Strathcona Blockwatch

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-12-07

2007-12-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: Another report of a flasher, possibly the same person. The police are asking that we call 9-1-1 immediately when we see someone exposing themselves. The experience can be quite traumatic for children who are often in the same areas as these perverts. Mention children in view to the 9-1-1 operator and it becomes a higher priority call.
"I just wanted to let someone know that I've seen this individual as well, (or it sure sounds like him!) I was walking my dog a couple of weeks ago, in the park on the Keefer & Hawks corner. It was about 2:00pm on a sunny afternoon, and he was peeing in full view of the park. He saw me looking at him, and turned full on towards me with everything hanging out.
He didn't make any move to put anything away, and I just walked away. I got to the other side of the park & he was still there, everything in still full view.
I guess I should have called the cops, but didn't. It takes them so long to get there, that by the time they do, the perps are gone.
Anyways, just wanted to let you know he's been getting around the hood."

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-12-04

2007-12-08T23:54:00.002-08:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: We have a flasher wandering in the neighbourhood.
Last night he was close to Strathcona Community Centre and School as this report from Princess and Georgia shows. Watch out for him and call 9-1-1 immediately if you see him.
"I live on Princess between Keefer and Georgia. On my way home last night, I saw a man walking down Princess towards me, he then ducked into the alley. When I got to the alley, he was facing me and masturbating. This was at 5:30 p.m. on a Monday night. I yelled at him that I was calling the police and did so as soon as I got inside. He was gone the by the time I checked when I was on the phone with the police. He looked like he was in his late 20s/early 30s with dark shaggy shoulder length hair. He was wearing dark pants, a black hooded jacket and green plaid flannel. I just want to make sure that the women in the neighborhood are aware that this creep is walking around. I gave the police his description, but I’m not sure how much that will do to find him."

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-11-18

2007-12-08T23:54:00.001-08:00

To Strathcona Block Watches:
This has been the quietest year I can remember in the past 15 or so in terms of break and enters. Let's hope we can keep it that way but the weeks before Christmas have always shown upticks in activity for those and the other major problems that we encounter: people come down here to buy drugs for Christmas parties so dealers are busier; johns want to celebrate the season by purchasing sex; thieves break into cars; the more violent and cowardly ones will snatch purses or mug seniors; people in general drink more and get into trouble driving or being noisy or by being robbed.
As the nights continue to lengthen, watch out. When out shopping, be careful where you park and remember to lock your doors. I've noticed more than a few piles of auto glass around recently--a sign that we have people prowling the neighbourhood looking for cars to steal from or sometimes on cold nights to sleep in. Don't leave anything of any value in plain sight in your vehicle.
Above all keep a watch on your street and have an attentive ear for someone in trouble, a neighbour's house being burgled or glass being broken.

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-10-07

2007-12-08T23:53:00.001-08:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: This from a resident of 700 Hawks. We may have another would-be mugger walking through the neighbourhood at night. Watch out on the north-south streets (the Strathcona avenues) between Hastings and Prior. If you're attacked shout and scream to alert neighbours.
South of Prior around Strathcona Park and the park site south of Atlantic and Malkin there are some tent townships developing with who knows who living in them. This possible mugger could be living in one of them.
"Last night at 10:35 I was walking from Prior to my home on Hawks and Union. A man in his late 20's , about 5' 7 , Caucasian, sandy brown hair short hair, black and red windbreaker -sort of sporty /tracksuitesque I think tried to grab my purse when we passed each other (or what he thought was my purse was probably my umbrella that I keep on a strap over my shoulder) which was actually on the other side of my body. It happened really fast and I moved away as soon as I saw his movement- he kept walking toward Prior Street -looking back once- where I stood dumbfounded for moment and then rushed home- I was really scared, and not 100% sure that he did try to grab me- but I am pretty sure that something very fishy was going on. He gave me the vibe. BIG TIME!"

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-09-28

2007-10-04T21:37:00.002-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: A note from 700 Hawks about another incident last Monday night. Drug activity around the school and Maclean Park is increasing so, if you see something like the incident below happening, do call 9-1-1.
"Sorry for this late report.....but on Monday (Sept.24th) at approx. 11:30 p.m.
we heard some car doors slamming and guys yelling. We looked outside to see a white, 4 door GM type car with two people sitting in the front seat parked behind the white container parked on the street. A tough looking street guy (caucasian, dark brown hair, beard, baseball cap about 37 years old??) was on the sidewalk yelling at the guys in the car. Everyone was on a cell phones and the street guy stormed off in the direction of Hastings. We watched for a bit and the guy came back and yelled in the car again and then an Asian guy (young, red rain jacket with white stripes down arms, clean cut - college looking guy - about 25 years old???) got out of the car and walked off with the street guy.
More yelling. We called 911 and reported a suspicious vehicle and a possible
drug deal.
Street guy left and now a young woman (blonde hair, white puffy ski jacket, skinny jeans) returns with Asian college dude and they start yelling at each other. She walks off towards Hastings. Asian dude waits by the car pacing, gets inside and waits. Police arrive very quickly and ask the Asian guy to get out of the car. He is handcuffed and the car is searched for about 40 minutes.
Gloves on and they went through every inch of that car. I went to bed....so I
don't know what happened. But it must have been something if they spent so
much time going through the car.
Great to see how fast the police responded!"

Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-09-25

2007-10-04T21:37:00.001-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: More indications that we may be experiencing a B&E upswing. It's interesting that these guys are reported to be well-dressed and thus less suspicious. This from 600 East Georgia. Keep watching out.
"I had an experience on Monday afternoon which may be related to the B&E in the 800 block Georgia.
Between 3 and 4pm, there was a loud ring at the front door. It woke me from a nap so I was a bit muddle headed. There was a cleanly dressed man in his early 50's, about 5 feet 6 inches, ball cap, dark unzipped hoodie, button shirt. The most distinguishing thing about his face was that there was a tooth missing from his upper teeth.
Said that he was looking for an apartment with a patio, and could I help him, craning his neck around all the time. On the street was a short, slight very dark South Asian man with a back pack.
It didn't feel right, but I was pretty sleepy and confused."

Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-09-25

2007-10-04T21:36:00.001-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches:
More information from the neighbour in yesterday's B&E.
"Calling all cars. Yesterday at 3pm approx. I heard from my downstairs office somebody "sounding out" my house. Knocking lightly on the front door and windows. Then I heard someone going between my house and my neighbours on 800 East Georgia. We share a locked iron gate. A tall one that "keys in "and "keys out." When I went to investigate the gate lay open.(?) I had locked it not 30 minutes prior. I was standing in the front yard when I heard the neighbour's alarm sounding and strange noises coming from inside. I put two and two together and proceeded back into the yard armed with a 1X6 board. Half way to the back the perp appeared with my neighbours iMac under his arm. He saw me ,dropped the computer (on the concrete--asshole) and hightailed it for the fence. I managed to drag him down and scuffled with him. I also called him a lot of bad names.
He got away and beat it out to the front again and ran away down Georgia towards Hawks. He was quite well dressed. New dark blue ball cap with white piping, new black hoodie, clean jeans and clean white shoes. He was caucasian, slightly built and had reddish/blond hair about 5" 6". I called 911. The cops arrived.
Keep your eyes out for this guy."

Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-09-24

2007-10-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches:
After a quiet summer we may be in for a few unwelcome guests in our homes and backyards. Good neighbour alertness helped in this case that happened today on 800 East Georgia. If you see someone like the man described here, watch him and be prepared to phone 9-1-1 immediately.
"While I was at work today, at 4 pm someone scanned the street to determine if anyone was at home. After trying my neighbours, he found a way to get into my backyard and smashed through my back door window to gain entry, even though I had posted security system and audible alarm.
My neighbour confronted him as he left. Although the thief escaped, he dropped the computer he took from the house. I do not know yet what else might have been taken. The police arrived quickly and I was able to get home in time to meet with them.
My neighbour described him as a male, Caucasian, 30ish, short reddish hair, well dressed. Both neighbours heard noise at their front porches before the incident at mine."

Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office

Strathcona Block Watch Advisory: 2007-09-18

2007-10-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: As anyone can see from the number of discarded condoms all over the neighbourhood, the sex trade has exploded hereabouts in the past couple of months or so. Women are now soliciting around the school again on Pender and on the north side of Maclean Park. It's probable that pressure from pimps and other prostitutes is driving some sex trade workers away from Strathcona's commercial areas.
Quite obviously this is unacceptable in a residential area but the VPD vice squad seems to be occupied with other areas or endeavours.
Here are some tactics you can use that have worked in this area in the past.
1. If you see a prostitute soliciting outside your front door or on your block, go and talk to her respectfully. Let her know that this is a family area with children and ask her to move away. Usually that works, at least temporarily.
2. Call the non-emergency line --604-717-3321-- and let them know that there are prostitutes soliciting on your block. Also leave a message at Chinese Community Policing Centre so that the constables there know of the activity.
3. If you see a prostitute and john engaging in sexual activity in a car on the street, phone 9-1-1 if it's happening close to the school or park or where children are around. Try to get the licence plate number and colour and make of vehicle. If the prostitute looks like she's a teenager, mention that to the emergency operator. If the activity is anywhere else in Strathcona, call the non-emergency number--unless you suspect the prostitute is underage, in which case call 9-1-1.
4. This takes some audacity and is best done along with one or two neighbours but you can also tap politely on the john's car and ask them to leave. Be cautious because sometimes johns can be drunk and belligerent. At night a bright light shone in the vehicle works. Even if you're feeling frustrated and angry, don't kick or otherwise harm the john's car since you can be charged with damaging private property.
5. Always try to get the licence plate number and report it to the Chinese CPC along with time, date and location, make of car, description of driver, etc.
Some constables have, in the past, phoned the owners of reported vehicles and spoken to wives who were duly shocked.
Mark Budgen
Strathcona Safety Office

Strathcona Blockwatch Advisory 2007-09-01

2007-10-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches:
The sidewalk painters are back again, unwanted and unneeded. A reminder from 600 East Georgia again about what to do (first sent in the spring). Please pass on to all your friends and neighbours.
"Good morning neighbours
A man knocked on our door late last night, demanding money as he had just painted our house number on the sidewalk. We didn't pay. We hadn't asked for his services and it isn't sanctioned by the city. If everyone stops paying him, he will stop."
Mark

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-08-14

2007-08-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: Please circulate widely the following caution from a resident at Georgia and Jackson. And take extra care on our streets at night.
"Early Saturday morning, at about 3:45 am, a young neighbour was robbed of her purse near the corner of Georgia and Jackson by a dark haired, slim white man carrying a crow bar.
Even though I saw this man through my window, I could not get a good description of him. My neighbour was of course very frightened, but was able to give a description to the police, and from what I could tell, not hurt.
Please see your friends in at night. Be aware of your surroundings when you get out of your car or leave the bus, and please, please, don't ignore screams outside your window."
And a very sad note from the VPD's website about a violent incident at Jackson and Hastings two months ago.
"A 52 year old woman who was beaten in a vicious assault on June 12th has now died. Homicide #11 of 2007 occurred in the 300 block of Jackson St. The woman never regained consciousness after the assault and was pronounced dead early in the morning of August 11th.
Robert Michael Bennight, a 55 year old Vancouver resident, has been charged."

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-08-02

2007-08-02T22:23:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: A message from 600 Union. Look like a climbing thief is taking advantage of open upper floor doors and windows. Keep a watch and close all windows and doors when going out.
"on monday july 30 about noon, a slim/fit first nations man, early 30s, wearing a white t-shirt with cut off sleeves, jeans and sneakers scaled a wall and entered a townhouse through a second-story balcony door. the resident of the 500 block of union street home chased him from the premises. the robber went willingly without a word while the resident did swear and shout a lot at him while he scaled the wall on his way out. all he managed to take was a can of pop from the fridge."

The Vancouver Police Department has an excellent crime prevention website to show homeowners and tenants as well as vehicle owners how to prevent break-ins. It will show you how to protect your home's windows and doors as well as garages

Powell Street Festival

2007-07-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

The 31st annual Powell Street Festival takes place on Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th, 2007 in Oppenheimer Park, the Firehall Arts Centre and the Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall

more info

Strathcona Block Watch Advisory: 2007-07-05

2007-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: I was talking to Constable Downton at Chinese CPC today and he's explained the VPD directive for calling in about public drug use which has been increasing in the neighbourhood.

IT IS A 9-1-1 CALL IF THE DRUG USE IS IN VIEW OF CHILDREN. If you see someone smoking crack or injecting themselves during daylight hours around the school, parks, or a day-care and there are children about who can see what's happening, call 9-1-1.
If the operator says that it is not a 9-1-1 call, say that you've been told by VPD officers that it is an emergency if drug use is happening in view of children. If the operator is still refusing, politely ask for his or her number, note the time you called and the number of the phone you called from. You can also ask to speak to a supervisor. Pass that information on to Constable Downton or Constable Inouye through Chinese CPC.

IT IS A NON-EMERGENCY CALL--604-717-3321--IF THE DRUG USE IS HAPPENING ANYWHERE ELSE AND OUT OF SIGHT OF CHILDREN

-Mark Budgen

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-07-03

2007-07-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: After the fewest break-ins in a three-month period that I can remember, it looks like we may be about to have an epidemic of them in Strathcona. It's typical for burglars to watch for people moving in and out and target that house because newcomers are not aware of how to harden their house, are tired, etc. Please warn your new neighbours to keep their windows closed when going out, even on upper floors, to check to make sure their doors are locked at night, etc.The message below comes from 700 Hawks Block Watch.

Date: Tue, 03 Jul 2007
Everyone please be alert to any suspicious activity & remember to call 911! A house alarm went off for a long while in 800 E Georgia
St. last night. Surrounding neighbours not very helpful except for one man next door who could not speak English very well. If I hadn't
arrived, I wonder if anyone else would have called 911? This is NOT good. WE have to be more involved and aware for each other. Please
look out, get out and call 911 when an alarm goes off.
Special thanks to one of our neighbours on 700 Hawks who did take the extra step for us.
"Sorry to report that there was a break in at a house on 700 Hawks Avenue this morning at 12.30 a.m.. I heard a noise and went out to investigate and saw a tallish thin man outside the house but thought that he was in an altercation with a woman in a car. Seemed to be over so I was heading back inside and noticed that the front window of the house was open.
I thought that the new owners (who are moving in bit by bit) had left the window open so after worrying that the alarm might be set and go off I went into the suite (I have a key) and closed and locked the window. I then looked inside the house from the back door and you could see all the stuff that had been brought into the house by the new owners and thought "that looks vulnerable" then went home.
I was working late in my office which shares a wall with the other house and heard noises from next door--sounds like things were being moved around roughly--so I went downstairs and out the front door and noticed the window I had closed and locked earlier was open again.
I called 911 hoping to catch the thief but when the police and the dog came the perp had left the scene. Inside the front living room, the TV, sound system, a scanner and a number of other stealable stuff was all piled in front of the front window. It had not been there when I had gone in earlier... Close call.
It has been obvious for the past couple of days that people were moving out. That probably got someone's attention. The house is vulnerable. Let's be on guard this next while and keep our eyes and ears open."

Strathcona Block Watch Alert: 2007-07-04

2007-07-04T15:27:00.001-07:00

To Strathcona Block Watches: Either it's not been as quiet as we thought or the "break-and-enter workers" are out checking on our homes. Be alert and advise your neighbours to be also.

Remember: Vancouver has one of the highest property crime rates, if not the highest, of any city in North America.

It also looks like there is a burglar active in Strathcona who's breaking windows. All three reported recent attempts have involved use of burglary tools.

1. Last night a house in 600 Union was broken into. The burglars broke a window in the early evening but neighbours seem not to have heard.

2. 500 Hawks reports an attempted break-in, fortunately interrupted.

"There was an attempted break-in on Sunday Morning next door to us, the guy broke the window but was thwarted. I suspect that there are events going unreported on the blockwatch network. Maybe its not as quiet as we think it has been."

New site for hosting community info

2007-07-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'm going to try this as a forum for hosting community blockwatch info.

-Joe