April 2010 Safety Committee Report

Loud Parties Shut Down

Residents on Twinpost and Bentwood View complained about large parties held on consecutive weekend nights during early April at a vacant house on Twinpost.  Witnesses observed lewd behavior by possibly underage drinkers. 

The Safety Committee contacted SAPD's community policing detail, SA Fear Free Environment (SAFFE), to resolve the problem.  In short order, an officer informed the owner, presently residing elsewhere in San Antonio, of potential liability.  The parties have abated since.

Damaged Slide Removed

A damaged slide at the FSR park was removed by a board member; the HOA awaits a replacement.  Meanwhile, an observant resident noticed a safety hazard presented by the remaining slide stanchions.  The posts have since been covered to prevent injury.

The safety-minded resident brought his concern to the committee via Facebook.  See other means of contacting the committee at the end of this report.  Residents, thank you in advance for your safety awareness, and thank you, board, for the personal interest in safety at the park in particular.

Traffic Safety

The pool is open; use caution on approach to the community center.  While parents routinely advise children to "look both ways" before crossing, drivers must stop and look "four-ways" before entering the intersection of Finesilver and Cove Creek:  Be mindful of the parking lot entrance and crosswalks approaching the pool. 

Please be observant of all stop signs in FSR.  Blue Armor Security recently stepped-up monitoring at this intersection to encourage and, as necessary, enforce traffic safety.    

Cellular on Patrol
Finesilver Ranch volunteers conducted three late night patrols during April notifying residents of open garage doors at four or more addresses.  No unusual activity was observed.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
During springs past, there have been various acts of mischief and vandalism at the pool and park before and at the start of swim season.  This year an extra officer is assigned to the area to discourage delinquency.

Security patrols monitored traffic safety in response to resident complaints and in preparation of the pool opening.  No violations were observed during six traffic safety emphasis patrols during April.

Officers also responded to several parking complaints on Atwell Park and Sweetwood.  Citations were issued as warranted.

An officer took a call for the loud party on Twinpost, 9 April.  On arrival he did not observe any problems.

At about 3:30 am, 23 April, an officer noted a vehicle alarm sounding on Bentwood View.  His attempts to contact the owner were unanswered.  There were no signs of criminal activity.

SAPD Responses

Police responded to ten calls for service in Finesilver Ranch during April, compared to seven during April last year. The monthly average for 2009 was 12 calls.

SAPD responded to the loud party and disturbance on Twinpost, 9 April.  A missing person report was filed elsewhere in FSR; no details are available.  The remaining calls were burglar alarms, presumably false or mistaken.

In the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, police were dispatched to a record ten calls in one month, tripling Greenbriar's usual 1 - 3 calls per month.  The majority of dispatches were labeled "miscellaneous," all from one address on nearly consecutive days.  Also reported:  one vehicle burglary and a repeat residential burglary on Standwood, possibly a follow-up investigation.  A theft report was taken elsewhere in that neighborhood.

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

Sex Offender Watch
No registered sex offenders reside in Finesilver Ranch as of this post.

SAFD Responses
SAFD/EMS made two medical calls to FSR during April.

Receive Neighborhood Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202)

For other FSR news and views, join over 60 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.