Audubon Park

East Precinct Neighborhood Watch Newsletter - July 2004

Police Urge Residents to Safeguard Yard Gear

With the weather warming up, people will be doing yard work and other outdoor activities. During this time of year we usually see an increase in thefts of lawn/yard equipment. Take the time to review the following safety tips.

• Do not leave lawn equipment unattended, even for short periods of time.

• Keep lawn equipment stored in a secured location. If items must be kept in a carport, secure the property with a chain and locks. If they are stored in a shed, secure the door with a combination or key lock.

• Do not leave garage doors open, especially if you are not at home. This is an invitation to thieves.

• Keep a list of all equipment and tools. Include make, model, serial number, color and any other identifying or owner-applied markings. Officers will need this information, if your property is stolen.

• While performing yard work, lock the doors to your residence. Thieves will take advantage of you while you are in the yard and enter your home and take jewelry, cash, and other items that are easy to carry.

• Look out for your neighbors. Report any suspicious vehicles or people. If something seems out of place, it usually is. Trust your instincts.

Items of Interest

Don’t forget our “Citizens Police Academy” classes will be starting on September 13, 2004, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. If you haven’t signed up for this course there is still time, so come by the precinct and pickup an application, or call and we will mail you one.

Any neighborhood watch association interested in having your group take the Emergency Management Association training course, may contact Wendy Cantrell (458-1515). There is no fee for this service. It is a very interesting/informative program, illustrating the need for specially trained team workers, should any type of disaster occur, i.e. fire, earth quake, tornado, or damage from straight line winds, like we have experienced in the past. Classes can enroll a minimum of 15 persons, or a maximum of 30. The facility is located at the old Fire Training Center on Avery, across from the Board of Education.

Our next meeting of the Advisory Board will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. here at the precinct. Our guest speaker will be Bill Powell, Criminal Justice Coordinator. He will be discussing information regarding grants. Please mark your calendar now, plan to attend, and bring a neighbor.

The East Precinct is proud to announce that a new Alzheimer’s Day Center for residents of S. E. Memphis communities will be opening in September, 2004. There will be support groups for care givers as well. Center hours will be 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one Saturday each month. Persons arriving by 9:00 a.m. will be served a breakfast. Lunches will be served to all present. The cost will be $30.00 per day. Activities and field trips will be available. The Center will accommodate 60 people per day. It is located at 3185 Hickory Hill, just behind the Walgreen’s Drug Store on Hickory Hill at Knight Arnold Road.

There will be a second hand garage sale, benefiting the Center on Saturday, August 24, 2004, at the Parkway Village Shopping Center. Anyone who desires to contribute items, please call (372-4585). We will arrange to pick-up your items and give you a receipt.

Dot Rongey
Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
East Police Precinct