Wilder Park Neighborhood Association

Crime on rise in south Louisville

Mar 23, 2007

Burglary, graffiti, car break-ins and personal assaults have been on the increase in South Louisville, especially in the Beechmont and Cliff Park areas. In response to this, Beechmont and area residents were invited to an open forum with police, Councilman Dan Johnson and others at the Iroquois Library on January 11. Hundreds of residents flooded the library, forcing a secondary meeting on the main floor of the library. Residents were mainly concerned with truant students between the ages of 14 and 16, who seemed to be the root cause of the recent crime wave, including loitering in the library. Also reported was an increase in unsolicited late-night doorbell rings by people in ?“distress,?” attempting to get into the victims?’ homes.
The neighborhoods of south Louisville share many of the same issues, and what affects Beechmont also affects Wilder Park. What can we do to combat these issues?

Report ALL criminal activity. In an emergency, DO NOT HESITATE to call 911. Non-emergency activity can be reported at 574-7111; report crime anonymously at 574-LMPD. If the police are not aware of criminal activity, it is invisible to them. Please report all crime and suspicious behavior, including vagrancy and ?“beggars?” needing ?“gas money?” or ?“help.?” If they do need help, call 911.

Form a block watch, or at the very least, contact nearby neighbors and get their phone and e-mail addresses. If you would like to be on an e-mail list for area crime reports, contact us at WilderPark@insightbb,com. We are the eyes and ears for each other.

Keep Wilder Park clean. Neighborhoods that look run down and dirty attract criminal activity. Keep your houses well lit at night, and keep bushes and shrubs near your home trimmed. Report abandoned cars, trash piles, or any other eyesores by calling 311.

These things are vital in combating crime.
Let?’s work together, be proactive in reporting crime and keep Wilder Park a safe, clean place to live.