From PID 6 Patrol - December 16, 2010

Recently the police department has made us aware that several homes in the area were burglarized while a resident was home. In most cases the would be burglars would ring the door bell or knock on the door. The homeowner not wanting to be disturbed ignore the persistent knocking.  The door would then be kicked in.

Residents can avoid direct contact with unwanted visitors and perhaps even prevent a break-in by simply stating loudly something to the effect, "this isn't a good time can you come back next week?" And for those of you who are home alone, you can reply to a persistent knock, "come back later, my husband (or whomever) is sleeping".

If the knocking continues call the police and report that an unknown person is knocking and will not leave even after you told them to go away.

Remember those that have been home reported a persistent knocking and ringing of the door bell, so don't feel compelled or worried if just a "standard" attempt to get a homeowners' attention happens.

PID 6 resident should feel free to contact the supervisor over the off-duty officers that patrol the neighborhoods at PID6Patrol@aol.com if they have any security related questions or concerns.

By Lieutenant JD Grady Supervisor of off-duty PID-6 officers

You call for the police, fire or ambulance. You dial 9-1-1 because, as they say, seconds count. You may even hear the sirens coming, but we can't find you.

Many house addresses in the PID 6 area are NOT visible at night. While it is a very good idea to have your address painted on the curb that isn't enough. If someone happens to park a vehicle next to it, then guess what, we can't see it!

In addition to the curb, your house numbers should be posted on your home with reflective material. It is recommended that they be four inches tall. They should be placed on the home so that they can be clearly visible from the street. Don't forget that shrubs and trees can grow obstructing what seemed to be a visible location in the winter. Remember to replace the numbers every few years as the reflective material can breakdown in the hot, Texas sun. If the reflective material wears, an eight can look like a six or even a three if it fades in the right location.

You may have a decorative address that matches your home décor perfectly, but is it readable from the street at two in the morning? If not, you may just want to run to Home Depot and pick up some reflective numbers and get them put up this weekend. There is no law against having your house number posted twice on your residence.

For those of you that have garages that are entered from the alleyway, post your address where it can be seen while in the alleyway - on the back fence or over the garage - as well as having it posted to be visible from the roadway.

Lieutenant Grady can be contacted at PID6Patrol@aol.com.

If you have not left a store or business ask to speak to the manager and relate your concerns – ask that you be escorted to you car or the police be called depending on the circumstances.

If you are in your vehicle do not head home, but go to a populated/well lighted location. If you have a cell phone call the police by dialing 9-1-1. Do not head home, instead go to a populated/well lighted area and wait for an officer there.

If you do not have a cell phone when you get to a well populated/well lighted location ask that the police be called. Do not get out of your car unless you think it is safe to do so. If you do not think it is safe to get out, honk your horn repeatedly and flash your lights while in front of the business to get the people who are inside attention. Do not get out of your vehicle, but ask that the police be called.

Pull up as close to the front of a business – but do not park where you would be blocked in.

In extreme circumstances, consider flashing your lights (even in the daytime) and honking your horn as you drive. This will get other motorist attention. Drive safely – you do not want to get in an accident or run someone off the road while trying to avoid being followed.

Lieutenant Grady can be contacted at PID6Patrol@aol.com.

Vehicles throughout PID 6 have had their windshields smashed with rocks and bricks from homeowner's front yards. Most of these incidents have happened between 6 p.m. & 11 p.m, which leads the PID 6 Patrol to believe they are being committed by teenagers who are possibly using bikes to ride throughout PID 6. If you see any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood please call 911. If you have a tip, e-mail PID 6 Patrol.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for tips that lead to the arrests of individuals involved in this vandalism. You can remain anonymous. Call 817-469-TIPS.

Graffiti in the PID6 area does occur from time to time and the best way to put a stop to it is:

1. Report any graffiti to the Fort Worth Police Department by calling 817-335-4222. In most cases you can make a report over the phone and police reports are reviewed by the NPO and the PID officers.
   
   
2. Graffiti, that is on private property is the homeowner's responsibility to remove. However, if a resident has difficultly in removing the graffiti the City of Fort Worth might be able to assist. Please call the Graffiti Abatement Unit at 817-212-2700 for further details. The Graffiti Abatement unit is not able to match paint and will only paint over the graffiti, they cannot repaint the entire fence, walls, doors, etc. You need to submit a form granting the City permission to enter your property.
   
   
3. Graffiti that is on public property such as park structures, sidewalks, traffic signs or fences maintained by the PID can be removed by contacting the Graffiti Abatement Unit or by notifying Lieutenant Grady, supervisor in charge of the off-duty officers that patrol the PID, at pid6patrol@aol.com.
   
   
4. Please e-mail graffiti locations - either private or public - to pid6patrol@aol.com so that the off-duty officers that patrol the area can increase patrols.
   
   
5. Removal of graffiti in a timely manner has shown to actually reduce repeat occurrences and discourage others form placing graffiti in the area.
   
   
6. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police by calling 9-1-1 immediately.