UPPER HASTINGS RANCH ASSOCIATION (UHRA)

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH – MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER!!!

Feb 19, 2006

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ?–
MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER!!!

On January 4, 2006, two incidences of criminal nature in Upper Hastings Ranch were reported to the Pasadena Police Department. The first was a residential burglary and the second was an attempt of residential burglary. Both took place on the 3700th block of Valleylights. A white, commercial van with tinted windows was reported as seen in front of the homes that were targeted. The activities occurred between 10 am and 2 pm in broad daylight.

Upper Hastings Ranch is known for its safe environment and its sense of community. The police department tells me that even though we live in a relatively uneventful neighborhood, we should never let our guards down. Sometimes it is the laxed attitude of the residents of ?“safe?” neighborhoods that make us targets of crimes. In light of these events, UHRA is reinstating the neighborhood watch program. We advise all residents to be in contact with your block captains and exchange information. The basis of the neighborhood watch program is to have neighbors recognize each other with a greater sense of awareness. In knowing your neighbor, it is easier to point out suspicious persons or activity. With the consent of the residents of each block, the neighborhood watch signs will be posted to further discourage criminals from coming into our neighborhood.

The Pasadena Police department gives us the following guidelines:


1- Have a neighborhood watch meeting with your neighbors. Diane Hansen, the representative from the Pasadena Police Department?’s Northeast Division is available to attend your meetings, make recommendations and assist you in implementing the program. Valleylights Drive is holding it?’s first meeting February 1, 2006.

2- Keep your doors and windows locked when you leave your home. For added security place a bar in back of sliding doors and windows.

3- If you have a security system, turn on the alarm as you leave your home as well as in the evenings before you retire for the night.

4- Always take in your mail and newspapers. If you will be away from your home for an extended period, ask someone to bring in your mail and newspapers as well as turning your exterior lights on in the evenings.

5- Don?’t leave your outgoing mail exposed. This is one of the biggest sources for identity theft. Drop your mail off in a mailbox or take it to the post office.

6- Report suspicious vehicles and persons to the Pasadena Police. If you notice someone acting suspicious such as waiting in a car you don?’t recognize for a long period of time, take down as much information as you safely can, ex: license plate, make, model and color of car, physical description for the person including color of hair, clothing, shoes, physical build, facial hair, source of transportation (if not a car). Contact the Pasadena Police Department?’s non-emergency line. Let them know why you are concerned and give them the information you have collected. If you witness a robbery or burglary, call 911 right away.

7- Never leave your purse, wallet or items of value (MP3 players, palm pilots, cash, phone chargers and cell phones) in a visible area in your car. These items may be reason enough alone to break into your vehicle.

8- If you are shopping or going to the gym, never put your purse or wallet in your trunk. Public parking lots are prey for burglaries.

9- Get involved! If your block does not have an active block captain, volunteer!


Remember, this is OUR neighborhood. Our children and family have the right to feel safe and comfortable! The power is in our hands. Meet your neighbors! A safer community is not the only benefit, you might just meet a new friend!

Have a safe, happy and healthy new year!
Arpi Krikorian

For further information on holding your own block?’s neighborhood watch meeting or on activity in our area, contact:

Arpi Krikorian
Upper Hastings Ranch Neighborhood Watch Captain
Block Captain of Valleylights
626-351-5254.
arpi@dicksonpodley.com

Diane Hansen at the Pasadena Police Department.
Police Specialist for Northeast Pasadena. Tel# 626-744-7657.
The Pasadena Police Department?’s Non-Emergency line: 626-744-4241