SECURITY ALERTS
Updated 3/1/11
When scam artists, thieves and other troublemakers are in the area, please let us know at sharpstownscan@yahoo.com or contact the SCA Office at (713) 789-2312. We'll post it here to let everyone know to be on the alert.
The best crime preventer is an alert neighbor who knows what is out of place and immediately makes the call to law enforcement and provides good descriptions. Many perpetrators are arrested quickly as a result. All of us need to be that alert neighbor and report crimes in progress to 911 and Constables at (281) 463-6666.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR NEIGHBORS
By Ken Burgess
This Spring we have read and heard news reports about the cuts being made by the City of Houston and by Harris County to offset pretty serious income shortfalls they are anticipating. Unfortunately some of these cuts will impact our safety by decreasing the number of HPD officers and Deputy Constables who will be patrolling our area to deter crime.
Historically, another impact of a rough economic atmosphere is that when times are tough and jobs are hard to find some folks will turn to crime to sustain their lifestyle.
So we have a “Catch 22” situation facing us: A likely increase in the level of crime happening at the same time as the number of law enforcement officers protecting us is decreasing.
There is a very economical way the residents of Sharpstown can take matters into their own hands and regain the desired level of protection that will give criminals pause about operating in Sharpstown (criminals tend to go where the police are not): it’s the Sharpstown COPS program!
The COPS program allows your Sharpstown Civic Association to contract with the Constable’s Office for Deputy Constables to patrol the Sharpstown area.
The COPS option on the SCA dues statement is $160.00 per year per household. Is it worth $160.00 to you to help assure the protection of your family and your property? It’s very inexpensive insurance as I see it.
There are over 6,800 households in Sharpstown. Unfortunately only about 1,800 home pay the COPS option amount on the dues statement. That allows your Sharpstown Civic Association to contract for only 4 Deputy Constables. Of course 4 Deputy Constables is better than NONE…but if just half the households in Sharpstown would pay the $160 annual COPS assessment…we could have 7 Deputy Constables patrolling our streets.
I have paid SCA dues and the COPS assessment since returning to Sharpstown in 2001. It is a very small way I can help assist the SCA in making Sharpstown a better and safer place to live.
I encourage all homeowners in Sharpstown to also support the SCA and its COPS program! And if you cannot afford a single payment of $160.00, the SCA will work with you on a payment schedule that will fit your budget.
(Ken Burgess is a native Texan, a graduate of Rice University and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Sharpstown)
April 2011
Burglary: A Sharpstown property owner was robbed recently during daylight hours. The robber’s method of operation is: Person rings/knocks, identifying himself as a “Contractor for City.” The “contractor” tells the property owner that City will be burying power lines in back yards, and requests going to the back yard with the property owner so he can explain.
This property owner believed the person at the door and agreed to meet the “contractor” in back yard to hear about the power lines. As she exited the house to the back yard, she left her back door and “burglar” door unlocked. “Explaining” about the power lines involved going to a far part of the back yard. While “contractor” distracted the property owner to tell his story, an accomplice went in the unlocked back door and stole all the property owner's clothes, jewelry and silver. She did not request t ID and realizes how many things she did wrong – and hopes the information will be helpful to others.
Littering/Dumping: I'm not really sure what to call this, but we got a report of a resident who has been receiving other people's yard clippings dumped at this resident's property. Most in non-recycle bags, no less. THIS IS ILLEGAL!!! Not only that, it's a terrible thing to do to a neighbor. Your trash and yard clippings are YOUR responsibility. If you see someone dumping bags, heavy trash at the curb of another, contact the constables at (281)463-6666 or HPD at (713)884-3131.
Theft: The flip side to this dumping issue is the report we received of items being stolen from the side of a house. Remember, if it's at the curb around heavy trash day, it's fair game to be taken. If it's on the resident's property (side of house, back yard, front yard, etc.), taking something is TRESPASSING and THEFT. Items in a city recycle bin or can are never fair game -- it's theft from the city.
March 2011
Auto Thefts: 4 stolen vehicle recoveries in the past couple of months in this area (7300-7400 Albacore & 6700-6800 Roos). Possible that the suspect(s) may live on Roos or a surrounding street in this area. Most likely joy riding as few items have been stolen from vehicles, however the past 2 vehicles that have been recovered had no ignition damage.
All vehicles recovered have been 1995-2001 Honda Civics or Acura Integras. The most recent had a stolen hit on the plate on the front, a valid but stolen license plate on the back.
February 2011
CRIME ALERT - UPDATE ON “FAKE” DELIVERY PEOPLE
Last month, we ran a report that Amazon.com did not use private delivery services. We have since been informed that they DO sometimes contract out deliveries. The following are used by Amazon:
Carrier & Contact Information
A1 Courier Services: Phone: 1-800-821-3641, Option 2
ABF Freight System, Inc.: Phone: 1-800-610-5544
CEVA Logistics: Phone: 1-800-592-7489 (6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT)
DB Schenker: Phone: 1-877-280-4573
DHL Express: Phone: 1-800-225-5345
Dynamex: Phone: 1-206-574-7180
Ensenda: Phone: 1-888-407-4640
FedEx: Phone: 1-800-463-3339
Home Direct: Phone: 877-819-5771
i-parcel: Phone: 1-888-472-7235
LaserShip: Phone: 1-800-527-3764
Menlo Worldwide/UPS Supply Chain Solutions: Phone: 1-800-443-6379
OnTrac: Phone: 1-800-334-5000, Extension 4200
Parcel Pool: Phone: 1-877-727-2354
Pilot: Phone: 1-800-447-4568
Prestige: Phone: 1-877-778-0942
UPS: Phone: 1-800-742-5877
U.S. Postal Service: Phone: 1-800-222-1811
WPX: Phone: 1- 253-876-2760
If you have doubts, you can call the company directly. But whether legitimate or not, NEVER let anyone inside your house. Even if someone is making a delivery or repair, those persons are still strangers if you do not know them personally.
CRIME ALERT
We received the following from a resident recently: "Thank you for publishing a crime alert in the Feb/March SCAN. I think that exposing these events is most helpful in keeping us all safe. Here is my experience:
A few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon about 3 o'clock my doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole and saw a white man with dark hair who looked to be about 30 yrs old. I called out "Who is it?" He answered as follows: "My friends and I were driving by and saw a squirrel go down the vent pipe into your attic. We would like to come in and catch it for you."
I DID NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
He proceeded to tell me how squirrels damage wires, etc. and asked 3 times to come in. I told him that we would take care of it. He then left in a black Ford 150 pickup truck which was parked at the curb. There was a woman and another man in the truck. There was an aluminum ladder and a suitcase in the back. The truck drove around the corner and turned onto the next street. I called the constables to report the event. Although this sounds far out, even humorous, I know that I probably dodged a home invasion.
I have been a SCA member for years and am grateful for all efforts to keep Sharpstown livable."
January 2011
Tree Trimmer Update: Another spotting in CCT-2, driving Green Pickup truck...without a ladder. Call the Constables if yoiu spot these guys.
We also received this alert from our constables:
AT APPROXIMATELY 6:10 P.M. ON 12/31/2010 THE CONOCO STATION AND STORE @ BEECHNUT AND HILLCROFT WAS ROBBED, AN EMPLOYEE OF THE STATION WAS SHOT BY THE ROBBER. THE ROBBER IS AT LARGE. POSSIBLE SUSPECT VEHICLE IS A WHITE FORD F250 PICK UP TRUCK.
THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS THE PRIMARY AGENCY ON THIS INVESTIGATION. AT THIS TIME I HAVE NO SUSPECT INFORMATION TO PROVIDE TO YOU.
THIS WAS PRETTY BRAZEN GIVEN THE TIME OF DAY AND VERY CLOSE TO HOME FOR US.
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VISUALY INSPECT THE AREA OF ANY STORE YOU GO TO BEFORE EXITING YOUR VEHICLE. KEEP YOUR PHONE WITH YOU.
December 2010
BE ON THE LOOKOUT! The holidays are here and so are those who are up to no good:
Section 3: A resident reported her hanging baskets were stolen from her front porch.
Section 2: A "suspicious tree trimmer" knocked at a resident's door midday. He was white, in his late 40's with collar length sandy blonde hair, beard, jeans, flannel shirt and sun glasses. When he left, he was picked up by 2 black females in a red station wagon followed by a green Ford pickup with 2 black males.
September 2010
Was Facebook and 'Places' burglars' roadmap?
A trio of social networking-savvy burglars in New Hampshire, who broke into dozens of homes and stole more than $100,000 in property, allegedly started tracking Facebook users who shared information on the site about being away from home.
July 2010
ALERT IN SECTION 1: We received a report of a scary situation in Section 1 - an attempted home invasion. The family had left the house for an event, but one family member had stayed behind and heard heavy knocks that night. She did not open the door but repeatedly asked "who's there" and got no answer. A few days later, again the family left to go out and two people remained at the house. Again, just after midnight came loud knocks on the side of the house. Shortly after that, they heard a window break, turned on all the lights and started screaming. They went outside and saw that a side door was open and heard a car door slam, then heard the car speed away. If you have had an experience like this -- unknown knocking at night or other unusual incidents, please let us know so we can pass that on to our constables and try to catch these people.
June 2010
Safety Tip: It appears there are more burglaries on trash day because thieves perceive a trash can at the curb all day as a sign nobody is home. Take your cans & recycle bins off the street as quickly as possible or work with a neighbor to do it.
New Reports:
* Burglaries in Sec. 2: Suspects are teens who are hopping over back fences. One was spotted by the homeowner who heard someone trying to jimmy the lock and scared him off. We know of one who was apprehended because of an immediate report by an alert neighbor.
* Scammer on the loose - "Alarm Company Representative": A homeowner was visited by a security company with a marked truck and told there was an upgrade and they needed to replace their system and put in new contact information, etc. They said they had bought or merged with the previous company. The guys took out the old system, installed an inferior system. When the neighbors called the company to finish up everything, they found out it was not true and their good equipment had really been stolen right under their noses. Before you let anyone inside your house, verify the story by calling the company using a number you have or look up in the phone book. Marked vehicles are no guarantee of legitimate workers: do it yourself vehicle marking kits are available at any office supply store. If you have doubts, call the Constables. Legitimate workers won't have a problem while the scammers tend to disappear. Be sure to get descriptions of people & vehicles (including license plate) if possible.
* Scammer on the loose - "Houston Chronicle Representative": A homeowner reported that a ragged looking white young man came to his door posing as a Chronicle delivery man and stated that he noticed that he (homeowner) was not getting his senior discount. He asked the homeowner to write his name, address, telephone number and signature as well as asking for a credit card, check or cash for $160.00 for the first year. Suspicious because this homeowner is billed monthly by the Chronicle already. The homeowner told him he was a scam artist and to leave immediately, then he contacted the Constables with the description and story. This scammer was not in a vehicle and disappeared quickly.
JUNE-CHECK IN
by Sgt. Jeff LeBeau, Pct. 5 Constables
Hi everyone!
Well we’ve made it through another school year! Summer is upon us and with it Holidays and Hurricane season.
If your neighborhood is having a 4th of July parade or event and you want your deputies to attend/or escort the parade, please let us know ASAP. As of right now, there is no burn ban or fireworks ban in the unincorporated section of Harris County, if one should be issued I will let you know ASAP. Fireworks are, of course, banned inside the city of Houston.
The Harris County Office of Emergency management has also issued a list of things that are recommended to do in the event of a hurricane Residents are urged to get a kit, make a plan and stay informed this hurricane season. Your emergency supply kit should include:
• NOAA weather radio and batteries
• Flashlight and batteries
• Extra eye glasses
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Clothing
• Bedding
• Medications
• Copies of prescriptions
• Special products for babies, elderly and medically fragile family members
• Cash and credit cards
• Photo ID, important documents and records
If you live in an area threatened by storm surge – an EVACUATION ZONE – discuss evacuation plans with your family. Check with city or county officials to find out if your home is in an evacuation zone. Make a checklist of preparations to be made before an evacuation and go over it with your family. Review it again when a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations and confirm your reservations before you leave. If you plan to stay in a shelter, bring what you need to be comfortable, including bedding and toys for kids. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets and a plan for how to care for them when you are on the road and in a shelter or motel. Do not leave your pets behind!
Let’s stay safe and watch out for the kids running around all summer. And as always if there is ANY ISSUE that we can assist with, please let us know, and we will work to find a solution with you.
CONSTABLE KUDOS 2/10
We got an email recenty from a resident who was the victim of a burglary and wanted to express appreciation to our Constables on Patrol. HPD came out, took the report and left, but our own Deputy Horton went the extra mile in assisting the resident's daughter who was at the house while they were on the road back from an out of state trip.
February 2010
We are still receiving many alarming reports of thefts, break-ins and home invasions on the west side of Country Club Terrace 3 (Between Bellaire, Gessner, Beechnut and east of Corporate). Patrols have been stepped up in the area, but officers need your help to stop these criminals. SCA sent letters to residents on the west side of CCT-3 with safety information and tips (click here to read the LETTER). We've already received thanks for this letter, and concerns that the crimes could shift to other areas. Burglaries occur everywhere in Sharpstown, Houston, Sugar Land, Texas, USA, etc., so these tips are good for everyone. For more information, be sure to come to our February 25th General Membership meeting to hear from our Constables on Patrol.
One resident emailed us suggesting a reminder to be cautious when hiring people to do work on your property and in your home. It's a good idea to get as much information from these workers as possible (name, address, phone, social security number, if possible). And DON'T hire people who just show up on your doorstep--they may be there to help do work and help themselves to your stuff.
A Section 5 resident reported that 2 Middle-Eastern looking men came to her door selling electronic equipment and said they had previously talked to her husband--except she doesn't have a husband. DON'T buy items from solicitors you don't know.
We've also received another report of a catalytic converter theft in Section 2. This theft occurred during daylight hours. For safety's sake, best place for your vehicle is in your garage.
Remember, the best defense we have are ALERT NEIGHBORS WHO IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. Recognizing something suspicious requires knowing what "normal" looks like. This is a good time to get to know your neighbors and be able to recognize them, the vehicles they drive and other regular visitors to their homes (maid, yard service, son/daughter who drops by).
Other clues that something might be amiss:
* Someone working on a car in a driveway where the person is elderly or not mechanically inclined (they take cars to the shop, they don't usually have someone come to them).
* Yard crew in the yard of someone who has always done their own yardwork.
* Mysterious trucks in driveways.
* People at the home of someone you know is gone (at work, vacation, hunting, etc.).
January 2010
We are receiving many alarming reports of thefts, break-ins and home invasions in Country Club Terrace 3 (Between Bellaire, Gessner, Beechnut and east of Corporate). Some reports are of pilfering and theft from garages, others are doors being kicked in and several reports of people being home and asleep while the thieves come in!
Patrols have increased in the area, but your eyes are needed! If you see ANYTHING OR ANYBODY suspicious contact 281-463-6666 AND 911 -- program these numbers into your cell phone and keep them handy next to your home phones. These criminals are getting bolder and bolder and they need to be stopped before somebody gets hurt or killed.
If you don't live in CCT-3, don't think you're off the hook -- anyone seeing suspicious persons or activities are advised to call it in. And please keep SCA in the loop so we can keep others informed as well
Reminder: CHECK your windows and doors to be sure they are locked. We've had more than one report from victims stating the criminals entered through a place the resident THOUGHT was locked but was not.
As you consider safety, consider your total safety: remember that burglar bars can keep thieves out, but they also keep the fire department and rescuers out if there's a problem in the house.
December 2009
From Terry Thurman, Asst. Chief Patrol Division:
Residents are urged to program the Constable’s phone number 281-463-6666 into their cell phone and their home phone. It is critical that any suspicious activity be reported immediately.
Residents who will be out of their home for any extended period of time should contact the Constable’s office at (281) 463-6666 to place a vacation watch on their home. The Constable’s office advises that vacation watches must be turned in at least three days prior to departure.
We received an email about an exprensive and apparently not that unusual theft in Country Club Estates:
Our Toyota 4Runner was parked in the driveway and the catalytic converter valued at replacement about $2,000 was hacked off with a saw. Apparently only Toyota cars are being targeted, particularly 4Runners, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers. The thieves either want a replacement for their car or they want to resell the valuable Platinum in it. Repair shop said they can only replace with new converters. The repair shop said one customer had his stolen while at an hotel for lunch - BOLD. Also, someone told me with an electric battery saw, thieves can get finished in a minute. We did not hear anything!
Apparently, I'm only the second case according to the Constable Pct. 5. The other case was 2 weeks ago, south of here. The repair shop said this type of theft has been going on 4-5 years now.