43 BEAT NEWSLETTER
Updated 27 January 2009
The 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
Greetings fellow Wichitans, my name is Officer A.J. Warthen and I am the Community Policing Officer for 43 Beat. The following is the monthly update and pertinent information that corresponds with 43 Beat.
I am here to assist you and any endeavor to improve the quality of life within our neighborhoods. Please contact me with any problems, concerns, or questions you may have in regards to 43 beats neighborhoods, schools, and/or businesses.
You may contact me by email: awarthen@wichita.gov or click on the link under my photograph above; 0r you may leave a message by phone by calling Patrol North at (316) 688-9500. I will respond to you in the most expeditious manner available.
It is never too late to make the change to make a positive difference in your life and/or your environment.
The hardest step is usually the first one.
You can do it!
A Neighborhood Association can stop blight, reduce crime, clear out junk vehicles, organize clean-ups, designate safety areas, and more!
Monthly Statistics for Beat 43 for December 2008
|
43 |
|
OFFENSE |
DEC 08 |
DEC 07 |
DEC 06 |
YTD 08 |
YTD 07 |
YTD 06 |
% YTD CHANGE
07 TO 08 |
|
MURDER |
1 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
4 |
4 |
75.0%
-28.6%
26.3%
-9.0%
12.2%
-5.9%
3.1%
|
|
RAPE |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
7 |
2 |
|
ROBBERY |
0 |
0 |
4 |
24 |
19 |
18 |
|
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT |
3 |
4 |
6 |
61 |
67 |
62 |
|
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY |
4 |
6 |
7 |
101 |
90 |
75 |
|
NON-RESESIDENTIAL BURGLARY |
1 |
1 |
0 |
16 |
17 |
26 |
|
LARCENY |
12 |
9 |
10 |
164 |
159 |
182 |
|
AUTO THEFT |
1 |
4 |
3 |
32 |
35 |
44 |
-8.6% |
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
SAFETY TIPS AND CRIME PREVENTION
Top 10 tips for building safe and connected neighborhoods:
1. Get to know your neighbors and learn their names.
2. Be aware of what's normal in your neighborhood and what's unusual.
3. Meet your neighbors' kids and introduce them to yours.
4. While away, ask a neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail.
5. Regularly change your walking route and times.
6. Get to know the police and fire personnel working in your neighborhood.
7. Help out elderly neighbors on your block.
8. Report suspicious activities.
9. Trust your instincts.
10. Work together to get your neighborhood clean, and keep it clean.
Crime Trends
Burglary:
· In January, Burglary Offenders are targeting Side and Rear Windows on houses
· Please ensure that you lock all windows, unless you are at home and using them
· Have your home alarm armed at all times
· If you do not have a window break alarm option on your window, ensure that your motion sensor covers a neutral area if an offender leaves the room where they gained entrance through the window
· Stay Vigilant!!!
· Keep an eye out for your neighbors, if you see someone around the side or rear of the house call 911.
· If you see any suspicious persons or activity, Call 911 immediately (you can remain anonymous)
In 2008...
Ø 82% of all Burglaries that occurred in 2008 involved a Single Residence
Ø 19% of Burglaries that occurred in 2008 were reportedly on Wednesdays
Ø 42% of Burglaries occurred between the hours of 1201-1800 hours
Ø 20% of Burglary reports show a side window was the preferred method of entry
Ø 29% of Burglaries occurred between the months of June and August
More Safety Tips:
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.
SEARCH WARRANTS
If you have concerns about possible drug activity in your neighborhood please call us. The number to the SCAT Hotline is 267-7728.
YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS
If there are other areas where you have observed repeated traffic violations then please call and let me know. Any Officer at Patrol North can help you with a traffic complaint or you can visit our website and fill out a report online.
HELPFUL NUMBERS
Below is a list of numbers that may be helpful to you to improve your neighborhood or report issues in your neighborhood:
Patrol North - 688-9500
Atwater Community Policing Office - 303-8061
Central Inspections, 268-4413
Graffiti (OCI) 268-4481
Environmental Services Department
1900 E. Ninth Street N.
Wichita, KS 67214
Main Office Phone 268-8351
Animal Services Phone 268-8378
Drug complaints (SCAT) 267-7228
Gang Crimes 268-4191
Investigations 268-4407
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