Last Updated: November 4th, 2009
36 Beat News
Published by Officer J. S. Bogle #1786
36 Beat Community Policing Officer
350 S. Edgemoor, Wichita KS 67218
Work: 350-3420 / Community Policing Office 688-9545
Email - jbogle@wichita.gov
Crime Trends
Even though the economy has slumped and the price of many metals have gone down, the price of lead has remained steady, largely due to the reduction in production by foreign countries. Because of this, we have observed a significant increase in the number of vehicle battery thefts...especially industrial vehicle batteries. While 36 beat has not necessarily seen this increase, it is important to be mindful of this type of theft and be sure to call if you notice suspicious activity (such as strangers tinkering under the hood of neighbors cars without the neighbors present). Anytime you observe something suspicious, you should call 911 right away.
Burglary Alert!!
Residential burglaries do continue to occur on and around the beat. During the month of October, we did observe an increase of burglaries in the area just south and east of Harry and Edgemoor. As I look into these cases to establish if or what kind of trend is occurring, I ask that residents living in this area help look out for your neighbors by keeping an eye on your neighborhoods and immediately reporting any suspicious activies to 911. Please keep in mind that the greatest majority of these incidents occur during the daytime and early evening hours.
Recently, the items most commonly taken are flat panel televisions, video game systems and laptop computers/peripherals. If you own one of these items, be sure to record the serial numbers and keep them in a safe place. There have been numerous instances when the police department has recovered stolen property but cannot match it up with burglary victims which results in citizens not getting their property back. When victims can immediately provide serial numbers on stolen property, it will be entered into a national database. Pawn slips on every item gets submitted to the police department and checked in this database and other law enforcement agencies will use it to check on property they believe to be stolen. This can also aid in creating solvability for your case.
Seasonal Crime Tips
Auto Thefts - Each year, when the weather turns colder, the Police Department sees a rise in the number of Auto Thefts occurring all over the city. People become comfortable in their neighborhoods and will leave their car running to defrost or stay warm. Almost on a daily basis, someone in the city gets their vehicle stolen this way...please don't let it be you.
Holiday Shopping and Auto Larcenies - Please remember, as you do your holiday shopping, not to leave packages in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. While we all hate having to lug around a lot of packages as we shop, locking packages in the passenger compartment of your vehicle where it can be seen by people walking by your car will only invite criminals try and steal it. It takes only seconds to commit this type of crime. If you must, lock packages in your trunk where it cannot be seen.
Community Meetings
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmond Burke
Informed and involved citizens are the greatest resource for a safe community. There are many citizen-driven groups who inform and unite neighbors on our beat. Get involved and shape your community!
DAB - The District Advisory Board is the voice of the citizens to their elected City Council person. 36 Beat falls within two different Council Districts. If you reside inside the Beat and live south of Harry, you are in District 3 and are represented by Councilman Jim Skelton. DAB 3 meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7 pm at 101 E. Pawnee (The WATER Center). If you live north of Harry, you are in District 2. Sue Schlapp represents DAB 2 which meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at the Rockwell branch library.
Eastridge Neighborhood Association - This group meets to strengthen the community within the area bordered by Kellogg to the north, Rock (east), Harry (south), and Woodlawn (west). Meetings are at Boston Rec Center every third Monday at 7 pm.
Mt. Vernon NA - Draw a line along Funston to Edgemoor, north to Osie and east to Faulders, south to Funston and east to Woodlawn, south to Mt Vernon and back west to Battin, north to Funston- this encompasses the Mt. Vernon NA. Meetings are every other month (Odd Months) on the second Thursday, beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church.
Rental Owners, Inc. - Did you know approximately 50% of residents in Wichita are in rental or leased properties? Are you a landlord or property owner in the Greater Wichita area? Rental Owners Inc. is an association of landlords geared towards promoting best business practices in the rental industry! Join them on the second Thursday of every month, at 7:00 pm at 901 N. Porter in the Civitan Building.
Resources
WPD Community Affairs Section - The Community Affairs Section handles larger community-based projects. They are specially trained to perform business and residence safety surveys. Officers assigned to the section also publish great information about general safety and crime prevention. 268-4101
Office of Central Inspection - Improper or no household trash collection, trash on premises, tall grass and weeds, run down buildings and illegal dumping. RVs or boats improperly stored, signs in public right of way, emergency board up of vacant houses. 268-4460
Animal Control - Anything to do with animals at large, viscious dogs, loud or habitual barking or being improperly treated/cared for. 268-8378
Fire Department Prevention - Fire safety education, juvenile fire starter counseling. 268-4441
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Wichita Police Department’s 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.