Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Preservation Association

Last Thursday, VPS received a call from a resident whose home is listed for Sale or for Lease: several Hispanic males entered the home to see it,  and behaved suspiciously.  Subsequently the homeowner’s family also reported two vehicles driving by, or parked in front of the house  near Coronado and Palmcroft Way.

Vehicle Descriptions:
White pickup truck with a camper shell.
Red four door Chevy sedan
Several Hispanic males in the car

If you see the vehicles, please call Crime Stop (262-6151) or 911 according to your best judgment.

Please be careful about letting strangers enter your home.

SECURITY CORPORATION UDATE:  PATROL SCHEDULES MAY BE SHORTENED

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Security Corporation so far in 2009!  As of the end of April , 116 neighbors (out of 300+ residents) have sent their checks. Support levels are below 40%, well below what was expected.

Current patrol schedules will see us run out of funds by the end of August-a 4 month gap that the EPHPA cannot fill.  The shortfall will require a reduction in service hours-starting as early as next month.   During the summer, when many residents are away for vacations or weekends in cooler places, it is especially helpful to have security patrols.  Patrol officers check the entire neighborhood, not just homes of contributors.  If you have been thinking about making your payment, please remember that resident support is the key to the patrol service: with more contributors, we can have more hours of coverage.  If you have been happy with the patrol service, please encourage your neighbors to support the Security Corporation as well.

This month VPS called on the Phoenix Police Department for successful preventive action:  two arrests-a dumpster diver who appeared to be looking for papers (please remember that AZ leads the country in identity theft cases), and someone who was caught casing cars who was arrested for “public urination”.  It turned out that one man had outstanding warrants, the other was on record as a sex offender. 

Security Corporation Update: March 2009

Have you received the mailed request for your contribution to the Security Corporation for 2009? Have you responded with a check to our Treasurer Diana Kem?

If not, it may be because you’re wondering about what you get for your money? Here are some answers.

In 2008, reported crime went down 13%, defying expectations.

In the coming year, our neighborhood—and your homes—may be more of a target than during better times. Parks and Police Department budget cuts have reduced City services. The State budget has been similarly cut. This month it was announced that one of the large shelters, just south of us, will loose 300 beds due to budget cuts. That increases the number of “homeless” persons during the summer, a time when we tend to have more “sleepovers” in the neighborhood.

From my perspective (having been involved with the Safety and Security Committee of our Board since 2001, and more recently with the Security Corporation), Valley Protective Services provides efficient and beneficial “insurance” that improves the quality of our lives. Here are some specific examples of what you got for your money in March:

Experienced and Alert Patrol Officers:

Our VPS Officers are Kirby Phillips and Justin Halemka. Officer Phillips was introduced to volunteers at the Home Tour party and his picture is on our website in the Home Tour section: http://www.encantopalmcroft.org/

Both officers carry weapons and are trained in security procedures. If you see them, please introduce yourselves so they know who lives in the neighborhood.

The officers report non-functioning streetlights to APS, and are now tracking non-functioning dusk to dawn lights in the alleys so that we can replace burned out bulbs. They also pay special attention to empty and for sale homes that are not occupied.

Burglary Suspect Stopped and Identified:

On March 4, our VPS patrol officer and Phoenix Police Department officer tracked a burglary suspect going south on 13th Avenue towards the alley on McDowell Road.  The suspect was stopped, but not arrested due to insufficient evidence linking him to the 2 February burglaries.
Here is the description:
Black Male-age 40
5′8″, weight previously reported around 160-170 lbs
Brown Eyes, Black Hair, No facial hair
Last seen wearing Green sweatshirt and Gray sweatpants, white shoes.
Has been spotted in the McDowell alley and was suspected of using a storage room behind a vacant house on 13^th Avenue and Coronado.

Graffiti Suspects still at large:
On March 5, before 5AM, the VPS patrol officer also saw new graffiti along the McDowell and 7th Avenue alleys.  The possible culprit looks like this:
Hispanic Male-early to mid twenties riding a bicycle
5′7″, about 160 lbs
Brown eyes and bald head
Wearing Blue and Gray flannel jacket and white Tee shirt, blue jeans and Black Van Shoes.
The culprit rode away on a Silver Bike with Ape bars.
On March 5, around 9:15PM, another VPS patrol officer spotted a Hispanic juvenile male on “a low rider bicycle”, heading south on 13th Avenue, who U turned through the Park when he spotted the officer.  This time wearing Striped Brown and White shirt, black shorts.

On Saturday March 21, around 10:30 PM, a loud noise was heard around 9th Avenue and Palm Lane.  As the VPS officer investigated, a resident reported he thought it came from the alley south of Palm Lane behind his house and he had called the Phoenix Police Department.  Our bike riding officer saw a group of teenagers at the corner of 11th Avenue and Palm Lane, who disappeared in the area while he spoke to a responding police officer. The PD also sent in a helicopter to check, as there have been prior calls of firecrackers/gunshots near Palm Lane and 13th Avenue.  The patrolling officers checked with residents on the street but the teenagers had disappeared.  The Police Department cruisers stayed until about 10:50PM.

New Graffiti (white paint on brick wall) was spotted on the wall of a residence near 9th Ave and Palm Lane later that evening, possibly connected to the incident.  The white graffiti is different from the brown paint used in the McDowell alleys, but has been seen on curbs near Encanto Drive.

On March 22, a can of the brown spray paint was found in the Alley south of Palm Lane, west of 11th Avenue, on Sunday morning.  Graffiti sightings have increased!

Other Services:

On March 26, during the heavy windstorm, the VPS Officer patrolled the neighborhood in darkness and made sure that no one took advantage of the cut in power. Many residents went elsewhere, but we had patrol coverage when the Phoenix Police Department was short-handed.

During the March 28 and 29 Home Tour activities, and the following days, VPS Officers were asked to monitor any unusual activity around Home Tour Homes, as some homeowners were concerned about 1500+ strangers going through their homes. The VPS Officer also assisted with the deposit of cash proceeds after the event.

An Arrest in the Hood:

On March 31, VPS Officer spots “a suspicious sleepover” near the alley along 15^th Avenue and calls Phoenix Police Department. It turns out that the there is an outstanding warrant, and the person is arrested.

How You Can Help:

Please keep house and garage doors closed, keep your eyes and ears open, and report suspicious behavior to Crime Stop: 262-6151 or 911. Alert residents are the best way to supplement VPS and Police Department patrols.

For ongoing Security updates, or information on past incidents, check our website: http://www.encantopalmcroft.org/ , go to the Resident section, and click on Security.

Request your Support-Please send your check today:

Having the extra pair of eyes of an experienced officer on the lookout makes me sleep better at night. If you feel the same way, please send your check to Diana Kem, 1806 Palmcroft Drive NW, Phoenix 85007. Your financial support helps keep the neighborhood safe and secure.

The Dues letter was mailed out on March 12.  Crime has dropped by 13% in 2008.  During the storm of March 26 and resulting blackout, VPS was on the scene to monitor the neighborhood.  During the Saturday Home Tour Dress Rehearsal/Tour for Volunteers, and the Sunday Home Tour, VPS Officers were available to monitor events.  Special attention is being given to the 12 homes that are on tour to make sure the are safe and secure after having had 1500 visitors.

Will you contribute to our safety and security in 2009 by sending your check for $300 to Diana Kem, Treasurer, Encanto-Palmcroft Security Corporation?

VPS has found us a more mature Patrol Officer, who started on Thursday March 12, and will work a 5 day shift: Officer Kirby Phillips, who is qualified to carry his firearm.  If you see him, please introduce yourself.  He is on the lookout for the suspected burglar,  and the vandals who have been keying cars and spraying graffiti on walls and curbs. 

The VPS Officer who handles the 2 day shift (typically Monday and Tuesday late night/early morning) is Officer Justin Halemka.

Burglary Suspect:
On March 4,around 3:40AM, our VPS patrol officer and Phoenix Police Department officer tracked a burglary suspect going south on 13th Avenue towards the alley on McDowell Road. The suspect was stopped, but not arrested due to insufficient evidence linking him to the 2 prior burglaries in the neighborhood.  
Here is the description:
Black Male-age 40
5′8″, weight previously reported around 160-170 lbs
Brown Eyes, Black Hair, No facial hair
Last seen wearing Green sweatshirt and Gray sweatpants, white shoes.
Has been spotted in the McDowell alley and is suspected of using a storage room behind a vacant house.  

Graffiti Suspect:
Yesterday morning, before 5AM, the VPS patrol officer also saw new graffiti along the McDowell and 7th Avenue alleys.  The possible culprit looks like this:
Hispanic Male-early to mid twenties riding a bicycle
5′7″, about 160 lbs
Brown eyes and bald head
Wearing Blue and Gray flannel jacket and white Tee shirt, blue jeans and Black Van Shoes.
The culprit rode away on a Silver Bike with Ape bars.
Last night, around 9:15PM, another patrol officer spotted a Hispanic juvenile male on “a low rider bicycle”, heading south on 13th Avenue, who U turned through the Park when he spotted the officer.  This time wearing Striped Brown and White shirt, black shorts.

We have asked the Community Action Officer and VPS supervisors and patrol officers to continue to be on the lookout.  If you spot suspicious behavior and someone that matches these descriptions, please call Crime Stop 262-6151, or 911, according to your best judgment.

Please make sure that back doors, garage doors and all gates are closed and locked. If you are near a vacant house, please check it as well.  Any suspicious behavior should be reported to Crime Stop and VPS.

VPS reported a burglary on the 1300 block of West Palm Lane around 4AM on Wednesday, February 11.  According to VPS, the owners were on the premises and called 911 immediately.  The description of the suspect matches that of yesterday’s attempted burglary suspect at the 700 block of West McDowell:  A black male, about 5ft 6 or 7 inches, weighing about 160-170 lbs. We are attempting to get more descriptive details and follow-up from the new Community Action Officer at the Police Department.

The Encanto-Palmcroft Security Corporation has asked VPS to temporarily switch to car patrols, instead of bikes, and this will begin today.  We will ask the Community Action Officer for patrol car coverage to prevent further occurrences, and for detective input to see if this pattern extends beyond our neighborhood.

Please take necessary precautions (lock doors and windows, etc), and be on the lookout for this description.  Both incidents took place between midnight and 4am.  If your dog barks in unusual fashion, or if you see or hear suspicious activity, please investigate.  If necessary, call Crime Stop (262-6151) or 911 immediately and provide all details.  Vigilant homeowners are the best way to keep the neighborhood safe.

2008 Neighborhood Crimes DOWN 13%

Introduction:

The Encanto Palmcroft Security Corporation completed its first year with Valley Protective Services.  What have been the results?  As we look forward to the challenges of 2009, what actions can we take to improve the Safety and Security of the Encanto-Palmcroft neighborhood?

In short, crime was down 13 % in 2008, continuing a meaningful 5 year trend.  This significant decrease occurred during a time when the economy has weakened, and the number of vacant homes (7/8) has reached new highs.

The outlook for 2009 looks challenging, as analysts talk about a depression similar to that in the early 30’s.  City of Phoenix Parks Department budget cutbacks of 28%  will have a dramatic impact on Encanto Park, which draws users from a large area. The Police Department expects cuts of at least 8%, which will impact us.  Community Action Officer coverage of our neighborhood has already been cut in half.

Crime Statistics for 2008 in context:

The shift from a car patrol (Arrow Security) to bicycle patrol system (Valley Protective Services-VPS) has been controversial.  This shift was made with input from the Police Department and extensive deliberation by the Encanto Palmcroft Security Corporation after a bid process that involved 4 bidders.

Although bikes are less visible than cars,  statistics support the decision to change. Total Crime is down 13 % from 2007.  Notable drops are evident in the Theft and Auto theft categories.  Burglaries are up slightly.

Category                              2005                        2006                        2007                        2008           

Violent Crimes

Aggravated Assault                                                                                2                               

Robbery                                        5                            5                            4                            3

Violent Crime Total                    5                            5                            6                            3

Property Crimes

Burglary                                      17                          33                          13                          16

Theft/Larceny                             65                          39                          44                          36

Motor Vehicle Theft                    19                            6                            3                            2                       

Arson                                                                          1                                                                           

Total Property Crimes            101                          79                          60                          54

Total Crimes                            106                          84                          66                          57

Interpretation of Statistics:

Decreases  in crime incidents are due to the impact of long term security efforts, such as additional street lights, dusk to dawn lights, motion detector lights, as well as management of the patrol effort.

Outside events:

Installation of Dusk to Dawn Alley Lights (2006) to complement motion detector lights.

Closure of the alley access on McDowell Road, just west of the Circle K. 

Closure of the apartment complex on McDowell between 13^th and 15^th Avenues.

Managed patrol effort:

After the August storms, which cut electricity, we increased VPS patrols by car and bike, providing up to 24 hour coverage.  No incidents were reported during this time.

Patrol coverage of empty and For Sale homes was increased to monitor break-ins.

During recent streetlight outages, VPS has been tasked to give special attention to darker areas.

How can the Encanto Palmcroft Security Corporation improve our Safety and Security?

During our performance reviews of VPS, the contractor appeared very eager to work with us to improve security efforts.  Recently, it collaborated in a meeting for the Block Watch Captains, and prepared extensive statistics to track crime here and in adjacent neighborhoods.

Based partly on input from residents and the EPHPA Board, the EPSC has extended the current contract with Valley Protective Services, subject to the following items:

*  VPS will improve responses to resident calls; Calls will be logged; Supervisor cell phone numbers will be made available to residents for 24 hour availability;

*  Officers will wear bright, reflective Safety Vests at all patrol times;

*  VPS Supervisors will analyse the daily reports and report twice monthly to the EPSC Board;

*  VPS patrol officers make reports on Streetlight outages to the EPSC.  In January, the Board called APS to check/repair about 30 non-working lists.  Henceforth, VPS patrol officers will call APS to report outages, to speed up repair.

*  VPS will also monitor Alley motion-detector lights outages as part of a program to maintain these lights that were installed as part of our first Block Watch grant in 2003.  Replacement lights are available. 

*  VPS will monitor graffiti-the City’s Graffiti Buster program has also been cut back.

*  The EPSC has recommended another Block Watch Grant application (for $10,000) to the EPHPA to fund existing alley lights for another 3 years and install Block Watch signs.  The EPHPA approved $2,500 in matching funds.

*  We have asked the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Statistics and Analysis Bureau to review where the incidents have taken  place, to provide greater guidance for patrol efforts.

*  We are also sharing the VPS statistics with adjacent neighborhoods  (Willo, Fairview, Del Norte, FQ Story and Roosevelt) to monitor broader crime patterns and initiate collective action if necessary.

We will have more analysis and updates on these efforts in the next months. 

How can YOU help improve our Safety and Security?

The Encanto-Palmcroft Security Corporation is made up of the following volunteers:

President-Martin Vogel, Vice-President-Pete Bessette, Treasurer-Diana Kem; Secretary-Claudia Svara.  Otherr Members include: Susan Stowe, Ron Pick; Carole Kaufmann,  Peter Sharp,  Mike March.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact any of us.

Resident contributions ($300 per year) pay for our security program.  We are asking each homeowner to contribute to the cost of patrol coverage.  In 2007, 54% of residents participated.  For 2008, participation dropped to 43%.   Reduced funding necessarily means reduced patrol efforts.

For the 2009 calendar year, we expect challenges for our Safety and Security program.  Encanto Park is part of our historic neighborhood.  The sports facilities and after-school programs on 15^th Avenue will be cut.  Police Department patrols may also be reduced due to budget cuts.

Your participation in our 2009 membership drive will be a key contribution to patrol efforts.  Individual letters to Residents will be sent shortly.  Will you help us keep your home and family safe by making your contribution this year?

Agenda

1. Election of new officers
2. Assessment of current security corp
3.  Financial status of donations
4.  Block watch application
5.  Future of security

A quick summary of the meeting:
Election of New Officers for 2009:
Martin Vogel, President
Pete Bessette, Vice-President
Claudia Svara, Secretary
Diana Kem, Treasurer

Claudia will circulate minutes of the meeting, but here are 4 action points for commitments made last night.  These will surely require your feedback and participation for success in the new year:
*  Renew contract with VPS for 2009 with the inclusion  and re-emphasis of key points such as:  response to resident communications; daily reports and analysis of these reports at least on a monthly basis; assistance in lighting up the neighborhood by monitoring streetlights and communicating outages to APS; monitoring of alley motion detector lights; flexibility on scheduling day/night times as needed. (Officers will negotiate with VPS within next week-10 days—contract remains cancelable on 30 day notice); (If you have SPECIFIC points to be included, please advise by Reply All)
*  Prepare DRAFT letter to Residents in next two weeks as part of early dues collection in February; letter may go out by mail as well as via Newsletter; publicize the Security Corp effort in the Newsletter and website;  Draft letter to be prepared by Martin and Pete with officers for circulation to Board/meeting participants by Jan. 20;
*  Provide additional information to Residents on crime statistics. Claudia will review public information with support from Pete and Martin, and will see if ASU may have an intern available to assist in Data Collection/Analysis.  As soon as possible.
*  We voted to recommend that the EPHPA apply for an additional block watch grant for alley lights (new or continued payment of existing dusk to dawn lights or replacement of motion detector bulbs); communications such as Newsletter cost or website modifications to address security issues-possible blogs or resident communications.  Upper limit of Grant is $10,000, and we have previously spent approximately $17,000 received from 2 prior grants. Subcommittee of Ron, Carole and Martin will prepare outline for approval by EPHPA Board on January 19.  If approved, Carole agreed to be principal grant writer for submission by February 6.

There were other agreements/commitments which will be circulated via the Minutes by Claudia.  Please also remember that we have a concensus commitment to focus on SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS in Security Issues to set an example for a CONSTRUCTIVE tone for the neighborhood communications. Thanks in advance for your support in these initial action points.

Martin

This month, one of our security patrol staff was let go.  We now have 2 stable and regular officers to serve our neighborhood.  Please acknowledge them when you see them and let them know if you have any concerns.

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