Highlands-Douglass Neighborhood Association

Councilman Owen Speaks on Crime

Message From Tom Owen on Crime in the Highlands

Message from Councilman Tom Owen

The Highlands has very little crime when compared to most parts of town. Despite that fact, we never feel safe enough. “Breaking News” stories on TV reminds us that even in comfortable neighborhoods no one is “perfectly” safe. Indeed, our area has seen a spate of very serious felony crimes: shootings, armed stickups, and a bank robbery. In addition, we’re experiencing our regular diet of “crimes of opportunity” where thieves steal just about anything we leave out: unlocked bicycles, purses and electronic equipment visible on car seats, and unsecured lawn equipment. Finally, there are the perpetuators of vandalism on both public and private property, including those using spray paint, not to mention the less visible “white collar” criminals who prey in so many ways on the vulnerable.

In our imaginations, we create an image of those who commit crimes among us and it’s usually persons who are from outside our neighborhood. While no doubt those folks may sometimes commit crimes, I believe that many who commit crimes actually are “from” the Highlands—our neighbors driven by bad habits, mental issues, greed, meanness, rank immaturity, and disregard for things that belong to others. This means that any growth in feelings of security must look beyond just keeping the “bad apples” out to include knowing more about our neighbors and our neighborhood.

The Police, with whom I have a close working relationship, can’t patrol every street corner. You and I must be more observant of our surroundings and be willing to report suspicious activity to the Police. In addition, our homes, garages, and cars are invitations to robbery. We’ve got to tie things down better. Wouldn’t it be something if the robbers among us had to leave to commit crimes because we thwarted them at their home base? Our Fifth Division has a citizen’s advisory council and your participation on it would show that crime-fighting is something not just left to the professionals.

In the coming months, I’ll be working with your neighborhood association, our Police Division Commander, and others to open crime-fighting lines of communication. Ultimately though, we will be victims a lot less if we engage our community and its need, think smart about our surroundings, and understand that we are on the front-line as observers and reporters of suspicious activity. .


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