Very interesting story from NBC Washington about crimes and bikes in Columbia Heights (via Mike DeBonis).
Is this a good way to combat an increase in cell phone snatchings by perpetrators on bikes?
MPD Commander Jacob Kishter comments on the story in the Shaw listserv:
“Its not a new policy or initiative but a misrepresented news story. Rest assured we will not be harassing bike riders.
We have noticed an increase in robberies where bicycles are being used and I want my officers to pay more attention to our known violent offenders who are committing these cases.
In fact we made a great robbery arrest last night involving one of our known offenders who was riding a bicycle which he did not own.”
Ed. Note: MPD also sends me an email asking folks to be careful using their smart phones at night – please remember to be alert. Also another reminder to not leave your purses on the backs of chairs while dining or leave electronic equipment like laptops unattended. I don’t mean to blame the victim in anyway here but there are preventative steps we can take to make us less of a target.