The letter below was sent by the NCA in October 2022.
***
To: London Police Service liaison for Northridge area
Cc: Jerry Pribil, Ward 5 Councillor; [City of London liaison]
Dear Officer [X],
We are writing on behalf of the Northridge Community Association and the residents of Northridge to share our concerns about increasing rates of property theft and vehicle damage in the neighbourhood. [Our contact at the City of London] shared that you are the individual assigned as our community officer.
INCREASING THEFT IN NORTHRIDGE Residents of Northridge have been reporting higher rates of crime than the neighbourhood is accustomed to. Recently there has been a rash of theft and property damage, including shattered car windows (with and without property stolen from vehicles), padlocks cut off the backs of trailers to steal the contents within, and tools and bikes stolen from garages. Many residents have captured security camera footage of the perpetrators, and some residents have shared footage of individuals taking time to redirect security cameras before breaking into vehicles. On October 18 alone, a Facebook group for residents of Northridge included reports of 5 vehicle break-ins across 3 different households, including high-value theft. We understand that petty theft and mischief are not 100% preventable, but these recent events do not appear to be isolated incidents or spur-of-the-moment crimes of opportunity. Footage from security cameras often shows individuals on bicycles, and residents have reported seeing people leave the neighbourhood on bicycles after thefts—sometimes using stolen bikes with attached wagons to transport goods. A frequent observation by residents is that these criminals use the bike path entrance at Glenora Drive near Glengarry Avenue and exit at Windermere Road near the Northridge Fields. As far as we are aware, most of these thefts have been reported to the police, but residents have either been dissatisfied with the response or told outright that no police response is possible. CONCERNS The Northridge Community Association and residents of Northridge are concerned about the safety of our community. Emotionally, we believe everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home. Practically, we are distressed by the likelihood of further damage and theft. Financially, we worry about the cost of repairing vehicles and replacing stolen goods. As a community association, we recognize that emotions and anxiety run high when people feel unsafe. We have witnessed repeated suggestions in online neighbourhood groups for vigilante justice and individuals seeking retribution against thieves on their own. We are deeply concerned by this continuing and increasing trend. The Northridge Community Association does not endorse any calls for violence, and we worry about the safety of Northridge residents and anyone else involved if these thefts escalate to physical altercations. We are seeking guidance and recommendations on best practices to share with the community to help reduce the likelihood of theft, and we are also requesting advocacy on behalf of our neighbourhood to increase overnight patrols or otherwise take action to prevent theft. SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS We would like to pass along clear recommendations to our neighbourhood residents. 1) As our community officer, we are requesting your suggestions for best practices for residents to reduce theft and the likelihood of property damage if their homes, vehicles, or garages/sheds are approached. 2) We are requesting information about steps that the London Police Service is taking to address this continuing pattern of crime in our neighbourhood. 3) We are seeking information about what we as a neighbourhood and neighbourhood association should do in order to warrant a clearer police response when reporting our concerns. NEXT STEPS 1) We would like to invite you to attend a (virtual) meeting of the Northridge Community Association for a positive and proactive discussion about these concerns and recommendations. 2) We are also considering hosting a community-wide information session about neighbourhood safety, and we invite you to be present to speak directly to our neighbours. We look forward to coordinating details with you. 3) Can you confirm any other channels (or contact information) we should make public to residents of the neighbourhood in case they have questions or concerns about theft in Northridge? Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [NCA Co-Presidents]
Comentarios