Q. Last weekend, a neighbor across the alley had a party so loud that my neighbors and I couldn’t sleep. I found out that two neighbors and I collectively called 911 five times between 10:30 p.m. and 3 a.m., when I was finally told that an officer had not been available to check it out. I understand that violent crime has to be a priority, but when such an obvious disturbance affects the neighborhood, including the elderly, sick, children and infants living here, how can we get better service?
I am sorry that you did not receive the service you requested. I understand how disturbing loud music can be, and certainly it’s an issue that we want to address to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
We do respond to loud music disturbance calls and will take enforcement action. Officers may warn, ticket or, in aggravated circumstances, arrest the offending party.
Unfortunately, as in your case, loud noise complaints often coincide with the busiest call-answering times of the week, i.e. on weekend evenings and nights. Loud music calls are low priority calls and must be held until all calls for service involving the protection of life or property are answered. As a result, a timely response is not always possible.
It’s also important to know that, by definition, a police officer’s “peace” cannot be disturbed. Therefore, a key issue to enforcement is the willingness of the complainant to be contacted and, if necessary, be willing to testify in court.
Very often, a complainant does not know that his testimony is crucial and isn’t willing to be contacted, which makes enforcement very difficult.
It will help if, whenever people call in a loud noise complaint, they advise the 911 clerk that they would like to be contacted by the responding officer. Personal contact with the officer will aid the officer in taking the enforcement action the complainant is requesting.
Q. With the holiday season upon us, stores will be on the lookout for shoplifters. What do residents need to be looking out for this time of year?
During the holidays, everyone is busy with parties, shopping and visiting with family. This creates lots of opportunities for criminals looking for victims. To protect yourself, you should follow these simple crime prevention tips:
• Practice “Lock, Take and Hide.” Lock your vehicle when you leave, take your valuables inside when you arrive at home, and if you are doing more shopping, hide your valuables out of sight.
• Shop with a friend or relative to help watch out for one another. There is safety in numbers.
• When leaving a store and returning to your car, quickly scan the parking lot and be alert for people who appear to be watching you or loitering around the cars. If you see someone who appears suspicious, return to the store and alert the store personnel. They can call security or police to check out the suspicious person.
• If you carry a purse, carry one that you can carry under your arm or on a shoulder strap to protect against purse snatching.
• Don’t advertise by displaying your gifts in front of windows or leaving packing boxes for expensive electronics in the alley.
• If you will be away from home during the holidays, have someone watch your house and pick up the newspapers and mail for you. Leave some lights and a radio on a timer to make it appear that someone is home.
If you would like more information about holiday safety tips, call the Interactive Community Policing Unit at 214-670-7247.
