Attempted Kidnapping Near UNIT

UNIT News received the following Crime Alert

Kidnapping Suspect from 09/09/11  around 5:00 PM near the 2200 block of 26th St.



White male, Bald, mid 30's, approx 5'6"/5'7", heavy set (obese), wearing black rectangle framed prescription glasses, smelled of heavy smoke.


Driving a white minivan, the rear window appeared tinted and the tint was peeling on the left side, the side windows were possibly not tinted or lightly tinted, a black stripe on the lower area of the van on the sides with a grey toddler style carseat on the middle seat closer to the passenger side. Suspect approached a 15 yo female and grabbed her. Female was able to escape.


If located please contact Sgt Taveau at 535-3295 at any time.

Keep your eyes open for any suspicious characters

Crime Alert

A neighbor on 26th Street reported an attempted break-in at 26th & Geneva.

On 9/6 an attempted breakin was averted by people who were home. The individuals were driving a maroon 4-door vehicle. It was 3 hispanic men, one thin and two stocky, all with shaved heads and tattoos on their arms. They attempted to open the front door, and the person at home exited the house out the side and came around to ask the guys what they were doing. The car had a Marines sticker on the window.


Evidently, the description matches an earlier break-in in the Tech Terrace area.

Please let people know they should be on the lookout and should remember to lock their doors.

Crime Alert-May 23, 2011

Our neighbors at 3201 25th Street reported an attempted burglary today around 1:00 pm. The criminal entered through a rear gate and forced open a back door. The alarm sounded and police arrived shortly afterward. Nothing was taken as the alarm probably scared him off. Be safe: lock doors and gates, turn on alarm systems and get a loud dog. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Text Suspicious Behavior to the Police!

You can now text crime tips to the Lubbock Police Department:

When sending a tip to the Lubbock Police Department via SMS Text message please remember the following:

You will need to text your tip to 274637 or (CRIMES on a dial pad).
For every NEW tip you text to 274637, you must always include the keyword "LBKTIPS" at the beginning of your text message, followed by a space.
After entering in the keyword and space you can then enter your tip.
Provide Location Information
Crime Detail/Description
Number of Persons involved, etc.
SAMPLE MESSAGES:
FROM: 8067753000
TO: 274637
MESSAGE:
LBKTIPS There are 3 kids on the corner of Main & Ave. Q that are painting graffiti on all of the buildings. They appear to be in their early teens.


FROM: 8067753000
TO: 274637
MESSAGE:
LBKTIPS In my neighborhood, I spotted the arson suspect from the recent park fires. I saw the person in a white older model pick-up. Location: 200 Block of Texas Avenue.
When finished composing your tip, please press the "SEND" button.
Once your tip is submitted, you will receive an automatic response with a confirmation containing a unique Tip Alias.
To submit follow-up information on a specific tip, please simply reply to the automatic response(s) previously received.

RED ALERT

The following was received from a lifetime resident neighbor in the 3000 Block of 22nd Street.  Be aware and be safe!

Wanted to let you know in case you have not heard our house was burglarized on Friday the 18th. Young man knocked on front door (neighbor saw young Hispanic male) and turned to speak to someone driving a white Escalade or similar vehicle when no one answered. They then proceeded to try to kick in my kitchen and rear entry doors. There were shoe prints on the doors. When they couldn't get in they broke out my bedroom window. 

Thought you might be able to let the UNIT people know. The officer said the same description of the vehicle was given in 2 other attempted home invasions over a 2 day period. I would love for these guys to be caught, but I also don't want anyone else to have to go through what I have had to go through!

The students next door said they saw an Escalade parked in front of their house all morning. They remember because they couldn't park where they usually do. The neighbor across the street said it looked like an Escalade when she spoke to the officer. At that time it was parked in front of my house. Another neighbor said it was around 1:00 pm when she looked out and saw the vehicle and a nicely dressed young Hispanic male knocking on the front door.

Also, the shoe print has the letters AGROL, I think, down the middle of the sole. I am not up on men's shoe brands...does that mean anything to you?

An Alert From A Tech Parent.

UNIT News received the following email on October 30th.

My son lives at 3018 33rd and a friend came by tonight and saw a man trying to break in the house next door. She called the cops but they were busy and didn't seem interested. Thief was a bald hispanic male with a green duffle bag driving a older model Capri. Their car was broke into last saturday night. Thief didnt get anything of value. Cops said there were other breakins around 11:30. We're having an alarm system put in next week. Just wanted to warn you to keep an eye out for this thug. Thanks, Donna (TTU Mom)

Burglar Foiled By Persistent Neighbor and Technology

The following was received from Dannie Botros regarding a recent burglary.

Dear friends –

Our house was burglarized last Friday, July 23, 2010,  at 10:30 a.m. with lots of neighbors in front yards, etc.  Our case is interesting for two reasons:

Our burglar was Dyer Kennedy – I have enclosed his mug shot – you need to be familiar with his appearance (yes,  I know he is dressed as a female.)  He had been arrested the Monday July 19, 2010 and bonded out on a $2,500.00 bond.  These bonds are very low and it is easy to get out and repeat.  Be familiar with his appearance and, if you see him,  let him know he is being watched.

The second reason that our case is interesting is that, with the help of global positioning on my new I-Pad (which was one of the items stolen), we were able to track the person and assist the police in his arrest that evening.  We followed him to his house, to pawn shops …..  We did get back most of our stuff – except for some gold bracelets which I am still looking for at pawn shops – with the help of detectives.   I am very fortunate to have a wonderful staff – Francy and Joel – who helped me track this guy.  The police are unfamiliar with global positioning – but were extremely helpful.  I am very much “PRO L.P.D.” after this episode.

Note that my husband did interrupt the burglary and our alarm system alerted me at work.

We really need neighborhood cooperation in stopping this type of crime.

Thanks –

Dannie Botros

Booking Sheet

Don't Let Your Guard Down

The following was shared with UNIT News by Dennis- a neighbor in the 2600 block of 21st Street.

Hi all,

My name is Dennis, and most of the time i just read the emails that are sent and rarely do i comment on anything. Although I keep track if most of the neighborhood decisions and meetings since I work for the city, I try to just listen and not get involved, but I care greatly about this neighborhood, this is where I went to school, and now where I reside with my wife on 2621 21st St. Just wanted to let everyone know to be careful. About 3 hrs ago, we heard a noise in the backyard that I didn't go check out. Sounded like tapping on the windows, and fell back asleep. We woke up to a brick through our back bedroom/office.... Someone tried to break in. Because of the repaving of 21st St and around the Boston area, we parked our car at a different location, and I guess someone thought my wife and I were not home. The police came by and tried to see if they could fngerprint anything laying around, but could not because of the rain. I wonder how long they had been looking at our house, since this was the only time we did not have our car parked in the driveway. All, please be careful. As of tomorrow morning, more security lights and an alarm system will be installed.  We hope this keeps burglars away.

Dennis

So Lets Keep These Tips in Mind:

• Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks
• Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
• Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
• Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.
• Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.
• Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.
• Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.
• Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.
• Be careful what you post on the Facebook- criminals use the computers they have stolen
• Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.
• Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community.

Most petty thieves are lazy, a well lighted house with large loud dog is not is an inviting target.

Burglaries Down, But Stay Vigilant

Lubbock burglaries down, but keep an eye out

Published in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal: Sunday, May 30, 2010
by Robin Pyle


The good news: Burglaries appear to be dropping this year after a record high in 2009, when cases spiked 20 percent.  There were 261 fewer burglaries during the first four months of the year, according to police records.


The bad news: More than 2,000 Lubbock victims have reported burglaries already this year, so there's still a problem. And police officials say it could get even worse as property crimes generally rise during the summer months.


Residential and vehicle burglaries have become such a problem that neighborhoods and police have made prevention efforts a top priority this year.


Police continue to concentrate patrols in residential areas, but they say the public needs to get involved for widespread impact.


They agree getting to know your neighbors and watching out for suspicious behavior is important, especially during the day when most burglaries occur.


"A lot of it's up to the residents for us to catch burglars in progress," said Sgt. Mark Watkins, adding the vast majority of arrests are a result of residents observing and reporting suspicious behavior.


Burglaries historically have low clearance rates both locally and nationally, partly because they are usually random acts, according to police. The local department said there also is a problem with people not documenting their serial numbers, so police have trouble connecting property believed to be stolen to suspects.


There are several ways to get involved.


Example 1: Community building


Laura Anderson knows firsthand how important it is to know your neighbors. She helped stop a burglary in progress a number of years ago because of it.


When she saw somebody going into a neighbor's backyard, she immediately called police. Lubbock officers caught the burglars and broke up a crime ring, Anderson said.


That's one reason the mother believes her neighborhood's efforts to get its residents involved is so important.


The Tech Terrace neighborhood association is taking a unique approach.


Not only are members hosting more neighborhood events that draw the residents together - such as movie night in the park - they are working to get block captains.


The captains will be responsible for delivering newsletters to all residents in the fall, but Anderson said she hopes they also will be a person neighbors can go to with concerns and questions.


"We're really working to build a community again," said Deanna Pearson, a neighborhood association member. "When you have a community, you're watching out for each other."


One of the challenges of the Tech Terrace area is the transient aspect of many of its college residents, but Pearson said they will work hard in the fall to make students feel a part of the neighborhood.


Example 2: Neighborhood Watch


Many local residents have gotten organized when it comes to watching out for their neighbors by forming neighborhood watch groups.


Sgt. Bill Casey said residents can request that police officers meet with them to help form a watch. The department will offer tips and answer questions.


A watch is not residents on patrol, but neighbors who are home during the day watching out for suspicious activity.


"We don't want them to take any action; we want them to be our eyes and ears," Casey said.

Here are just a few things to watch out for that could indicate suspicious activity, according to the National Neighborhood Watch Institute:


Somebody who is:
• Carrying or concealing something.
• Creating foot traffic to and from a particular place, short visits.
• Loitering around cars or checking out all the cars.
• Creating any type of disturbance.
• Going door to door, especially if someone goes to the back of the residence.
• Offering items for sale at extremely low prices.


For more information, call the neighborhood services unit at 775-2971.


Example 3: National Night Out


Officials say the annual event is a good way for neighbors to get to know each other.


National Night Out is basically a block party held to foster community spirit. The event this year is scheduled for Aug. 3.


Organizers can request that police officers and other city officials attend their event to speak and answer questions.


The Lubbock United Neighborhood Association is holding a registration meeting on Tuesday to help residents organize National Night Out events.


"By residents getting involved, being a part of the solution instead of the problem, they can go a long way to helping reduce things," said Carol Hedrick, with LUNA.


For more information, call LUNA at 749-5862.

Crime Statistics For 2009

UNIT News requested and received a summary of the 2009 Crime Statistics for the Tech Terrace Neighborhood.  Thanks to Capt. Greg Stevens with the Lubbock Police Department. 

Tech Terrace Crime Stats

Crime Update

The following incidents were reported by 24th and 25th Street Crime Watch to Terrace UNIT News on March 31, 2010:

Sunday evening, March 28th,  a resident went to the alley to take out the trash at midnight. He saw a pickup with lights on parked in the alley behind 3313 24th. He came inside and returned to the alley with a flashlight and snuck up on the truck and shined the light- he heard them say "hey, there's someone with a flashlight" and they drove away in their very loud truck. He called 911 and reported it.  Here's the info he was able to get:

License #: AC7 1309

Pick-Up (maybe red) truck with several Hispanic men

Monday, March 29  about 6:30, a young man was running at Tech Terrace Park. While walking to his car, he was mugged, robbed of a few dollars and beaten. When he was out of the beating daze, there was a gun pointing at him by an african american male in a black hoodie, and a hispanic male in a red hoodie. He said he never saw them, he would have noticed people with hoodies on with the warm weather, and thinks he was being watched. He did not see a vehicle, obviously he was very upset, and caught by surprise. The police were notified.

On Saturday evening or early Sunday morning March 27th or 28th, someone stole 2 tires, wheels and all, from a resident's car in the 3000 block of 25th street while it was parked in the driveway. She found the car propped up on bricks (4 on each side) when walking out to her vehicle early Sunday morning.

Also from the Tuesday, March 30, 2010 online edition of the Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Suspect sought in holdup of Dollar General store.

Lubbock police were looking for a man who held up at gunpoint a Dollar General store Monday night.  The robber got away at about 9 p.m. with cash from 2862 34th St., No. B, according to a police report. Officers said he displayed a handgun. The suspect was described as black, about 6 feet tall, weighing about 135 pounds. He was wearing a white sweat jacket with a hood and a black design on it, black pants, shades and a bandana over his face. He was last seen driving a dark-colored passenger car. Investigators said the robbery likely wasn't connected to several last week believed to be committed by a man who shot at police officers March 22. One thing that didn't match was the suspect description. Police ask anyone with information about the robbery to call Crime Line at 741-1000. Callers may remain anonymous.

ALERT- Scary Incident in Tech Terrace Park

This account was documented by Stacy Rapier who lives along Tech Terrace Park. On Tuesday, November 10th our renter was walking around TT park at around 9:30 pm. She was on the south side of park (25th street) walking east approaching the planting area that is in the park right off of the walking path. This is a bushy area that is maintained with flowers and stepping stones etc... She could see an outline, illuminated by the street light from Flint, of what she thought was a large dog. As she continued towards Flint Ave. she realized there was actually a man behind the bushy planting area. She was on her phone and she turned to walk backwards as she passed him. As she passed him he ran from bushes towards her while reaching for something in his pocket. She said he was shocked that she was facing him and she yelled into phone to call 911. Anyway, he ran down Flint and into Wagner Park. Cops arrived and searched both parks to no avail. I believe this was an attempt to rape my friend, as she does and the police. That area is from about 3101-3107 25th is very dark and that bushy area is especially dark. However, any area in a dark park would be probable for an attack. I want our friends and neighbors to be especially vigilant in watching these parks, please do not walk alone in the evenings and watch for anything suspicious. My renter's gut instinct probably saved her from a terrible ordeal. Description: "5'8" Hispanic male, approximately 35 years old, wearing blue denim, button-down, long-sleeve shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, blue bandanna over his hair". Other than his face, he was completely covered. Please be vigilant when walking especially at night. If you see any suspicious activity call 911.