West End Neighbors Concerned About Daytime Burglaries
WEST END (KDKA) – Some neighbors in the West End are concerned about a rash of daytime burglaries, and they are trying to find a way to work together to protect their property.
The Westwood neighborhood in the city's West End section is known for being quiet, peaceful and mostly crime-free. But times are changing.
In the last few months, there's been a rash of home burglaries including three in the past week. One was near resident Mike Bonnar's house.
"I don't know what was taken, but I heard they ransacked it pretty well, and just made a complete disaster of it," Bonnar said.
Home burglaries are at the top of the agenda Tuesday night during councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith's community meeting with residents from Westwood and Crafton Heights.
"We just want to let them know what we are doing, what they can do, and some of the other things that are happening in the community," Kail-Smith said.
Apparently, thieves are casing homes and breaking in during the day when most people are at work. Resident Tom Schramm is on the lookout for strange activity in his neighborhood.
"I've already done it. If I see a car I've never seen in the neighborhood before parked somewhere, like near a house just sitting there, I'll walk up and ask them what they're doing," Schramm said.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
Anyone who wants to start a neighborhood block watch is urged to attend the community meeting.
"Tonight will be an opportunity to sign up for additional block watches. We really want people to come out and watch the neighborhood," Kail-Smith said. "And in Westwood, they've typically done that without a formal block watch, but we want everyone to know there are tools available."
Kail-Smith says residents should see more police patrols, and there are plans to put more video surveillance cameras at strategic locations throughout the neighborhood.
The community meeting was held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Crafton Heights to discuss the issue with police.
