HP Crime Report
...cont'd from page 10
near 44th Street and Avenue G called to tell me about a man her husband had seen in their alley. The man had his shirt pulled over his head so that his face was not visible. On the surface this may seem strange, but hardly criminal. However, several months earlier the woman saw someone, also in an alley, with his shirt pulled over his head and face. The only difference was that man was exposing himself. At the time she reported this to APD. The officer she spoke with explained that people who expose themselves will often pull their shirts over their faces so that they cannot be easily identified (at least by traditional methods!). Let this be a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and the things going on around you. Should you see someone exhibiting similar behavior, call APD and report the suspicious activity. The officers would always be much happier to come out and investigate a minor incident rather than be called in later to handle a much more serious crime.
Let the incident described above serve as a reminder to us that we have a responsibility to keep our alleys clear of brush and other debris. Clear alleys with good lines of sight and no obstructions are not attractive places for criminal activity. There is also a reduced risk of home burglary when the rear of your property is clear. As we have documented recently in the Pecan Press, it is the responsibility of property owners to keep their alleys clear. It is not the responsibility of the city.
Finally, the Austin Police Department has sent me information about a program for businesses that regularly accept personal checks. They are encouraging businesses to have their customers put their thumbprint on the back of the check they are writing. Ink pads with special ink are available (they cost about $3.00 and are good for approximately 1,500 thumbprints). These pads allow for a lasting thumbprint on a check, but the ink can be easily wiped of the thumb and does not stain clothing.
In areas that have used this easy thumbprint system forgeries are down 60%. Austin area banks are beginning to use this additional identification method and have found that forgeries are down 68%. This procedure alone will deter many forgers. Those who persist can be identified by the thumbprints. From a consumer perspective, I am very supportive of this plan. These reductions in losses result in savings for the customers. For more information on this system, please contact Sgt. Ernie Pedraza at 974-8630 or Detective Ray Brown at 974-8603 of the Austin Police Department. If you are interested and you contact me by e-mail, I can forward the APD informational letter to you.
If you have any crime news related to Hyde Park, please feel free to contact me by e-mail motorbruce@hotmail.com or by phone (323-0779).
| -- | Bruce Nadig Crime and Safety Committee motorbruce@hotmail.com |