Councilman Advocates Increased SAPD Patrols

Responding to FSR neighborhood concerns, District 7 City Councilman Justin Rodriguez announced this past week his commitment to increase SAPD patrols. The decision stems from a 16 June board meeting with the councilman and SAPD representatives over emerging gang activity on the northwest side of San Antonio. Rodriguez' staff will host a meeting Saturday, 28 June, 10 AM to 1 PM, Braun Station West Clubhouse, 8630 Tezel Rd. for resident input.

In related action, the FSR Safety Cmte will host a Cellular on Patrol neighborhood watch information meeting, Monday, 30 June. See the 22 June FSR Safety Blog entry for more details.

Ressurection of FSR Cellular on Patrol Program

In response to the recent vandalism and criminal mischief in our common area, the SAPD has advised us to reactivate our Cellular on Patrol neighborhood watch program. The board invites all residents to come hear about our security concerns, Monday, 30 June, 8 - 9 PM, at the Community Center. Learn about the most effective way to keep our “Mayberry” intact.

For more information on COP, go to
http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/cop.asp?res=1280&ver=true

May 2008 Safety Committee Report

May was an active month for the FSR Safety Committee.

• FSR Park features were tagged with graffiti



• The poolside snack refrigerator was stolen



• The exit gate was sideswiped
  

These incidents required varying responses that are referred to in previous posts. Please see these for further information. Significantly, the article posted 7 June, Residents Keep a Sharp Watch this Summer, was included in the quarterly mailing from Association Management Services. The article highlights the recent incidents and encourages residents to call SAPD (207-7273) whenever they observe suspicious or unusual activity.

Meanwhile, Summer is in full swing and residents are reminded to drive safely, especially near the pool / community center. Blue Armor will continue to promote courteous driving by monitoring traffic along Finesilver Dr.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Patrols initiated selective traffic enforcement by radar on Finesilver Dr at various times over 13 days during May. Speeds averaged 20 – 35 MPH. Motorists are reminded the speed limit on Finesilver Dr is 25 MPH and 15 MPH elsewhere within FSR.

Blue Armor typically checks for open garage doors at least once per night shift. At the beginning of the month, up to 10 garages were unsecured, but by the last week of May patrolmen routinely reported just a few open garage doors. Patrols will continue this crime prevention effort as open garage doors are common entry points for home invasions and burglaries occurring throughout San Antonio.

SAPD Responses
Officers responded to a total of 13 incidents in FSR during May 2008. This is below the 15 calls per month average during 2007, though twice the call volume of May 2007.

The 13 calls for service included two minor traffic accidents, one at Braun and Finesilver, the other on Ferris Branch. Officers also responded to five burglar alarms, a burglary on Finesilver, a report of criminal mischief, a disturbance, a suspicious person, and two "miscellaneous" calls.

The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES recorded a minor accident at Braun and Lockspring, a disturbance, and a burglar alarm. Greenbriar, though much smaller than Finesilver Ranch (approximately 70 homes to FSR's 392 homes) is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.

Sex Predator Watch. As of this post, no documented sexual predators reside in FSR.

SAFD Responses. On 11 May, SAFD answered a reported structure fire call on Ferris Branch. Details are not immediately available.

Finally, many thanks to Mark Brown, Chris Bourquin, Chip Conklin, and Chris Bellows for helping with various security camera checks.

Please subscribe or continue to check this blog for updates as we settle into Summer.

Residents Keep a Sharp Watch this Summer

The warmer weather signals the opening of the pool and increased activity at the community center and park. Unfortunately, there is also a corresponding increase in mischief. Since the beginning of May, residents reported the following incidents in the normally tranquil park and community center areas:

• The poolside snack sales refrigerator was stolen.
  
• Three non-resident youths entered the pool after hours and would not leave until escorted by a Blue Armor officer (FSR’s contracted security service).
  
• A mix of resident and non-resident youths used a compromised community center cipher lock combination to steal several sodas, leaving cans strewn about the area.
  
• The playscape equipment, basketball court, and park benches were “graffitied.”
  
• Two groups of teens met at the community center parking lot in preparation for a fight. The groups dispersed before SAPD arrived.

Neighbors, if you see activity in our community that appears out of place or otherwise makes you uncomfortable, follow your instincts: Call SAPD. Officers recognize that active, involved neighborhoods are the best defense against petty incidents, or worse, and ward off greater concerns. We all must work together to keep our neighborhood prominent on the SAPD radar screen. Please report any suspicious activity via the SAPD non-emergency number (207-7273). Of course, dial 911 to report any “in-progress” crimes and other incidents requiring an urgent response.

Your Board of Directors is considering Safety Committee suggestions to mitigate these problems, among them increased Blue Armor patrols. However, experience informs us that residents reporting these incidents to police are the best defense. The Safety Committee thanks the many residents who remain on watch.

Enjoy the pool and the park, and be on the lookout for those looking to spoil our fun.

Summer Brings Increased Pedestrian Traffic

When school is in, authorities warn us to watch for students and drive safely in school zones. Now that school is out, the FSR Safety Committee cautions residents to watch for children at play and to be aware of increased pedestrian activity, especially near the community center.

Drivers, take special care upon approach to this crossing at Finesilver and Cove Creek, and please comply with the stop sign.

Pedestrians, don’t assume drivers are giving you right-of-way as they should;ensure the path is clear before stepping into the intersection.

No school? Enjoy the pool!

Resident Side-swipes Gate

A resident called Association Management Services Friday, 30 May, at about 10:00 AM to report she accidently struck the exit gate. The damaged gate was later removed to allow traffic to flow freely.

AMS contacted the drivers' insurance agent. Repairs will begin as soon as possible, though a completion date is yet to be determined.