Many Neighborhood Crime Watch members often ask for information about what partners agencies are up and what they can provide the public. Check out Common Good, the Newsletter of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, to find out what they are up to!   more »

Hello Everyone,

As the summer approaches so do our National Night Out events. We've taken the time to update all NNO information for 2008 so you can get an early start.

Here is a list of information you'll find:

Boston, MA. The Boston Police Department’s Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit has launched a pilot social network called The E-13/Jamaica Plain Neighbors Network (http://e13.bostoncrimewatch.com). The neighborhood centric social networks aims to connects neighbors to each other, provides them with organizing and communication tools, and invites them to take advantage of police, city, and community resources to address crime, quality of life, and engage each other in neighborhood happenings.   more »

Let the city help you organize a neighborhood clean-up or a day of community service for your co-workers. Join us and paint a community center, plant flowers, sweep, rake and pick up trash to make our communities more beautiful.    more »

What: The 20th Annual National Night Out Poster Contest run by the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit of the Boston Police Department. For whom: All children between the ages of 5 and 18 enrolled in any school, community center, library, before and after school program, or any adult coordinated youth activity program/group in the City of Boston are eligible.   more »

Please spread the word! Due to the sudden increase of these expensive units being stolen from motor vehicles along with all other electronics (cell phones, laptops, etc.) The Boston Police Department strongly recommends the following:   more »

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a snow emergency in anticipation of forecasted heavy snowfall tonight. The snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at midnight tonight. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:   more »

Also see the 2008 Boston Elected Official Guide.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a snow emergency in anticipation of forecasted heavy snowfall tonight followed by frigid temperatures mid-week creating possibly icy conditions. The snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at midnight tonight. Putting public safety as the top priority,   more »

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared that a snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:   more »

The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The Boston Police Department encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season is considered peak season for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters.

Don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and pickpockets a chance to dampen your holiday spirit. Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.

The Boston Police Department believes you can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors. We ask you to remember these simple safety precautions and enjoy the excitement of a safe and happy holiday.

Take a Holiday Inventory:

• The holidays are a good time to update – or create– your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file.
  
• Make sure things like TVs, DVDs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment, and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

Celebrate Responsibly:

• The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Anyone with a BAC of .08 or higher is in violation of Boston law and may go to jail. Remember that the risk isn’t worth it - if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don’t drive. Take a cab, use public transportation, or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.

If You Are Traveling:

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Don’t forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it’s a sure sign you’re away.

If You Are Out for the Evening:

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone’s home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Hosting A Party:

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

If You Are Attending A Party:

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Remember: Only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body. Know your safe limit.
• Never drink and drive.

Protect Your Vehicle:

• Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they’re in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché “Out of sight, out of mind?” The same idea applies to items in your car.
• Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn’t worth a thief’s time. However, anything left in plain view – from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, iPods, cell phones, GPS or laptops – may tempt a thief.
• Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it’s cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store – even if only for a minute or two.
• If you take packages to the car but plan to return to the store or mall, drive your car to a new location. Criminals can be on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers who simply drop their purchases into the trunk and then return to keep shopping.
• When returning to your auto (or home) have your keys in your hand ready to open the door. A few seconds may keep you from becoming a crime victim. Also check the inside of the vehicle for an intruder. Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.

If You Are Shopping:

• Walk confidently with your head up, stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Park in a well-lit space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible. When using credit cards, make sure that only one credit slip is printed with your charge card. Also, be sure to tear up any carbons that may be used to complete the transaction.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. Open-weaved bags or purses without zippers or flaps are easy marks for pickpockets. Check your surroundings when opening your purse or wallet.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.
• Pay attention to people walking in front of and behind you. Be particularly observant when you are in crowded areas such as malls and stores, as places with large crowds are favorites for thieves and pickpockets.
• Dress down while shopping instead of wearing expensive clothing and jewelry, which attracts thieves.

After Opening Gifts:

• Don't advertise all the wonderful gifts you received over the holidays. Turn all gift boxes, bags, and wrapping paper inside out before recycling.
  

We've received multiple requests over the past couple of months from Neighborhood Crime Watch leaders and members on what they could do with their groups during the holidays.

Our answer, Host a "Holiday Pot Luck Social" for your neighbors. Share the warmth, holiday spirit, crime prevention tips, and add neighbors to your "Phone/Email Tree".

Here is a step by step guide:

1. Send an email to your Neighborhood Crime Watch Group proposing your have a "Holiday Pot Luck Social". In your email, propose a three dates, ask someone to host, and ask for two volunteers to help get the word out; one person to flyer the street, and the other to call each members and invite and remind them to come.
2. Once your date and location have been determined, email me at Porcellij.bpd@ci.boston.ma.us with the details (Name of Group, Date, Time, and number of expected attendees and we'll print and mail you flyers, safety guides, holiday safety tips, sign-in forms, and an agenda for the Social.
   
3. Have your your neighbors flyered 1 week before the Social.
4. Have reminder calls made three day before the Social.
5. Have fun at the Social.
   
6. After the social update your phone/email tree and email everyone to thank them and attached up-to-date phone/email tree sheet.

THE MISSING GIRL HAS BEEN FOUND

Thank you for your help

The Boston Police is seeking a missing nine-year-old female from Jamaica Plain.

At approximately 1:01pm today, officers from District E-13 responded to 63 Mozart St. in Jamaica Plain for a missing nine-year old girl. There, officers spoke to the victim’s mother who reported that the victim left for school this morning around 8:00am but never showed up for school at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School located at 7 Bolster St. in Jamaica Plain. The mother became aware that the victim was missing when the school notified her.

9 year-old Neishalys Gonzalez is described as a white Hispanic female, 4’11" in height, and weighing about 65 pounds. The victim is further described as having brown eyes, black curly shoulder length hair, and wearing a gray jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes. The victim was last seen this morning walking by the school in the company of two young girls.

Please call 911 with information.

Neighborhood Crime Watch members and friends,

On Tuesday, Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched the City of Boston’s 21st Annual Can Share with a trip to Hi-Lo Foods in Jamaica Plain for a community shopping challenge. Mayor Menino joined community members to shop with a budget of $21, equal to the average weekly food stamp benefit of a Massachusetts household, showing how challenging it is for some households to feed their families. The shopping trip kicked off Can Share, the city’s annual food drive to help feed Boston’s hungry.

The Neigborhood Crime Watch unit strongly urges Neighborhood Crime Watch members accross the city to participate in Can Share by donating 21 cans, $21 dollars, or tell 21 of your neighbors about Can Share. Cans are being collected at Fire Stations, Community Centers, City Halls, and Fedex Kinkos through December 4.

Click more to find out where BPD Halloween Events are happening in your neighborhood.   more »

Halloween Safety Tips

• Parents should establish a route for children, stay within familiar areas and surroundings.  An adult should accompany young children.
• Remind kids not to enter strangers' homes or cars.
• Remind children to avoid homes without an outside light on.
• Attach your phone number and address to your children’s costume.
• Take a flashlight.
• Be sure clothing/costumes are bright, reflective and flame retardant.
• Set rules about not eating treats until kids get home. Be sure to inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Candy that has been opened should be thrown away. Any homemade treats or fruit should be inspected closely.
• Never cross the street between parked cars.
• Watch open flames from jack-o-lanterns as they can catch costumes and long wigs on fire.
• Make sure that fake knives, swords, and guns are made from cardboard or other flexible materials to avoid accidental injury or worse, have them mistaken for the real thing!
• It is also important to ensure that your home is safe and accessible to trick-or-treaters. As adults there are some very simple things we can do to make the evening safe everyone.
• Turn on your porch light and sit outside to distribute treats.  Encourage your neighbors to join you.  It makes the whole neighborhood safer.
• Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch where kids get bunched up if they are trick-or-treating in groups.
• Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard.
• Drive slowly all evening-you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.