April 2009 Safety Committee Report

Vandalism Noted In and Around FSR Greenbelts and Culverts
On 8 April an Edgecreek resident bordering the easement there observed juvenile skateboarders throwing rocks at her house and dog.

Also during April, another resident reported graffiti on the west side of the bridge near Finesilver and Cove Creek. It was not distinctive and appeared to be juvenile in nature. Regardless, photographs were taken and the City of San Antonio promptly covered the markings.

More graffiti, though unrelated to that above, was spotted at five locations along the fence line bordering the easement behind Ferris Creek and Willow Heights. Gang associations were not apparent, but all the markings consisted of the word "Kupes" and the apparent initials "WB." The graffiti was photographed for SAPD and Northside ISD PD assessments. COP members removed the tags.

Residents along the easements should check fences periodically for graffiti and other evidence of vandalism or misbehaviour. Quick eradication is the best defense against taggers. When vandalism of any type is observed in progress, call 911. Otherwise call Association Management Services (829-7202) to report incidents and, as warranted, SAPD (207-7273).

Be Alert at Braun and Finesilver Intersection
The number of vehicle accidents at Braun and Finesilver have dropped markedly, but the damaged stop sign discovered 14 April reminds drivers to remain alert at the intersection. An unknown vehicle struck the sign located outside the exit gate. The damage was minimal, and the sign was repaired by the end of the month.

Cellular on Patrol
COP volunteers conducted five patrols this month. There was nothing significant to report during the late night patrols, though some residents benefited by COP reminders of open garage doors.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers were notified of a soliciting group active in FSR 9 April. The company first claimed to be affiliated with the San Antonio Water System, but through a resident's direct questioning, they were actually identified as a private firm selling water softeners. A report was filed with SAPD. See Solicitor Poses as SAWS Affiliate for details.

On 23 April at about 5:00 pm, Blue Armor responded to a resident's report of trespassing at the pool. Upon arrival, the trespassers were no longer in the area. Given a vehicle description, the officer patrolled the neighborhood and observed the pick-up truck associated with the trespassers depart Finesilver Ranch at high speed. The vehicle was correlated to gate video of the same pick-up truck entering FSR earlier that day via the open exit gate. Association Management Services is drafting a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle, a resident of Helotes.

On 4 April at about 9:00 pm an officer cited a habitual FSR traffic offender after witnessing the subject speeding and running stop signs on Finesilver Dr. According to resident reports, the vehicle is often observed driving carelessly in the neighborhood. A fine will be imposed in accordance with FSR HOA traffic-related covenants.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 10 calls for service to FSR during April compared to 21 calls during April last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 responses.

During April 2009 SAPD recorded two burglar alarm calls, five disturbances, a suspicious person on Sweetwood, a suspicious vehicle on Brentcove, and one "miscellaneous" report. Four of the disturbance calls occurred at the same house, on the same day.

SAPD logged two calls to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES for a minor auto accident and a suspicious vehicle.

Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes of Finesilver Ranch is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.

Sex Offender Watch
The Texas Department of Public Safety established a new subscription service available to the public. Subscribers receive daily email notifications of changes to the DPS Sex Offender Registry according to user-assigned criteria.

As of this post, no registered sex offenders live in Finesilver Ranch.

SAFD Responses
Firefighters responded to one medical call and, on Sweetwood, a report of "unauthorized burning."

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