PSA

Heads Up – Phone Scam Alert – “there’s an arrest warrant out for you”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user number7cloud

From this morning’s rant/revel:

“Heads up – I just got a phone call from a recording saying that there’s an arrest warrant out for me in Texas and to call this attorney. I’ve been in Dallas for work, so I called the DC police (because your natural reaction is OMG!) and it’s a total scam. Should have known because it was a recording, it never said where in TX and it never said the warrant was for. It rang in as 911, which I grabbed because I’ve never seen that number come up and didn’t know what was going on. Luckily, they’ve got nothing but my number. Unluckily, there’s no way to track these calls or to know who’s doing them.

The DCPD said they’ve gotten a ton of complaints about them so be careful out there folks.”

A Reminder to Not Walk while Reading Your Kindle Fire at 1am

By Prince Of Petworth

I seriously don’t mean to be flippant nor am I trying to start a blame the victim post here. However, I do think it’s important to remind some folks that it is not a good idea to walk around late at night with phones, ipads, kindles or other electronic devices out. You are distracted and a target and MPD continually tells us thieves are looking for this. I’m not suggesting people be terrified and cower in their homes but it is important to not get complacent and exercise street smarts as well.

From MPD:

“At approximately 12:55 a.m. [Saturday], a citizen was walking in the 1400 Block of Maryland Avenue, NE with his Kindle Fire in his hand. He was approached by 3 black males who struck him in his head and robbed him of his Kindle Fire. The citizen was treated by medics on the scene and no arrest have been made at this time.

S1 was described as a black male in his early 20’s 5’8-5’9 in height. S1 had dreadlocks and was wearing a hat and blue jeans.

S2 was described as a black male in his early 20’s 5’8-5’9 in height. S2 was wearing a Holly Hanson Jacket

S3 was described as a black male in his early 20’s 5’8-5’9 in height. S3 was wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants.

The First District Detective’s Office will be investigating this case.”

“So, word to the wise, from one cyclist to another: don’t leave your bike outside overnight no matter which neighborhood you’re in”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user AWard Tour

“Dear PoPville,

Stolen bike: recovered. Stolen again.

I bought an older model grey Schwinn Moab secondhand about 2 years ago.

It was stolen from the corner of Euclid & Ontario NW in September.

The next day I recovered it at 14/T NW across from Saint-Ex.

A guy had it chained to a stop sign & I confronted him about it (probably not the best idea). Anyway, he willingly handed it over after I threatened to call the cops.

Between 12pm Oct. 15th and 12pm Oct. 16th it was stolen again. This time from the corner of 15/N NW.

Of course, by this point I realize it’s my own dumb fault for having faith in humanity I could leave a bike outside overnight.

However, I wanted to relay my experience with the MPD.

Shortly after it happened I was able to flag down an officer and ask him how to report a stolen bike.

(The bike probably isn’t worth much, but I use it everyday to commute.)

The officer informed me I could go to the nearest police station (in this case, 14/U) and file a report.

But “without a serial number, it [the report] is just gonna get thrown in the trash.”

So, word to the wise, from one cyclist to another: don’t leave your bike outside overnight no matter which neighborhood you’re in.

And write down your bike’s serial number if you (theoretically) want the MPD to take your case seriously.

Best of luck,
Your Adams Morgan neighbor”

Update – of course the bike was locked.

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From the Forum – PSA to Lock Up Your Front Tire and Historic Apts in DC

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ep_jhu

Front Bike Wheel Stolen off Locked up Bike:

“I had my bike locked to a bike rack with a U-lock near 17th and I St NW yesterday afternoon for about 3 hours. When I returned to my bike around 4 PM, the front wheel had been stolen. Major Bummer. Given the busy location, I’m surprised at the audacity of the thief to do this in the middle of the afternoon. Just a service announcement to make you secure your wheels in addition to your frame when locking up your bike.”

Historic Apts in DC:

“I’m considering moving to a different apt. this summer and would like to know if anyone has any suggestions for neat loft/historic apartments in the city. I’ve spent some time browsing blog sites that showcase great apartments in old factories, warehouses, schools, etc. in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. These cities being former industrial centers have more of these types of buildings, but I’d like to find something similar in DC if possible. Anyone have any suggestions of an older building with character? Thanks for your help!”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here.   If you are having trouble uploading your question to the forum please try clearing your cache. If it still doesn’t work please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail

Multiple Reader Reported Crimes in Shaw, Bloomingdale, U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Sadly readers report:

“Burglary on the 1400 Block of Swann Street, NW

We were the victims of a burglary Monday night and figured this would be a good place to spread the word so that others can be more vigilant than us.

We live on the 1400 block of Swann Street NW. Yesterday evening at about 8:45pm, I started grilling on our outside patio. Usually when I grill, I’ll go in and out of the house and leave the back door closed but unlocked. I brought the food in around 9/9:15 to eat. During this time, someone came in our house, snatched my wife’s purse and camera and my wallet and watch. We noticed it was missing at around 9:30 and immediately called the police.

While we were waiting for the police, my wife recommended I search the allyway in between our block and the 1400 block of T Street NW. Sure enough, I found my wife’s rummaged-through purse near a neighbor’s car. I was able to recover most of its contents, including her credit cards. All that was taken from her, outside of the camera, was $30 in cash and her ID.

I continued searching the area and found my wallet in a nearby garbage can. In addition to my watch, the thief took all of my credit cards and smart trip card, which thankfully can all be cancelled and replaced. I checked my recent transactions and noticed the card was used at Whitelaw market on the corner of 13th and T, probably sometime between 9:30-10:30 pm.

When the police arrived, they interviewed us and did a thorough investigation–took pictures, fingerprints, etc. They told us that similar incidents have recently occurred in our area. I mention this so that hopefully this can end in a “Props to the Cops” post, but also so that people realize that theft in our area isn’t just limited to packages. Remember to lock your doors even when you’re home, and if you are anyone suspicious in the alley ways, report them to the police. Readers of PoPville – Be very vigilant in guarding your stuff!”

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“Smash and grab Monday night on 13th and U, NW

Sad reminder that even directly in front of the bars/ restaurants/ metro, no car is safe. Mercedes windows smashed last night on 13th immediately north of U St. NW. Looks like a bunch of backseat detritus but nothing valuable-unless the crooks grabbed whatever valuables had been there.”

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“Package theft in Shaw/Bloomingdale

We live around New Jersey Ave & Q St and had never experienced package theft in the four years we’ve been here…until yesterday. I was greeted by this scene coming back from work. I can’t believe people are so brazen that they can go through packages in broad daylight in full view! We called the police and was told that package theft has been on the rise in our neighborhood and that it usually occurs around noon when thieves know that people are at work. The officer suggested that ,if possible, we arrange to have our packages delivered in the evening. He also said that without camera footage it is very difficult to make arrests…so please keep an eye out, people (and install cameras!)”

Heads Up Industry Folks – Reader Reports Thief Targeting Tip Jars in Dupont and 14th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

Feel free to use this image just link to www.rentvine.com
Photo by flickr user Dave Dugdale

“Dear PoPville,

Just wanted to give you a heads up so other workers can be aware of what’s happening. There’s a thief roaming Dupont and 14th Street taking what he can from tip jars when workers aren’t looking. The thief has hit at least two locations since yesterday and may be looking to hit up a few more. He’s a 5’9″ average build black guy in his early 40s with a shopping bag filled with lots of cups and other junk. He’ll ask for a cup of water and just hang around looking at customers or staring at the window. When a worker is helping another customer, he’ll take what he can from the tip jar and quickly leave the store. He’s awkward and will give normal people the creeps.

I know the description isn’t super helpful but if others are aware this is happening, they may be a bit more cognizant of not having too much cash in their tip jars. Every little bit helps.”

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