Begin forwarded message:
From: Patty Bulack <pbul...@gmail.com>
Date: January 10, 2012 9:30:31 AM EST
To: u...@ucneighbors.org
Subject: Fwd: Robbery 47th and Chester, 1/4/12 Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
Take care near trolley stops!
Hello Everyone,
I sent this out a few days ago to our e-mail list that has been
focusing on crime. Someone on that list suggested that I send this
out to the uc listserv which is why you are seeing this now. After
I sent it out, several intiatives have sprung up of neighbors
wanting to walk/ride bikes to keep an eye on trolley stops. There
have also been interesting discussions about other solutions. If
you want to read that please send me your e-mail and I will add you
to our google group so you can. Or if you want to participate in
these new "watch" initiatives.
Thanks,
Patty
PS Officer Vallette told me that one kind of suspicious behavior
that you should call in is if you notice someone matching
description sitting or standing at a trolley stop who lets 1 or 2
trolleys go by without concern to get on (i.e. not looking down the
street, etc...). When the police see that they always take the
opportunity to get the persons' names and ask casually what they are
doing... helps to send a message that they are being watched.
Please call that in as suspicious behavior, as it is likely to
result in questioning in most cases that can send a message...
Thanks,
Patty
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Patty Bulack <pbul...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Subject: Robbery 47th and Chester, 1/4/12 Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Take
care near trolley stops!
To: Drew Matter <drewmat...@gmail.com>, 48th-street-neighb...@googlegroups.com
, 49th-and-trin...@googlegroups.com
Hello All,
Here is my cut and paste from spotcrime.com of this incident, FYI.
01/04/2012 05:31 PM. Robbery: Highway No Weapon. Premises: Highway
(Outside Structure) Case number: 201218000593.
I later called Officer Vallette to get more information about this,
and he told me that the complainant (police language for victim) was
walking past the trolley stop at 47th and Chester ( I don't know
which corner), and two young African American men who appeared to be
waiting for the trolley committed a "strong arm" robbery (meaning
without a weapon). I don't know if he was hurt, or what was taken.
They were both wearing red hoodies.
I asked Officer Vallette if this fits any kind of pattern, and he
said yes. There appears to be targeting of those coming off/waiting
for trolleys, and those walking past trolley stops (as in above).
This fits what happened to Stephen Fisher when he walked past the
trolley stop at 46th and Baltimore, where the two assailants were
standing as if waiting for a trolley. The two incidents recently at
47th and Baltimore also fit this scenario, according to Officer
Vallette. In all cases, including the recent one on the 900 block
of Farragut near Mood Cafe, two robbers were involved.
My take aways are:
Be extra observant at trolley stops, especially after dark. If
someone's behavior, manner, dress (especially if there are two
together) makes you uncomfortable, don't ignore that feeling. Keep
observing to decide if you need to change your plans. Just because
they appear to be waiting for a trolley, doesn't mean you should
turn off your inner alert system. But educate that alarm system!
Learn what cues let you know when people are socializing, and not
threatening, and what would make you uncomfortable (obviously a
longer discussion, but wanted to get this out there...)
If you are concerned, take steps to be met at the trolley stop by a
friend or neighbor, especially after dark. We can work together on
that! (Send me an e-mail with your usual arrival times and I'll see
if there is anyone who can meet you - can't hurt to try!), It seems
to be a little harder to get the timing right with UCD bike
ambassadors but they may be worth a try as well (215 898-.WALK).
I am willing to entertain organizing a focused "town watch" at
trolley stops (48th, 47th, 46th and Baltimore; 47th, 48th and
Chester). At least until someone is arrested who may be responsible
for this. Anyone want to do this with me???? How about sitting in
cars, or somewhere nearby, or visibly on the corners as teams to
deter criminal intentions? For the hours from 5 to 9? Any ideas?
What do you think?
In your normal travels, especially if you are a dog walker, be extra
observant at those corners - or even intentional about going past
them just to see if anyone is acting suspiciously. If you do see
something, call 911, and me (215 906-0243) and I will forward to the
list after talking with you.
Thats about it for now. I apologize for the delay in getting this
out to you - my life has been extremely busy with the ending of
Ian's show, and the beginning of the next one (he will be at the
Constitution Center on Jan. 16th). On top of that when I had a
minute to spare, my internet was down! I have been very anxious to
let you all know about this, so please forgive any oversights in
this communication, or not-completely-thought-through ideas... And
please give me your feedback and ideas! I think we should be
proactively responsive to this incident.
Thanks,
Patty
