Kingston Neighborhood Watch Update 6/19/10

Hello, Watchers! I apologize for my recent absence from the blog. While I was gone, you may have noticed a few changes around here.

Live Help Available on Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch Homepage

One thing that we are all very excited about is the installation of a Meebo widget in the upper right hand corner of our homepage. This widget allows direct contact with Kingston Neighborhood Watch members at all times, 24/7. If you have an issue to report, or a question, all you have to do is type it in the box, and you will receive live help from a watch member. This is just one more way, in addition to our email, contact page, facebook, and twitter, that you can contact us online. For those who prefer to do things the old fashioned way, you can still reach us via telephone, too.

Many Recent Reports of Theft in Kingston Area

Those of you who pay attention to the Kingston NY Crime Reports Map may have noticed that there has been a rash of thefts in the city. In the past week, there have been at least sixteen reported thefts , five reports of theft from a vehicle, and three accounts of breaking and entering. According to the Kingston Police Department daily blotter, KPD received SIX calls on June 18, 2010 ALONE for larceny. Many of the recent incidents have occurred in the vicinity of Washingto n Avenue and the Boulevard, and on the north side of Broadway, near Garden Street and Smith Ave. There have been reports of vehicle break-ins all over the city, however. Please be watchful, and lock your vehicles. In some cases, the doors have been opened and alarm systems have been disarmed, so avoid leaving valuables in your car at all costs. Leave your porch lights on at night, and as always, report any suspicious behavior.

Neighbors Help Bust Criminals

Mid Hudson News Network recently printed a story where Kingston residents were credited with providing information that led to three drug-related arrests. According to the article:
"

The URGENT task force and Kingston City Police were assisted with information provided by constituents of Alderman Ron Polacco.

Police arrested Joseph Bell, and Shamieka Munson, both 23 and both living at 210 Oneil Street apartment 4, and Leon Rotella, 24, of 83 Gage Street in Kingston. Police on Friday observed the three making an illegal narcotics transaction at the intersection of Flatbush and Foxhall avenues in the City of Kingston.

They were arrested on drug related charged and Rotella was charged for an outstanding warrant on criminal contempt in the first degree.

Police executed a search warrant at Bell and Munson’s residence and seized numerous diverted pharmaceuticals, digital scales and drug packaging."

This is a huge victory for Kingston, and proof that we really can make a difference!

Second Community Safe Walk Scheduled

On Tuesday, June 29, We'll be taking to the streets with our SECOND Community Safe Walk. Members of the KNW will be walking north of Broadway in Midtown: meeting at the firehouse on 17 Wiltwyck Avenue.

( map is here)
The goal of the walk is to illustrate the presence of a united Kingston Neighborhood Watch and to connect with community members .

A few reminders:

If you haven't already, please fill out the waiver of responsibility. ALL participants MUST have a waiver on file in order to walk.

• Wear your Watch T-shirts!
• T-Shirts available to purchase: $15 s-m-l-xl & $16 xxl
• Don’t forget your whistles, flashlights, camera and cell phones!
• Bring the Kids!
• Let’s have a great walk !
• Not just Feet! Bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades?
• Well manner leashed pets are welcome.
• Please help spread the word! Invite your friends and Neighbors,
• New members welcome!

Please come join us.

If there is anything that you think we should be aware of, please contact us, either in the comments or via any of the methods listed above. Stay safe, and keep watching!