Solicitors Invade FSR

A team of solicitors, known as a "mag crew," was hawking magazine subscriptions throughout FSR on 16 and 17 July. With proceeds allegedly to benefit a single mothers' organization, the two to three young women continued door-to-door sales despite residents' requests to leave the neighborhood. When informed of the FSR covenant restricting solicitation, their common retort was: "We've been here all day, and you're the first to complain."

One Safety Committee member observed the women enter a dark grey van with Michigan license plates before departing FSR.

Blue Armor, FSR's contracted security patrol service, was called at least once each day to remove the women. As of this post, whether officers made contact is unknown.

This is at least the second occasion since Dec 2007 that solicitors of this type claimed FSR as their sales territory. The method of operation is common: The sales people are always young adults claiming to sell magazine subscriptions for a charitable or personal cause to fund poor college students attending the local university, to finance a new start away from gangs and drugs back home, to supplement "soldiers'" salaries while on leave, etc. They often claim to live in FSR, though some admit to being from out of state.

FSR residents have previously experienced aggressive sales tactics from such teams. The sales pitch intensifies and suspicious behavior ensues when prospective subscribers ready their checkbooks: The sales total increases, the vendor changes from an organizational to a personal name, etc.

Unfortunately the magazines are never delivered and when redress is attempted through the magazine publishers, victims are informed the subscription sale was unauthorized. Worse, the New York Times and other media across the country expose the young adults' sponsors as cult-like organizations that exploit young people, forcing them to live several in a single room and packed in vans as they travel the country seeking fresh sales territory while running from local authorities. Some of the young sales people are subject to mental and physical abuse by their handlers for failing to achieve sales goals.

Though the FSR residents' response was consistent among those interviewed (calling the security company, urging solicitors to leave the neighborhood, and refusing to purchase subscriptions), a call to SAPD is best. An official police response will protect neighbors against fraud, remove neighborhood loiterers (as the solicitors await their "sponsor's" return), and perhaps most importantly, allow an exploited person an opportunity to "escape" once interviewed by a law enforcement official.

Thank you to all residents who alerted their neighbors and the Safety Committee to this concern. An authoritative article on magazine sales crews is at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/21/us/21magcrew.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5090&en=be91678aaac7038d&ex=1329714000&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Storm Drain Graffiti Removed

Last week the City of San Antonio applied a fresh coat of paint to a storm drain abutting FSR. SAPD is evaluating photos of the graffiti, and the Safety Committee will continue to monitor the area for future delinquent activity.



Sightings of graffiti and other city code violations may be reported by dialing the city services information line, 311.

Incidentally, the "smiley face" painted on the storm drain across from Bakerswood and Finesilver Dr. was reported 19 July and will be removed by the city within 10 days.

Fire Draws Attention to Graffiti Near FSR

A 6 June fire inside a storm drain tunnel signaled the location of a miscreant hangout bordering FSR, east of Twinpost on the south side of the neighborhood. The source of the smokey fire was at least one plastic garbage bag filled with leaves placed far inside the 400 ft. tunnel.

Trash and graffiti indicate the area is frequented by juveniles. Elements of the graffiti signify possible gang associations, though the symbols are also mixed with salacious images whose origin may be attributed to adolescents.

The latest tags were photographed and reported to SAPD. The culvert will be painted by late July in accordance with a city graffiti eradication program.

Blue Armor and Cellular on Patrol were advised of the activity to ward off potential trespassers and to discourage loitering, future graffiti...and fires.

June 2008 Safety Committee Report

Cellular on Patrol Re-instituted
This month Mike Snedeker kick started FSR's neighborhood watch program, Cellular on Patrol (COP). Sixty-three residents attended the 30 June information meeting, with 42 expressing interest in COP training and certification by SAPD. The Safety Committee will ensure the program is integrated with paid security services provided by Blue Armor and will apprise Mike and COP participants of problem areas for selective patrol as warranted.

Gates: Proceed with Care
The exit gate was repaired after a collision late May, only to be struck again on 7 June. Broken gates require on call repair services which are charged to association homeowners. Further, a broken gate, stuck open, invites trespassing and offers would be criminals a perception of increased vulnerability.

Drivers, please take care on approach and wait patiently as the gate clears the lane. If you strike the gate, or observe such an incident, please call Association Management Services (829-7202) to ensure appropriate billing and timely repair.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Patrols responded to at least three calls for service including FSR lifeguards' request to keep the peace due to unknown skateboarders' aggressive behaviour and separately, a report of a reckless driver. Blue Armor also provided coverage at the community center during a late night party.

In response to increased incidents occurring at the park during May, the board authorized a dedicated overnight foot patrol of the area including the pool and community center. This extra service will be evaluated after a 30-day trial. Since inception 22 June, there are no incidents to report.

The number of garage doors inadvertently left open dropped significantly the last two months and is likely attributed to Blue Armor's crime prevention emphasis targeting this vulnerability. Officers will continue attempts to notify residents when doors are open, especially after dark. This month, a Blue Armor officer also secured a resident's car door which was left open overnight.

Finally, officers continue to monitor traffic with radar at various times of day. Blue Armor is authorized to write citations on the board's behalf and will soon begin doing so.

Traffic Accidents Are Up
Though SAPD call volume is on track for an average year overall, traffic accidents in FSR are occurring at nearly twice the 2007 rate. Eight crashes are recorded so far this year, all non-injury collisions according to SAPD logs. During all of 2007 there were nine wrecks, one a possible injury accident on Braun and Finesilver last October. Indeed, three of this year's traffic accidents occurred at or near the Braun and Finesilver intersection.

Drive defensively always and pay particular attention when entering and exiting the neighborhood. Safety experts say most car accidents occur within a few miles of home.

SAPD Responses
SAPD officers responded to a total of 13 incidents, including two vehicle accidents, within FSR during June. This corresponds with call volume averages of about 15 responses per month during 2007, and is one call less than June 2007.

The two minor crashes occurred at the Braun and Finesilver intersection and on Edgecreek. Officers also responded to six burglar alarms (three at the same residence on consecutive days), a suspicious person on Sweetwood, a suspicious vehicle near the community center, and three "miscellaneous" calls.

Echoing the trend of increasing vehicle accidents, the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES recorded a minor wreck at Braun and Lockspring, the second crash reported in that neighborhood in as many months. 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 Offender Watch. As of this post, no documented sexual predators reside in FSR.

SAFD Responses
On Friday, 6 June, at about 3:30 pm, firefighters responded to a brush fire inside the concrete storm drain skirting the east border of FSR, parallel to Twinpost. The fire was probably set by juveniles who frequent the area. A separate article detailing this incident will be published later.

SAFD also responded to two medical calls last month.

Return to the blog for updates throughout the month.

SAPD and SAFD Lead July 4th Parade

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Thank you SAPD Officers from the Prue Substation and SAFD
Engine 49 for participating in our neighborhood Independence Day celebration.

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It isn't a parade without a police escort and a fire truck!

The residents of Finesivler Ranch appreciate your service and support.


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Fireworks Ban Strictly Enforced This Year

SAPD, SAFD and Bexar Co. officials will strictly enforce area fireworks bans due to dry conditions and the number of fireworks related brush fires occurring during last New Year's celebrations.

According to city ordinance, fireworks are illegal within San Antonio, and thus Finesilver Ranch, at all times. Though Bexar Co. established safe zones for personal displays, the Fire Marshall bans the use of aerial fireworks, such as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins.

The closest safe zones are I-10 West at Old Fredericksburg Rd. and Talley Rd. at FM 471.

The Express News provides a list of professional fireworks displays.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA070108.July4Celebrations.MYSA.17a9e403.html

To report fireworks violations, call 207-0202; for fires, dial 911.