Community Roll Call

Every year we are reminded about Trick or Treat safety, and yes, this year I am going to remind you yet again. Please take a few moments to review the list and discuss the appropriate items with your children before venturing out in search of sugary treats.

* Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes
* Costumes should be loose fitting to allow for warmer clothes underneath.
* Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard
* Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead
* If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye hole
* Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or reflective
* Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision
* Walk; do not run, from house to house. Do not cross yards
* Walk on sidewalks, not in the street
* Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks
* Give your Trick or Treat bunch a meal or snack before going out
* Have at least one adult go with the children, more if the group is larger
* Trick or Treat in areas where there are a lot of people around
* Trick or Treat folks should avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots
* Always check your child¡¦s candy before allowing them to eat
* And of course, ensure that your Trick or Treat bunch is having fun!

Did I miss something? If so, contact me at dsemega@wauwatosa.net

Many thanks to Mark Maley...

From the National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org

The news is full of stories about people who have been raped, robbed, mugged, or otherwise assaulted, and everyone cringes when they hear these reports. Who hasn’t feared becoming one of these victims? The truth, however, is that the incidence of personal violence has dropped to its lowest level in almost three decades.

Violent crime - murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault - was down from a high of 52.3 incidents per 1,000 people in 1981 to just 21.1 incidents per 1,000 in 2004, according to statistics compiled by the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the U.S. Department of Justice. Aggravated assault - which involves attack with a weapon or attack without a weapon that results in serious injury - was down even more sharply, from 12.4 incidents per 1,000 people in 1977 to just 4.3 incidents per 1,000 in 2004.

Everyone - and this applies to residents of big cities, small towns, and even rural areas - needs to be careful, but these lower rates of crime are evidence that if people are vigilant and take common-sense precautions, crime can be prevented.

Tips

* Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.

* When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.

* Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.

* Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.

* If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

* Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

* Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

* Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

* Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.

* If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.

* If you are a battered spouse, call the police or sheriff immediately. Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.

* If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.

* If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

On Thursday October 4, 2007 at approximately 9:35am a resident returned home and interrupted a burglary in progress. Three black males all described as being thin to medium build and 5’8” to 6’ tall fled the area in two vehicles. One of the vehicles was a dark green Jeep Cherokee with Wisconsin plates 704-JFP. The Wauwatosa Police Department is asking that everyone be alert for the dark green Jeep Cherokee with Wisconsin registration 704-JFP. If it is observed driving around or parked you are asked to call the Wauwatosa Police immediately at 414-471-8430.

If you have any information regarding this burglary or any other crime in the City of Wauwatosa you are reminded that you can give an anonymous tip to the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers by calling 414-771-TOSA (8672). Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

During the fall and winter months, darkness arrives earlier in the day. As such, extra safety precautions should be taken when moving from your vehicles to your homes. It is recommended that if you are arriving home after darkness falls that you have some interior and exterior lights on to greet you as you arrive.

For exterior lighting please consider the following options:

* Motion sensor lighting can be effective but it does have to be properly adjusted so that it catches movement by people but does not pick up every rabbit or raccoon as it crosses your yard or driveway.

* Low level lighting such as a 40 or 60 watt conventional or compact fluorescent bulbs with dusk to dawn sensors are my favorite. With a dusk to dawn sensor it comes on and off automatically and provides enough light for facial, color and clothing recognition while not providing an overpowering light. Further it is on during all hours of darkness and lighting is one of the biggest deterrents to neighborhood crime. Of course, it appears as if the compact fluorescent is more efficient to operate.

* If you have a larger property you may want to consider High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures and lights. HPS Light fixtures come complete with either a 35W bulb that is equal to a 175W incandescent bulb or a 50W bulb that is equal to a 210W incandescent bulb. The fixture with bulb and dusk to dawn sensor included is approximately $50.00 to $100.00; they replace most existing fixtures and can be found at most home or hardware stores. Each bulb should last approximately 5 years and currently costs about $4.00 to replace. Annual operating cost for a 35W HPS bulb is estimated to be between $18 and $25 annually based on 12 hours of operation per day. This type of lighting also provides good recognition

If you park in the driveway or a detached garage, don¡¦t be in a hurry to drive up your driveway. Take your time, looking around and listening with your window cracked open while you drive in as well as before exiting your vehicle.

If you do have a garage and don¡¦t have an electric door opener, consider one as it allows you to stay in your car providing extra light and time to check for suspicious activity as the garage door opens.

Consider carrying a noise making device such as a whistle should you need to gain the attention of neighbors or family during an emergency.

Most of us have those timers inside our home we use when we can escape reality and run away on vacation. Have you ever considered using them during fall and winter so that the interior of your house is lit up upon your arrival? It also gives your home the appearance of being occupied as darkness sets in. Further, consider having a radio tuned into talk radio, this too will make any potential burglars or thieves that the home is occupied.