PSA

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!”

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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.”

Daylights Saving Time is this Weekend – Remember When Riding Metro

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user wolfpackWX

From WMATA:

“Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, meaning late-night riders should pay special attention to last train times.

At 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9, all clocks will be moved ahead one hour. When that happens, it will become 3 a.m. EDT (new time) and the Metrorail system will close.

The last trains of the night will move through stations between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. EST (old time).

Riders get an extra hour of service in November when the time “falls back” from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.”

Dear PoPville – No Need to Slam on Your Brakes at First Glimpse of a Speed Camera

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Could you remind folks that the key is in the name: Speed cameras. Which means that they will not snap a photo if someone is driving the speed limit, therefore it is not necessary to slam on one’s brakes at the first glimpse of a “Photo enforced” sign and slow down to 5-10 miles below the speed limit. I’m surprised there aren’t more accidents near cameras because of people who feel the need to drop to a crawl. I’m not sure what the trigger speed is for cameras in the District–I’ve heard 5 mph over but that seems like a low threshhold. In MD I believe the trigger is closer to 11 mph over the limit. In either case, if you’re driving the speed limit then there is no reason to hit your brakes for the cameras.”

Reader Warns of Attempted Break Ins in Mt. Pleasant

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

I live near 18th Street and Monroe in Mt. Pleasant. In September, someone broke into our English basement apartment through a large window facing the street, which unfortunately we’d accidentally left unlocked. Since then, I’ve noticed that our screen has been moved around, though there has been work done on our house recently so I assumed it was moved by workers. This morning, however, I noticed that someone had opened our window again, but luckily he/she was stopped by a wood block we keep in the window sill. If neighbors have windows without bars that might be easy for people to get into, they should be especially vigilante about making sure their windows are locked. And stay on the lookout- our window is easily visible from the street and these incidents have been happening in broad daylight. I notified the police department, who promised to send extra patrols to the area beginning immediately.”

Remember to Take Your Keys and Lock Your Doors if you Get Bumped in Your Car

By Prince Of Petworth

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A reader sends the following alert from MPD:

“Please be aware of this suspicious activity event that occurred today. [Ed. Note: Yesterday]

This morning at about 11:15 AM, a female victim was operating her vehicle in the 1100 block of I Street SE and stopped at a traffic light, where another vehicle struck her car from behind. When the victim of the struck vehicle exited her car to inspect the damage she turned her vehicle off, took her keys with her and locked the doors. She spoke with the operator of the striking vehicle, who moments later left the scene without making his identity know to the victim. A observant citizen was able to report that while the victim was speaking with the operator, another subject exited a second car and walked up to the passenger side of the victim’s car and tried to open the door. After he was not able to gain entry to the vehicle, he returned to the second car and both suspect vehicles drove off.

The lookout for the striking vehicle is for a dark color Acura with MD paper tags. The description of the second vehicle is a dark gray Acura with unknown tags.

While we cannot be certain of the intentions of this second person, the actions of this event are similar to previously reported carjacking events. If that was their intention, the crime was thwarted because the potential victim followed the advise that we have given to the public: if you are involved in an accident and get out of your car to inspect the damage and speak with the other driver- first turn you car off, take the keys out of the ignition and lock your doors when you exit. If you feel uncomfortable, please call 911 and an officer will respond t assist you with the exchange of information.

The Hit & Run will be investigated by the First District H&R Coordinator; however, the incident will also be investigated by the First District Detectives Unit who are coordinating the investigation of several similiar incidents.”

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