 40 inches of the lock. The use of a double cylinder deadbolt lock presents a life safety hazard due to the need to have a key for exit. The 1997 Uniform Building Code states; Regardless of the occupant load served, exit doors shall be open-able from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.
What to look for when purchasing Deadbolt locks:
- Minimum ¼" interlocking bolts to hold the cylinder halves together.
- Tapered cylinder guard.
- Hardened steel bolt with a 1" throw and a saw-resistant feature.
- Bolt encased in single piece housing.
- Bolt constructed so as to limit internal movement or "play" when the bolt is fully extended.
Not all deadbolts are created equal. They appear similar on the exterior, but the internal components are critical to the overall integrity of the lock. Inquire whether the deadbolt meets or exceeds ANSI grade 2. All exterior doors should be equipped with a deadbolt lock.
Keys
Proper monitoring and control of keys can help prevent passkey burglary. The following are suggestions to better insure keys are properly controlled:
- When someone moves into previously occupied home, all exterior doors should be re-keyed.
- Avoid hiding a key outside. Burglars often know all the hiding places. Place a key in a secure key lock box outside for emergencies.
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
Now that warm weather is here, we see a significant increase in juveniles riding motorized scooters and skateboards on public streets. This can be a very dangerous activity since the majority of operators do not use safety equipment and the machines are not equipped with the correct safety lighting. There has been some confusion as to whether or not it is legal to operate motorized scooters and skateboards on public property. Motorized scooters and skateboards fall within the City and State definition of a motor vehicle. As per State Statute 8-142, 8-235 and City Ordinance 11.04.170 which state: "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled"
These scooters, skateboards, go-carts and go-peds fall within the definition of a motor vehicle and therefore require safety equipment, lights, blinkers, appropriate braking systems and reflectors, as well as being tagged and registered if operated on a public street or public right-of-way. The driver must also have in their possession a valid driver’s license. The Police Department receives numerous neighborhood complaints regarding these vehicles. Appropriate rules and regulations can be enforced since motorized scooters and skateboards are considered motor vehicles. Therefore, if a person age 14 or older is stopped for a violation, he or she can be issued a citation. If a person is under the age of 14, the parent or guardian is responsible and would likely be issued a citation for allowing an unlicensed person to operate a vehicle. These vehicles can be operated on private property with the property owner’s permission.
We also tend to see careless and reckless behavior in the operation of these vehicles both on public and private property. These vehicles are much less visible than a motorcycle on a street and could result in very serious injuries if involved in a crash. Parents need to realize that when they purchase any motorized vehicle, there are requirements and liability associated with their use. They need to be cognizant of the dangers because they are not toys. If you have any questions regarding the issues surrounding operation of these vehicles, please fee free to contact your nearest Police substation.
Loud Music
Now that we have reached the warmer months, the Wichita Police Department recieves numerous complaints about loud music. When at your residence, please be mindful that you share your neighborhood with other residents and be considerate to their rights to peace and quiet. Also, music coming from an automobile has to be played at a volume level that it cannot be audibly heard from a distance of 50 ft or greater. If it is, you can be issued a ticket whether you are on the street or parked in your driveway.
Basketball Goal Complaints
Over the past several years, the Wichita Police Department has had to deal with several complaints of citizens, who have purchased basketball goals and leave them setting at the street on the curb. It is a violation to leave these basketball goals setting in the city easement (15' area extending from the curb towards the residence). While the Wichita Police Department does not recommend that kids play basketball in the street, please be mindful of others who live or travel through the area by moving out of the way when a car approaches. Parents especially need to watch and ensure that anyone they allow to play on their goal is abiding by the law and moving out of the way for vehicles. Parents also need to ensure that the basketball goal is removed from the curb if not being used. If a basketball goal is left on the curb or easement area, it can be removed and disposed of by the city.
If you want to report a basketball goal that is being left in violation of city ordinance, you can contact Linda Firsching, Engineering Department at 268-4418.
Wichita Police Department Mission Statement
The Wichita Police Department’s mission is to provide professional and ethical public safety services in partnership with citizens to identify prevent and solve the problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.
