City safety questionnaire...and more police news

Redmond Safety Alerts, by Jim Bove, RPD community facilitator

What say you?

Our police and fire departments, along with city planning, have created a questionnaire asking for YOUR feedback regarding public safety resources. This is part of the long range public safety strategic plan – so as we prepare for the future, what is it that you want more or or less of when it comes to public safety resources? As we grow as a city, what do you envision being important? It’s a total of 20 questions, but shouldn’t take any more than 6-ish minutes. We value your feedback and encourage you to participate, regardless of whether you live here, work here, drive through here, play, eat, drink, etc….www.surveymonkey.com/s/QVDDWQ5  You can also access the link on our main PD website: www.redmond.gov/police.

Give that girl a badge!

You may have heard or seen the story about a car prowler that was arrested a few weeks ago
here in Redmond (by the way, had another one arrested yesterday!). Please note the witness in the story: an 11 year old girl who heard the prowler at 4 in the morning Read More >>

and had her dad call 911. The prowler was caught, arrested, and admitted to nearly 60 prowls in Redmond (only about 20 of which were reported). More on this young lady at a later date, but there are so many great reminders in this stories:

1.    It’s just as important to educate your children on how to be a good witness as it is adults

2.    Importance of getting a license plate and trusting your instincts to report crime

3.    Report crimes when they occur – even if nothing is stolen, but as soon as you notice something—touch nothing, call police. It’s pretty typical when a suspect is caught that they are actually responsible for a number of crimes, however, even if they admit to it they can’t be charged with anything unless we have evidence to prove 100% that it occurred. It is very important that you report all crimes.

4.    And for crying out loud, remove items from your car –money, wallets, purses, gym bags, electronics, dead bodies…everything!

This just in…

I am not perfect. J This blurb was included in the last email, but the contact email was not correct. It has been corrected below. Great resource for everyone….and FREE!

Our friends in the Redmond Fire Department have asked that I pass along that they offer FREE (that’s right, I said free) smoke alarms and home safety visits. During a home visit, Redmond Fire Fighters test your old smoke alarms, install new ones if needed, help identify potential fire hazards, and help create a home fire escape plan! A great resource to keep you and your family safer. To schedule an appointment email Kristen Thorstenson at  kmthorstenson@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2264. For more information, visit here.  

Updated Peddler’s Licenses

Updated peddler licenses issued by the City: Trugreen, Eastside Tree Works, Tree of Life Chiropractic, Edward Jones, Evergreen Tree Care, ARM Security Inc, and System Pavers, TLC for Homes, and Ancora Construction LLC. These are valid until January 31^st of next year. (Reminder: Just because someone may knock on your door and NOT have a peddler license, does not make them a criminal. Some people are not required to have a license. See www.codepublishing.com/WA/redmond.html, RMC 5.08 or search for “peddler” and it’ll bring it up on that site. It’s not very cut and dry. Regardless, these people will/should normally carry some sort of official ID. From a safety perspective, best advice on dealing with these knocks—simply talk through the door so they know someone is home. If it’s a burglar they will usually leave. If they won’t leave or are suspicious, call 911 immediately. Recent related non-Redmond story:  http://www.king5.com/news/local/Door-to-door-salesmen-claim-to-be-with-Boys-and-Girls-Clubs-217504081.html