A lifeguard opening the pool around noon on Sunday, 18 May noticed the refrigerator inside the new welcome counter was missing. SAPD took a report and Blue Armor was contacted for patrol emphasis. The incident culminated a week of mischief at FSR's pool, park, and community center.
According to an eyewitness of the theft, several hours earlier Sunday, at approximately 1:00 - 1:30 AM, at least three individuals, possibly teenagers, were observed carrying a large, heavy box, presumably the refrigerator, from the direction of the pool. The individuals then placed the object in the rear of a car which was distinguished by a long antenna.
In another incident occurring Friday 17 May at 9:00 PM, Blue Armor escorted three non-resident youths from the neighborhood. A resident observed two of the teens inside the pool area after hours and hailed a passing Blue Armor patrol for assistance. Initially disrespectful, the youths became apologetic when warned of prosecution for trespassing. They departed via skateboard.
On Wednesday, 14 May, two residents observed 12-15 youths on the basketball court. At the time, the entry code for the community center was posted on the door to allow access during a daytime function sponsored by a resident.
According to a witness, one or more of the youths noticed the code, later gained entry to the secured community center, stole several sodas, and left empty cans strewn about the area. Several of the youths involved are identified as residents, and the board is considering an appropriate response.
These incidents signal Summer's approach and a related increase in mischief. As you see activity around the neighborhood that appears out of place or otherwise makes you uncomfortable, follow your instincts. Call SAPD. Officials recognize that active, involved communities are the best defense against petty incidents that have potential to evolve to greater concerns. SAPD encourages your calls.
Thank you to the many residents who remain on watch.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
FSR Park Tagged
The jungle gym and a community center bench were tagged during 5 - 9 May. Unlike the graffiti noted the previous week, which was written in chalk, this work is more permanent, apparently drawn using an art/craft pen. Fortunately, the graffiti on the plastic playground equipment is removable.
The timing of this graffiti coincides with incidents occurring at Stevenson Middle School and an increase in skateboarding activity observed at the FSR Community Center. According to the NISD officer assigned to Stevenson, the images resemble tags associated with skateboarding groups. In particular, "Kicks" may refer to a popular shoe style worn by skaterboarders.
Parents are urged to review their children's art work and doodlings for similarities. "K!CKS, " "KICKN" and "NIGY" are the themes of these tags.
NISD PD (397-SAFE) and the SAPD community policing unit (207-6087), not to mention the FSR Safety Committee, are interested in information that will help identify the taggers.
The timing of this graffiti coincides with incidents occurring at Stevenson Middle School and an increase in skateboarding activity observed at the FSR Community Center. According to the NISD officer assigned to Stevenson, the images resemble tags associated with skateboarding groups. In particular, "Kicks" may refer to a popular shoe style worn by skaterboarders.
Parents are urged to review their children's art work and doodlings for similarities. "K!CKS, " "KICKN" and "NIGY" are the themes of these tags.
NISD PD (397-SAFE) and the SAPD community policing unit (207-6087), not to mention the FSR Safety Committee, are interested in information that will help identify the taggers.
Friday, May 9, 2008
April 2008 Committee Report
City Ordinance Prohibits Furnishing Air Guns to Minors
Teenagers were recently observed at the park battling with BB or pellet guns near the paved paths as youngsters were playing nearby. Fortunately nobody was injured and, when confronted by adults, the teens respectfully ended "play."
In another incident last month, a resident reported a broken window caused by an errant BB or pellet.
Though unrelated, the incidents prompted a review of applicable city ordinances. According to Article I, Sec. 21-14 (a), "It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to sell, or give to, or place in the possession of, any person under the age of sixteen (16) years, any gun which discharges a bullet or missile by means of compressed air, or any gun discharging a bullet or missile by means of a spring."
Further, the ordinance states firing such weapons in city parks is prohibited. While the FSR park is indeed private, please follow the spirit of the ordinance for the safety of all. It may be a rite of passage for many Texas youths, but the possession of these guns by minors in San Antonio is technically illegal.
Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Drainage Easement Prohibited
In another park related incident, motorcyclists were observed riding through the park in the presence of pedestrians. Residents living along the city drainage easements can attest to the annoying motor traffic along these greenbelts. This activity is illegal according to Article XV, Sec. 19-501 of city code. Since these motorists are illegally accessing the park via a city easement, do not hesitate to report these incidents to SAPD, whether occurring in the park or not.
Teenagers were recently observed at the park battling with BB or pellet guns near the paved paths as youngsters were playing nearby. Fortunately nobody was injured and, when confronted by adults, the teens respectfully ended "play."
In another incident last month, a resident reported a broken window caused by an errant BB or pellet.
Though unrelated, the incidents prompted a review of applicable city ordinances. According to Article I, Sec. 21-14 (a), "It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to sell, or give to, or place in the possession of, any person under the age of sixteen (16) years, any gun which discharges a bullet or missile by means of compressed air, or any gun discharging a bullet or missile by means of a spring."
Further, the ordinance states firing such weapons in city parks is prohibited. While the FSR park is indeed private, please follow the spirit of the ordinance for the safety of all. It may be a rite of passage for many Texas youths, but the possession of these guns by minors in San Antonio is technically illegal.
Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Drainage Easement Prohibited
In another park related incident, motorcyclists were observed riding through the park in the presence of pedestrians. Residents living along the city drainage easements can attest to the annoying motor traffic along these greenbelts. This activity is illegal according to Article XV, Sec. 19-501 of city code. Since these motorists are illegally accessing the park via a city easement, do not hesitate to report these incidents to SAPD, whether occurring in the park or not.
Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Blue Armor initiated random speed limit enforcement by radar along Finesilver Dr. as a courtesy to FSR residents and visitors. Please render our security officers the respect afforded the law enforcement community. Speed along Finesilver Dr. is a common safety complaint among neighbors, and Blue Armor provides a high visibility approach to slowing drivers to the posted 25 MPH limit. The speed limit on all other streets in FSR is 15 MPH.
SAPD Responses
Officers responded to a total of 21 incidents in FSR during April 2008. This is above the 15 calls per month average during 2007 and stems from a surge in false burglar alarms. The same month last year there were 17 SAPD responses.
The 21 calls for service included two vehicle burglaries, one reported April 20 on Atwell Park, the other on the 24th occurring on Sweetwood. Officers also responded to nine burglar alarms, three disturbances, two suspicious person calls, and five "miscellaneous."
The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES recorded two disturbances. 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. According to SAFD, there were no responses to FSR by the neighborhood's "first-due" engine stationed on Mystic Park.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Gang Graffiti at FSR Park
Graffiti depicting gang symbols was discovered on the FSR Park basketball court 1 May. It was probably drawn between 28 and 30 April. At least one FSR youth is suspected. This is the first incident of gang influence noted in FSR and raises awareness of a budding gang culture at Stevenson Middle School.
Though written in chalk and probably the work of "gang wanna-be's," the SAPD "Gang Awareness Handbook" http://www.sanantonio.gov/saPD/pdf/Awareness.pdf
notes recruitment usually starts in middle school and is aimed at children 10 - 13 years old. Stevenson Middle School students described similar graffiti on campus.
A comparison of symbols found on the basketball court with those in the SAPD handbook indicates Los Angeles (Bloods and Crips) and Chicago (Folks Nation and People Nation) gang influences. Refer to each picture for a description of the symbols:
Top
"BK" (Blood Killer), is faintly depicted in blue along the left edge of the picture and indicates Crips affiliation. The trident is a Folks Nation symbol, while the five point star represents People Nation. As of publication of the SAPD handbook, "the Crips are aligned
with Folk Nation and are enemies of Blood
and People gangs."
Middle
Another five point star plus a crown are possible references to the Latin Kings, a People Nation affiliate.
Bottom
The six point star is a Folks Nation symbol but when crossed by an "X"
indicates a rival trademark,
presumably People Nation.
The use of these symbols does not necessarily indicate a direct tie to the Los Angeles and Chicago areas as the gangs are well known nationally and easy marks for copycats. Further, the convergence of rival symbols in the top figure appears to be contradictory and requires a professional interpretation. Moreover, marking in chalk is obvious juvenile behavior and does not allow the permanence desired for identifying gang territory.
Consequently, the graffiti probably is not for the purpose of marking a particular gang territory leading to violent contest. Rather, these are probably merely signs of gang interest and entry level experimentation. In any case, such activity must be eradicated.
Parents/guardians should review their children's doodlings for similar symbols and be alert for gang apparel and other signs of interest in gang activity. Refer to the "Gang Awareness Handbook" for more information and parenting strategies.
The photos will be provided to SAPD and NISD PD for an evaluation and to determine response measures.
Though written in chalk and probably the work of "gang wanna-be's," the SAPD "Gang Awareness Handbook" http://www.sanantonio.gov/saPD/pdf/Awareness.pdf
notes recruitment usually starts in middle school and is aimed at children 10 - 13 years old. Stevenson Middle School students described similar graffiti on campus.
A comparison of symbols found on the basketball court with those in the SAPD handbook indicates Los Angeles (Bloods and Crips) and Chicago (Folks Nation and People Nation) gang influences. Refer to each picture for a description of the symbols:
Top
"BK" (Blood Killer), is faintly depicted in blue along the left edge of the picture and indicates Crips affiliation. The trident is a Folks Nation symbol, while the five point star represents People Nation. As of publication of the SAPD handbook, "the Crips are aligned
with Folk Nation and are enemies of Blood
and People gangs."
Middle
Another five point star plus a crown are possible references to the Latin Kings, a People Nation affiliate.
Bottom
The six point star is a Folks Nation symbol but when crossed by an "X"
indicates a rival trademark,
presumably People Nation.
The use of these symbols does not necessarily indicate a direct tie to the Los Angeles and Chicago areas as the gangs are well known nationally and easy marks for copycats. Further, the convergence of rival symbols in the top figure appears to be contradictory and requires a professional interpretation. Moreover, marking in chalk is obvious juvenile behavior and does not allow the permanence desired for identifying gang territory.
Consequently, the graffiti probably is not for the purpose of marking a particular gang territory leading to violent contest. Rather, these are probably merely signs of gang interest and entry level experimentation. In any case, such activity must be eradicated.
Parents/guardians should review their children's doodlings for similar symbols and be alert for gang apparel and other signs of interest in gang activity. Refer to the "Gang Awareness Handbook" for more information and parenting strategies.
The photos will be provided to SAPD and NISD PD for an evaluation and to determine response measures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)