Mar 8, 2006
Have you ever wondered about the house across the street? Such a tranquil neighborhood, why here???
Drug Houses exist in all types of neighborhoods. Like any ''business'', they rely on:
-Product
-Buyer
-Seller
-Location
WHY OUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Drug dealers look for locations where neighbors keep to themselves and don't communicate with other neighbors. This makes it easy for them to intimidate the few neighbors who do notice the drug activity. Also, if they establish their drug house in a neighborhood where adults and kids have money to buy drugs, then their business will thrive.
TELL TALE SIGNS:
-Excessive foot traffic to and from the house.
-Loitering in and around the house
-Frequent and unusual traffic patterns: Stop-Enter-Leave.
-Frequent visitors only stay for a few minutes.
-Threats of Intimidation connected to the residence.
-Open exchange of drugs and money.
-Gang activity in the neighborhood.
-Graffiti on structures in the neighborhood.
-Sudden increase in criminal activity.
PREVENTION AND THE CURE:
-Get involved in the Neighborhood Watch program.
-Talk to your neighbors. If you notice suspicious behavior on your street, compare notes with your neighbors.
-Provide a welcome basket for the new neighbors that includes a phone list of nearby residents, blockwatch captain's name and number, and local law inforcement numbers. Let them know that this is a neighborhood that communicates.
-If a problematic resident is a renter, contact the property owner and make them aware of the problems the individuals are causing.
-If you suspect a drug house, make an activity log and record a description of all suspicious activities, individuals, and vehicles in connection with the residence.
-Communicate your suspicions and data with local law enforcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT NUMBERS for MESA:
Police: Non-Emergency 644-2211
Narcotics Hotline: 644-6272
Neighborhood Compliance: 644-2061
Graffiti Hotline: 644-3083
