We had a great turnout of 40+ neighbors to the MNA General Meeting last week. We heard from the Austin Parks department about the trail system going from Balcones District Park to Walnut Creek park that will be starting imminently. We also heard from our police liaisons, got some good practical advice about writing down all the serial numbers on your pawnable electronics (if you’d ever like to see them again after a robbery), and talked about some of the unfortunate rise in burglaries as the local burglars apparently have wrapped up their summer vacations.
One of the best ways to take action to improve the safety of you and your neighbors is to get involved in neighborhood watch activities, and National Night Out is the perfect time to start meeting your neighbors. National Night Out 2010, America’s night out against crime will be Tuesday, October 5th in the evening. Please get out of the house and meet your neighbors, talk with each other, exchange phone numbers and other contact information. Different streets may have block parties or gatherings, and you are welcome to come say hello, but you don’t need a block party to participate. Just come out in your yard and talk to others about looking out for eachother. Awareness is key to crime prevention. Know your neighbors. Know who belongs and who does not. If you see someone or something suspicious, call 911 or 311 first. If it turns out to be nothing, apologize later. Don’t let timidity keep you from helping your neighbors avoid being robbed.
