Hello Overlook neighbors,
This past week has been an active and, for many, troubling one. There are several important things going on that you should be aware of. Yes, I hate the `should’ word too, but this is worth your attention.
First, thank you to neighbor Julie Rawls for organizing Wednesday evening’s Overlook Public Safety Forum. Overlook Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Wells hosted an evening of speakers from many of our public safety offices and attendees learned who to contact and when. If you would like the handout, please contact Mark: mark.wells@portlandoregon.gov or 503.823.4098.
The arson briefing from Captain Greg Wong of the Fire Investigation Unit of the Portland Fire Bureau generated a lot of interest. Please be aware that there has been a series of arson and suspected arson fires in the Overlook area.
Captain Wong and Portland Police Commander Mike Leloff say that citizen tips will be what breaks this case and they are asking for your help.
"Over-report" is a word they both used; if you see ANYone who does not belong in your area, is acting suspicious or is out roaming around late at night, CALL POLICE. You can call 911 or non-emergency 503.823.3333 based on your own judgment, but they want to stop these fires and your call may make the difference.
Investigators want your tips!
Report anything suspicious; you know what is normal for your block and what is not. Call.
Practice safety at home:
Check your property every day, and report fire damage immediately.
Move flammable items away from your buildings.
Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home, every floor, every sleeping area.
Call and make that report. If you say to yourself `Yeah, I should probably call that in.. " it’s worthy of calling. Make the call.
The Oregonian and other media continue to cover this story; please use good judgment if you are contacted by the media. You are encouraged to speak about how this is affecting you and your family but please leave the release of details to investigators. It’s OK to discuss details that investigators have released. Here is the latest story, with information about the forum: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/10/string_of_arsons_has_north_por.html
This week also saw arrests made in a neighborhood drug sales house thanks to neighbors’ use of the community warrant process. From the PPB press release:
On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, in the early morning hours Portland Police officers assigned to North Precincts Neighborhood Response Team and the Special Emergency Reaction Team served a search warrant on a drug house in the 3900 block of North Massachusetts.
The Neighborhood Response Team began this investigation over a year ago because of numerous neighborhood complaints. At one point a neighbor gave officers an 8 X 10 flyer found in the neighborhood that said "Heroin for sale" and it gave the address and the names of the dealers. At several Public Safety Action Team meetings neighbors told the Neighborhood Response Team Officers how bad the drug problem was in their neighborhood. Neighbors demanded something be done.
You can read more in the Oregonian: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/10/neighbors_kept_track_of_cars_b.html
If you have any questions about these events or are not sure if you have valid information, please contact Mark Wells: 503.823.4098 or mark.wells@portlandoregon.gov He will answer your questions or direct you to the best source.
Please tune into our regular weekly email for other neighborhood news.
Stay safe!