Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance

Tonight we had our second encounter with a group of teenagers on BMX bikes. They are between 15 - 18 years old. On our first encounter they were riding their bikes in our neighbors yard and looking in their windows. After speaking with my neighbor she informed me that a few days prior she'd caught a boy in her back yard (that had a locked gate) snooping around. Tonight a group of 4 of them were asking my wife for a cigarette while she was standing on the porch. When she said no, one of the teenagers exposed himself and urinated on the street in front of our house (between 7th & 9th on NE 145th Ave. I have contacted police about this matter as it's a recurring problem. We've in the last few months we've seen street signs torn our of the ground and last summer several trees were destroyed at Hearthwood Elementary school. If you happen to know who this group of teenagers is please reply to this post. They show a clear disrespect for property in the neighborhood and tonight's incident is an escalation from vandalism to what the police called sexual harassment.

HI Neighbor,

We have had an increase of day time break-ins here just one street over from you. It has been reported to be teens most every time. I have seen a dramatic increase since 147th Ave was opened up into the First Place neighborhood. It brings in traffic from 18th St to Mill Plain. The Chem dry folks on the corner of 7th St. are being hit on a regular basis, if not theft then they are vandalized. For them the trouble usually occurs after 10PM. They have asked for more Police patrols but have not seen any improvement in the situation. Last year my next door neighbors car was stolen out of his garage by someone hiding in my bushes. This is getting to scary as I have young children. I want to start a neighborhood watch group. Would you be interested in participating? The teens you have encountered may be the same bunch that has been breaking into backyards and homes in the culdesacs by me. Entering homes by the bathroom windows while the residents were sleeping and as recent as last week; day light break-ins via the front door. I'm on 147th between 7th and 9th.

I would be interested. You can email me directly at: gronne@gmail.com

We're in Fircrest and have seen trees vandalized in Leroy Haagen Park.  A barn at Joe's Farm on 112th was burned down last month and a youth was reportedly seen hopping the fence onto Joes property just prior to the fire. 

Have you guys started a neighborhood watch and can I attend one of your meetings to get more info on what you're doing?  I know the city puts on a program NOW (Neighbors on Watch) but that the next training for it isn't yet scheduled. 

We're hoping to see a community garden go into Leroy Haagen park for next spring and it would be smart to get started now if we want the vandals to leave it alone once we've begun planting.