Willow Trace

Willow Trace Neighborhood Watch and Crime Prevention Commitee

What's Going on...

The Willow Trace Neighborhood Watch and Crime Prevention Committee (NWCP) will be giving you tips and information concerning our Neighborhood and what we can do to keep it safe and crime free.

Check here monthly for articles and tips from our committe. Also Check the Newsletter for the current posted Article.

And please use the Discussion board for ideas and comments you may have.

Remember, Willow Trace is the place to live because of those who live here!

June 2004- NOISE COMPLAINTS

NOISE COMPLAINTS,

Well summer is upon us. With the weather getting hotter residents will
begin to open up those windows to let the cool breeze in. However,
sometimes more than just a cool breeze enters your peaceful quite abode,
like noise.

What is a noise complaint? A noise complaint can be several different
things. The most popular is loud music however may not be limited to
just that. There can be loud talking, loud arguing, loud cars, loud
parties, fireworks, barking dogs and those obnoxious Go-Peds! Whatever
noise that occurs which disturbs your peace is a noise complaint. Noise
complaints if gone unchecked could possibly turn into a regular
occurrence. I suggest that if you are a victim of a disturbance not to
let it slide. In cases where your neighbors are the source of unwanted
noise your first recourse should be a talk with the person creating the
disturbance and let them know that you do not appreciate it. Often
times they have no idea that they are bothering you and will correct the
problem on their own. This will go far in keeping a mutual respect for
one another and will avoid resentment. In many cases I have been told
by the suspect of a noise complaint that all the neighbor had to do is
tell them, instead of calling the police on the first offense. From that point
on, the neighbor will usually harbor some type of resentment and there’s a strong chance that they will call the police on you the moment you step out of line.

In cases where you cannot talk to the person such as loud mufflers on
vehicles, or Go-Peds or just don't feel safe confronting someone about
the noise you can report it to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs office. Please have the description of the vehicle and the plate
number. You can remain anonymous if you like.

TIP: If you call in as an anonymous caller, essentially there is no
victim. 9 times out of 10 if there is no victim, no summons will be
issued. Sheriff Deputies need a victim and an additional non-interested
party as a witness to charge someone with disturbing the peace. The
arriving deputy can be the additional witness if he/she hears
the disturbance himself. You will need to tell the dispatcher that you
wish to press charges and would like to be contacted. If you do not do
this, the deputies will simply issue a verbal warning to the perpetrator
and the noise problem will more than likely not stop. Noise complaints
are a low priority call and may take some time for deputies to arrive.
That's it in a nutshell. This has been a crime tip from your Willow Trace Neighborhood Watch and Crime Prevention Committee.

Door to door Sales or Burglary Stakeout?

Recently in southeast portions of Aurora multiple residents have reported suspicious door-to-door solicitors during the daytime. The solicitor knocks on the door and gives his sales pitch, which is usually selling magazines, or taking a survey of some sort. Whatever the reason the suspect then begins to ask questions that do not pertain to the sale, such as. Do you work during the day? Do you have dogs? Are you alone right now? The complainants also advised that the suspects had no type of identification, or paperwork for the product they were selling. Aurora Police has had reports of this type of activity on and off now for several months. We have had white and black male suspect descriptions. In either case the suspect was in his late teens or early twenties and both were neat in appearance. The suspects are doing one of two things. One is they are evaluating the potential to burglarize your home while questioning you on a later date. The second thing is if no one answers the door the suspect attempts to enter the house through the front door or the rear. In one case an elderly female took longer than usual for most people to respond to the door. The suspect attempted entry through the front door by turning the knob “HINT” (an indication that many people leave there doors unlocked). The woman interrupted this person attempting to break into her house after a knock and presumably no reply this suspect went on to check the rear screen door as well. If you do answer the door in timely fashion they will make up the solicitor’s pitch. Most people will simply say “I’m not interested” and the suspect leaves. Having been suspected of nothing more than just another solicitor.

This is not to say that all solicitors are burglars. If something doesn’t feel right when talking with a solicitor then call the police and report a suspicious person. It’s illegal to do door to door sales without a sales permit. Ask the solicitor to see his credentials. Note what he is wearing and his physical appearance. If you can, watch the suspect’s actions at the next house. Look to see if there is a vehicle following him. I have not heard of this activity occurring yet in Willow Trace. However now that you are aware of this scam remember to be on guard when answering the door to a solicitors knock. This has been a proactive tip from your Willow Trace Crime Prevention Committee.