Hyde Park Crime Report

Probably the most commonly stolen items are bicycles. With more people riding there will be a lot more potential for theft. It is not enough to simply put your bicycle on your porch or balcony (even a second story balcony). Go the extra distance and lock the bike. This is a good idea wherever you park your bicycles, even on back porches or in garages. While it is true that a determined thief can defeat almost any bicycle lock, chances are they won't bother. Bicycle theft is usually a crime of opportunity. If it will take too much time or effort to steal the bike (or any other property for that matter), thieves will usually go in search of an easier target.

Other commonly stolen items are lawn equipment (mowers, trimmers, etc.), lawn furniture, and outdoor decorations. When you are working in your yard keep an eye on your tools

and keep them away from the street or sidewalk when they are not in use. It only takes a second to pick up a tool and make a quick escape. Once you are finished working, put all of your equipment in your garage and lock the door. Nothing of value should be kept outside. It is surprising the number of items that, according to police reports, are stolen from "porch or patio." If you want to keep it, secure it.

As always, it is illegal to burn leaves and other yard waste. Recently there have been several reports of burning in the neighborhood. This is unsafe and can cause you to be fined by the city. Once yard waste is gathered it should be put in approved bags or cans for regular garbage pick up.

There was a recent report of a neighbor adjacent to Shipe Park being harassed recently. This occurred when the person returned home late one evening. The offenders are thought to have come from the park. As always, it is a good idea to always be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert for people that you don't recognize in the neighborhood. As a reminder, just like all city parks, Shipe Park has a 10:00pm curfew. Should you notice people gathering in the park late in the evening or causing problems, a call to the police will get the park cleared out. Because of the recent harassment incident, the Austin Police Department is having additional patrols check the park at night.

If there is any crime news you know of that should be reported in the Pecan Press, please feel free to contact me by e-mail or by phone (323-0779).