Neighborhood Watch

B E RW YN POLICE D E PARTMENT

Neighborhood Watch NEWSLETTER spring 2016

What’s Inside Mayor Visits With the Junior Cadets Calling All Past Police Explorers! Berwyn Post to Host 50th Anniversary Celebration Be Your Own Block Captain page 2

Chief of Police James Ritz

I would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy spring season. In the past few months, our city has seen increases in thefts of catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are a part of your exhaust system that filters out harmful emissions. The process of stealing these parts can be done within 1 to 3 minutes, so the Berwyn Police Department is requesting your vigilance, particularly in the early morning hours between 4 and 6 am, for suspicious activity. The offenders typically stop their vehicle in the middle of the street next to their target, and utilize a cordless electric saw to remove the catalytic converter from the victim vehicle. If you observe this type of activity, please call 9-1-1 immediately and try to provide as much information about the offenders and their vehicle as possible. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY! If you are the victim of a catalytic converter theft, you will notice a loud, constant noise coming from your vehicle’s exhaust system. Please contact the Berwyn Police Department as soon as possible to report the incident. We have also seen an increase in reports of graffiti on garages. Paying close attention in your alley when you leave or return from the garage is the key to narrowing down the times when these incidents occur. The Berwyn Police Department works diligently to try to prevent and investigate these incidents, but they rely on us as residents to keep an eye on our blocks, and to advise them at the first sign of danger. Some of our residents may have questions about what suspicious activity actually is, so we have dedicated a good portion of this newsletter to explaining it. Lastly, the spring season brings with it many opportunities for hazardous weather, and the first way to be prepared is to be informed. This is why we would like to invite you to our first city-wide meeting of 2016 on Wednesday, May 11th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Berwyn Police Department, 6401 W. 31st Street. Our guest presenters from the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have a helpful presentation on severe weather events and the National Weather Service Storm Spotter program. Additionally, they will be discussing the disaster assistance process and the requirement for individual assistance after a disaster declaration. I look forward to seeing you at this informative event. Respectfully,

Suspicious Activity pages 3 & 4 Keep Your Teens Safe for Prom and Graduation pages 5 Upcoming Events page 6 Single Family Rehab No Interest Loan Program Community Wide Event Prevention through Education page 7

Special Olympics page 8

Me gustaría desearle a usted y su familia una feliz y segura temporada de primavera. En los últimos meses, nuestra ciudad ha visto un aumento en los robos de convertidores catalíticos. Los convertidores catalíticos forman parte de su sistema de escape que filtra las emisiones nocivas. El proceso de robo de estas piezas puede tomar de 1 a 3 minutos, por lo que el Departamento de Policía de Berwyn le pide que este alerta a cualquier actividad sospechosa, sobre todo en las primeras horas de la mañana entre las 4 y las 6 am. Los delincuentes típicamente detienen su vehículo en el medio de la calle junto a su objetivo, y utilizan una sierra eléctrica inalámbrica para remover el catalizador. Si usted presencia este tipo de actividad, por favor llame al 911 inmediatamente y trate de proporcionar cuanta más información le sea posible sobre los delincuentes y su vehículo. ¡NO PONGA SU VIDA EN PELIGRO! Si usted es víctima de un robo de convertidor catalítico, va a notar un ruido fuerte y constante, procedente del sistema de escape de su vehículo. Por favor, póngase en contacto con el Departamento de Policía de Berwyn tan pronto como le sea posible para reportar el incidente. También hemos visto un aumento en los informes de grafiti en los garajes. El prestar más atención cuando salga o regrese a su garaje es la clave para definir a qué horas ocurren estos incidentes. El Departamento de Policía de Berwyn trabaja diligentemente para tratar de prevenir e investigar estos hechos, y confían en que nosotros como residentes nos mantendremos alertas, y a la primera señal de peligro les informaremos. Algunos de nuestros residentes pueden tener preguntas acerca de lo que realmente es una actividad sospechosa, por lo que hemos dedicado una gran porción de este boletín para explicarle. Por último, con la llegada de la primavera aumentan las posibilidades de tiempo severo, y la mejor manera de prevenir es estar informado. Es por eso que nos gustaría invitarle a nuestra primera reunión de la ciudad del 2016, el miércoles 11 de mayo de 7:00-9:00 pm en el Departamento de Policía de Berwyn, 6401 W. 31st Street. Nuestros presentadores invitados del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional y Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Cook tienen una presentación muy útil sobre los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos y el programa de Servicio Meteorológico Nacional Tormenta Spotter. Además, van a discutir el proceso de asistencia por desastre y los requisitos para recibir asistencia individual después de una declaración de desastre. Espero verlos en este evento informativo. Respetuosamente,

Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

Mayor Visits With the Junior Cadets In February, Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero stopped by Freedom Middle School to visit the boys and girls of the Berwyn Police Department’s Junior Cadet Program. Enrollment in the Junior Cadets is open to all 6th, 7th or 8th grade students that attend Berwyn schools. The program consists of weekly meetings that allow the Cadets to learn about what the police do and how they can stay safe. Each meeting also includes time to work on homework, as well as an open gym. For more information about the program, please contact School Resource Officer Brian Cantwell at 708-795-2151.

Calling All Past Police Explorers! Berwyn Post to Host 50th Anniversary Celebration This October, the Berwyn Police Explorers will be celebrating an important milestone in its history: the 50th anniversary of its first charter with the Boy Scouts of America. To honor this occasion, they will be hosting a banquet and award ceremony, and is inviting all past and present members of the Berwyn Police Explorer Post in good standing to attend and share their experiences from their time in the program. The Berwyn Police Explorer Program is open to young adults between the ages of 14 and 20 who have an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The program focuses on law enforcement training, service in the community and leadership development. For more information about the event or the Exploring program, please contact Post Advisors Detective Carmelita Terry at 708-795-2155 or Crime Analyst Wayne Sedore at 708-795-2119.

Be Your Own Block Captain Over the years, Block Captains have been responsible for passing out these newsletters on their blocks, acting as a liaison between the police department and the residents on their block, and reporting suspicious activity and encouraging their neighbors to do the same. We have seen a steady decline in the amount of active Block Captains within our Neighborhood Watch Program, and this lack of participation in Neighborhood Watch not only affecting Berwyn but is a nationwide trend. It’s understandable; people are busier than ever, but we would like to remind you that community safety is everyone’s concern, and any small effort that you can make towards that goal can make a big impact in your community. • If the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter isn’t regularly distributed on your block, be the one to pick up a few extra copies from the Police Department, City Hall or the Library, and pass them out. • If you park in a garage off the alley, be especially mindful of suspicious activity and graffiti. One of the hardest things about investigating reports of graffiti is not having an accurate timeframe of when it occurred. When you see it, call it in, and let the officer know what time you noticed the graffiti, as well as the last time that you saw the garage free of defacement. • Check on your neighbors (especially the elderly) during periods of extreme weather. The city offers several heating and cooling centers if you or your neighbors are without adequate temperature control. • Consider hosting a block party. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, and can open the door to regular communication about the issues that affect your area. • Call your Alderman to find out when your next ward meeting is. Members of the Berwyn Police Department regularly attend to address local concerns and share information. • If you already have a good relationship with your neighbors and would like to have or host a meeting on your block, give us a call! We can make some of our meeting spaces available, and would be happy to attend. • Random acts of kindness go a long way. In a time when many people are afraid to speak to their neighbors, small gestures speak volumes!

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Spring 2016

Suspicious Activity Help the Police Help You No police department can function effectively without the assistance of responsible citizens. The police are depending on you to call whenever you observe suspicious persons or actions. Some people fail to call the police simply because they are not aware of what seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious. Others may notice suspicious activity and be hesitant to call for fear of seeming a “nosey neighbor” or a “crank”. Still others may take it for granted that someone else has already called. Call the police immediately about all suspicious activity. Don’t worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Think instead about what might happen if you don’t!

What is Suspicious? Anything that seems even slightly “out of place” for the area or time of day in which it occurs is suspicious. Obvious things to watch for include: • A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied. • A scream heard anywhere. • Offers of merchandise at ridiculously low prices can mean stolen property. • Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a car. • Anyone peering into parked cars. • Persons entering or leaving a business after hours. • The sound of breaking glass or other loud explosive noises. • Persons loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas or in the neighborhood. • Persons around the neighborhood who do not live there.

The Police Will Need This Information

• What happened? • When? • Where? • Is anyone injured? • Vehicle license number • Vehicle description • Direction of flight • Description of persons (including clothing) When describing suspects, notice age, race, sex, height and weight. Compare your weight and height with theirs. Pick out some unique characteristics which will help you identify the suspect in the future.

Suspicious People/Cars What should I do if I see a strange person or car loitering in my neighborhood? Having residents report strange, suspicious, or out of place activity in their neighborhoods is essential to locating identifying and stopping criminal activity. There may be a reasonable and legal explanation for the person’s presence and actions. However, if the person’s actions are enough to raise your suspicion there is probably a good reason to take further action. There are several things that you can do to help us in these cases. The most important thing to remember is to not put yourself at danger by taking action yourself. The best thing you can do is watch the person, car and activity and note a full description of all three. A handy list can be found on the back of this flyer to assist you in remembering important descriptions. When you call the police you may use either the Emergency, 911, line or the non-emergency number, (708)795-5600 depending on the circumstances. If the person or activity appears to you to be an immediate threat to someone or something you can call 911. If the person, car or activity just appears suspicious or out of place use the non emergency, direct line, (708) 795-5600. When you call be prepared to give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number and a description of the people and cars involved. The dispatcher may want to keep you on the telephone while an officer or officers are dispatched. This will enable the dispatcher to update the officers who are responding. If the dispatcher does not stay on the telephone be sure to call back and update the dispatcher if the person or car leaves or something happens that indicates what exactly is occurring. If the person does leave make sure you are able to provide the dispatcher a direction of travel. Remember, the suspicious activity that you witness may be totally innocent and explainable, however without taking the time to call and report the activity there may be no way of telling if it is, or if it is criminal activity that warrants police action.

Continued on page 4

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Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter Suspicious Activity Continued from page 3

Should I call the police to report a door-to-door salesperson? Door-to-door solicitors fall into two categories. The first are those with nonprofit groups, such as youth groups or churches. These individuals carry identification and some documentation showing what group they are with. Door-to-door sales people should have a City business license and identification. The City of Berwyn regulates solicitors by prohibiting them from littering, knocking on doors after 7:00 p.m. If someone comes to your door, you may want to request identification and other documents. If they are unable or unwilling to provide any documents you should immediately be wary of them. If you feel that their actions are suspicious, or disturbing your peace, you may call the police in the same manner as listed above. Make sure that you note the direction the individual is walking and provide it to the dispatcher.

Some Not So Obvious Things To Watch For:

traffic to and from a residence is not suspicious unless it occurs on a daily or a regular basis, especially during late or unusual hours.

Not every stranger who comes into your neighborhood is a criminal. There are many legitimate door-to-­door salesmen, repairmen and servicemen moving around your neighborhood all the time. But criminals do take advantage of this by assuming the identity of legitimate business representatives. After all, if a criminal looked like a criminal, no one would have any trouble spotting him! Here are some situations involving people you might see and what their actions might mean. • Someone is going door-to-door in your neighborhood. Watch for a while. If, after a few houses are visited, one or more of the persons tries a door to see if it is locked or goes into a back or side yard, it could be a burglar. Such action is even more suspicious if one person remains in the front when this occurs, or if there is a car following a few houses away. • Someone waiting in front of a house or business appears suspicious if the owners are absent or the business is closed. This might be a lookout for a burglary in progress. • Anyone forcing entrance to or tampering with a residence, business or vehicle is suspicious anytime, anywhere. • A person running, especially if carrying something of value, could be leaving the scene of a crime. • Carrying property could be suspicious too, if it’s at an unusual hour or in an unusual place, and if the property is not wrapped as if it were just purchased. • A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms may be injured, under the influence of drugs or otherwise needing medical or psychiatric assistance. Heavy human

Watch for these circumstances involving vehicles

• Any vehicles moving slowly and without lights, or following a course that appears aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. Occupants may be “casing” for places to rob or burglarize, or could be drug pushers or sex offenders. • Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be lookouts for a crime in progress. • Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in front of closed businesses or untended residences, even if the vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit. To move more freely without suspicion, more and more professional thieves are “customizing” their vehicles with special signs. • “Business transactions” conducted from a vehicle, especially around schools or parks and if juveniles are involved, may mean drug sales. • Persons being forced into vehicles, especially if juveniles or females, may mean kidnapping. • The abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be a stolen car.

Other Situations You Should Report

• C  ontinuous “repair” operations at a nonbusiness location may mean stolen property being stripped, repainted or otherwise altered. • Open or broken doors or windows at a closed business or residence whose owners are absent may mean a burglary in progress or already completed. • Unusual noises such as gunshots, screaming, sounds of combat, abnormally barking dogs ... anything suggestive of foul play, danger or illegal activity ... should be reported. While some, if not all, of the suspicious situations described could have innocent explanations, your police department would rather investigate crime-prone situations than be called when it is too late. YOUR CALL MAY SAVE A LIFE, PREVENT AN INJURY OR STOP A CRIMINAL ACT!

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Spring 2016

Keep Your Teens Safe for Prom and Graduation

P

rom and graduation are the highlights of the high school experience. As a parent, you might become more worried than usual about your children, as the celebrations associated with these events can sometimes be opportunities for bad behavior. The following tips may be helpful in setting healthy guidelines with your child to ensure a safe and responsible entry to adulthood.

Tips for Parents

• Make sure that your child has a safe plan for the night. Talk with them about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and impaired driving. • Know who your child is attending the prom with and obtain their cell phone numbers. Get to know their parents and discuss the pre/post prom activities. • Set rules and a curfew, and discuss the consequences of violating those rules. • If your child is traveling by limousine, make sure that it is a reputable company that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol in the vehicle. Speak with the driver and discuss your expectations for a safe evening. • If your child is traveling in someone else’s vehicle, know who is driving and how many passengers will be in the car. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce distractions. Make sure that your child has enough money for a taxi in the event that the driver acts irresponsibly. • Know the location of any post-prom parties that your child may be attending and who is sponsoring them. Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers. • Remind your child to never leave their drinks unattended. Explain how quickly something can be slipped in their drink, and that many drugs are odorless and tasteless. • If your child’s plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children in his or her group. • If you are hosting a party for your child, take stock of the alcohol in your home, and make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or onto your property by your child’s friends. Advise the other teens in attendance that anyone who leaves the party will not be allowed to return. Stay visible during the party to encourage responsible behavior. • Stay awake until your prom-goer returns home. If your child appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not allow them to go back out. • Remind your children that you are there for them!

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Berwyn - Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

Upcoming Events

9th Annual South Berwyn School District 100

Thursday, March 10 The Berwyn Park District and South Berwyn School District 100 Wellness Committee present the 9th Annual Wellness Fair. Walk through the Fair and gain information for children and family members with a variety of resources on health, wellness and safety topics. The event will entail exhibitor booths, free screenings and a variety of demonstrations throughout the evening. Time: 5:00-8:00pm Location: H  eritage Middle School and Emerson Gym 6850 W. 31st Street, Berwyn, IL Ages: All Ages

WELLNE S S F A I R

Recreation Department St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon Age: 55+ RAFFLE TICKETS, Lunch includes: Corned Beef Sandwich, pickles, chips, cole slaw, Irish Soda Bread & dessert, fresh hot coffee, tea, & lemonade will be served. Wednesday March 17th • 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Berwyn Recreation Department 6501 W. 31st St Residents: FREE! Non-Residents: $6.00 Reservations Required: 708-788-2010

Annual City Easter Egg Hunt Age: 1-10 In collaboration with the North Berwyn Park District and the Berwyn Park District, the City of Berwyn will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt! Friday, March 25 • 10:00 am SHARP! Morton West High School Football Field 2400 S. Home Ave. FREE! Rain Location: Field House

Easter EGGstravaganza Age: All Ages Bring the whole family for a day full of fun activities at the Community Center! We’ll have Crafts and Photos with the Easter Bunny! All children will receive an activity punch card to participate in all activities for FREE! Saturday, March 26 • 11:00 am-1:00 pm Community Center - 1619 S. Wesley Ave. FREE!

Annual North Berwyn Park District Easter Egg Hunt Age: All Ages Missed the first Egg Hunt? Come on out to North Berwyn’s Easter Egg Hunt! There will be plentiful Goodie Filled Eggs for all the children and even some prize winning eggs! After the hunt make sure you stick around for the Easter Bunny’s Arrival! Saturday, March 26 • 10:00 am SHARP! Jefferson Field, 16th & Wenonah FREE!

Age: 55+ RAFFLE TICKETS, QUARTER B - I - N - G - O! WINNER KEEPS THE POT! Wednesday April 13th • 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Berwyn Recreation Department - 6501 W. 31st St Residents: FREE! Non-Residents: $6.00 Reservations Required: 708-788-2010

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