LMPD Apathy (Valley Station, Shively: appointed, city hall, crime rates)

[Nmissi]

Hi folks. We had a bad experience here last Friday. Some kids were breaking into sheds and garages. Neighbors saw them, but the police only got here in time to run them off. (They apparently did put one kid into a car, but the others all got away. And it took a good while for the police to arrive after the phonecalls to them began. The kids had time to hit multiple locations on the street.)

The following day, I discovered that my car had been broken into, and my ipod stolen out of it. I filed a report, but since then, I have heard nothing. The neighbors who actually SAW the kids running from the cops, were never interviewed and no one came out to take reports or do any evidence collecting. The attitude seems to be that, "Oh, it's just kids, it's not worth our time to investigate."

And to be honest? I don't doubt that it was just a bunch of kids, probably even local ones. We don't usually have problems like this in my neighborhood. But I'm very disappointed in the response of our police department. I know that weaponless break-ins aren't as exciting as violent crimes, but I really feel that a refusal to really go after "petty" crime makes it more likely to happen again. The criminals get the idea that nobody cares what they do.

Anyone have suggestions on how to motivate the police to pursue these individuals?

[missymomof3]

I had the same issue with Shively police when kids were breaking into houses in his neighborhood. I called the police, they said they would send someone and never did. Two houses ended up being broken into with lots of money stolen.

[Nmissi]

Well, they didn't get a lot out of me- an old ipod photo, whose battery is due to reach the end of its lifespan, a car charger, and a broken sony discman cd player. (I do mean broken, the top is off of it. It was stashed in the glovebox to be dropped off for recycling.) And I think they might have trouble selling the ipod- it's engraved "Nmissi@gmail.com" on the back, and also engraved with my name. I gave the serial number to the cops, as well as reporting the theft to Apple... I hope I get it back. I was planning to replace it in a few months or so anyway, but it's MINE, I want it back, you know? What worries me is if they can't sell or use it, they might just toss it in the trash.

[LouisvilleSKI]

Nmissi what general area do you live in? if you lived any where by me i know most kids that would do things like that and if you gave me a description of them I could probly help you out

[Nmissi]

I live in Valley Station. The break-ins occurred on Torrington Road, last Friday night. If you hear/see anything, let me know? My email address is Nmissi at gmail dot com. Thanks!

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by Nmissi

I live in Valley Station. The break-ins occurred on Torrington Road, last Friday night. If you hear/see anything, let me know? My email address is Nmissi at gmail dot com. Thanks!

Nmissi my mom had a couple people in her car not this past Friday but the one before that but they didn't take anything. She only knew because her makeup bag was thrown in the backyard and I had seen two people when hubby and I got home but assumed it was mom and my cousin.

[tomocox]

Any chance the cops have a reason to be apathetic? Such as tolerance for such behavior by both the courts and the apathetic people who in effect tolerate crime when it doesn't involve us?

I am sad that people's persons and personal belongings were violated, but so long as we allow perps to create fear and guilt, why not be the theif that wins?

[Brenda88]

If they are not going to respond quickly. Then why advertise call LMPD. We have to address crime no matter how large or small. I suggest attending council meetings, calling your police department, and the mayor's office. If we all make alot of noise, something will be done. Once you start complaining, donot stop. We are the voice of the people, we pay our taxes, and we demand service and action. These city, police, county, state, and federal officials work for the people. Other cities are experiencing high crime rates, but no one does anything. Because if it is not in their neighborhood, they donot care. Well crime will move into their neighborhoods. Join neighborhood watch, and become an active member. I see people posting signs, letting people know their are part of crime watch. What a joke. When something happens, they are afraid to speak. Well not me i am not going to let some kid, thug or gangs, take over my neighborhood. Call 311 or how to start a neighborhood watch committee. Neighborhood policing does help. Make your voices heard!!!

[kat750]

Your beating a dead horse with the cops. They must be busy. Do it yourself.

Originally Posted by Nmissi

Hi folks. We had a bad experience here last Friday. Some kids were breaking into sheds and garages. Neighbors saw them, but the police only got here in time to run them off. (They apparently did put one kid into a car, but the others all got away. And it took a good while for the police to arrive after the phonecalls to them began. The kids had time to hit multiple locations on the street.)

The following day, I discovered that my car had been broken into, and my ipod stolen out of it. I filed a report, but since then, I have heard nothing. The neighbors who actually SAW the kids running from the cops, were never interviewed and no one came out to take reports or do any evidence collecting. The attitude seems to be that, "Oh, it's just kids, it's not worth our time to investigate."

And to be honest? I don't doubt that it was just a bunch of kids, probably even local ones. We don't usually have problems like this in my neighborhood. But I'm very disappointed in the response of our police department. I know that weaponless break-ins aren't as exciting as violent crimes, but I really feel that a refusal to really go after "petty" crime makes it more likely to happen again. The criminals get the idea that nobody cares what they do.

Anyone have suggestions on how to motivate the police to pursue these individuals?

Is there any way to rally the area to get its own police force? security guards? Cameras? Print up flyers about how the recent crimes are tearing the neighborhood down and everyone including the parents of these local kids need to do something and staple them to every single light post in the area, what would that cost 10$? Call a meeting at a VFW or applebees.

Id imagine it would have an impact and might also let some people that dont know whats going on.

This crap is so easily dealt with its ridiculous. But its just not bad enough for people to turn off American idol get off their asses to do and be about something.

A security guard that makes 24k (good pay so you would get a good one) a year with a 15k ford focus with a light on it would cost a area of 2k people about 20$ a year. Id pay a over 1000 dollars a year myself to keep my neighborhood safe.

Go to hillview city hall they can tell you how to do it.

[cobolt]

Really? You think 24k is good pay? Hardly.

When I was living in Tx, there was a string of car vandalism (bored teens during a long summer). They hauled bricks through several windshields in my neighborhood, including mine. The police were quick to respond but equally as quick to admit that more than likely, the perpetrators would not be caught. Coming out to take the police report was a formality.