“Note for neighbors in Petworth on break-ins and robberies”

“Dear PoPville,

Note for neighbors in Petworth on break-ins and robberies. My car’s been broken in to twice in the past two weeks (despite nothing being visible/valuable and nothing being taken) The first time the door was jimmied open and glove box, console emptied out. Since there was no visible sign of forced entry dispatch wouldn’t send an officer to take a report. Other cars on the block were also broken in to that day.

Earlier this week while I was out of the country (more on this momentarily) my rear windshield had been smashed out. Chatting with neighbors about my situation I learned smashed windows and “unforced” entry has been a frequent occurrence on the block (500-700 Hamilton NW). Along with the all too often occurrence of gun fire in the area lately, there’s been a very obvious uptick in alley loitering and strange cars crawling though before stopping by one of the problem houses the speeding off. Another neighbor mentioned two armed robberies earlier this week along the Kennedy corridor.

I always call the cops to report things that are out of the norm but officers rarely come through and apparently there’s some kind of disconnect between dispatch and patrol. When my housemate called to report the smashed window dispatch informed her they could not send a patrol because she wasn’t the property owner and that if she moved anything (to, you know, secure my car) they wouldn’t be able to take a report at all. The officer who actually took the report said this was false and also recommended to keep calling in when suspicious activity is taking place. Unfortunately doesn’t really do any good if dispatch won’t send anybody out.

I’d love to see increased patrol in the immediate area, particularly given continued shots around 7th and Jefferson, but also just a reminder to neighbors to continue staying on neighborhood watch and be vigilent.”