Block Watch Captains meeting held in Lake Forest Park

LFP Block Watch Captains gather for a
semi-annual meeting with police

Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

On Wednesday, November 2, 2016, Lake Forest Park Police Chief Steve Sutton and Captain Paul Armbrust held the semi-annual Block Watch Captain's Resource Meeting at LFP's City Hall.

The group was briefed on crime trends and prevention measures for Lake Forest Park.

Captain Paul Armbrust and Chief Steve Sutton

Current Crime Trends: Residential Burglaries were highlighted with maps showing locations and consistencies noting that most residential burglaries were committed by non-residents. They explained methods the bad guys use to select victims, means of entry, and recommendations on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Mail and package theft: It's that time again! Christmas is a-comin' and the thieves are out. Have UPS and other services require signatures for deliveries, or deliver to the back door so that packages are not visible from the street. Entry Cameras are helpful in deterring thieves.

Capt. Armbrust explains the Pace Car program

Safe Street Project: Active speed limit signs will be going up that are capable of recording traffic patterns during times of day and night, speeders, and what speeds they are traveling through the neighborhoods.

Pace Car Project: A program that signs up residents to set an example for other drivers by driving the speed limit, stopping for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crossings, and sharing the road with all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Pace car drivers give themselves enough travel time so as to not sacrifice safety or courtesy, devote full attention to driving, and avoid distractions such as cell phones. They will display the NEIGHBORHOOD PACE CAR decal on their vehicle, and encourage others to make LFP more livable.

Are You Ready For Winter? How to ensure you are prepared for power outages and have emergency supplies to last several days when winter storms arrive and knock out power.

If you are interested in starting a block watch on your street, contact the police department for information. 206-364-8216.