Want to stop crime? Madison Police to hold meeting on June 30

Many residents are concerned with an upsurge in criminal activity recently in Madison neighborhoods. Madison Police Department will discuss crime prevention at a special presentation at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road on June 30 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

“We want as many people as possible to attend,” Lt. John Stringer said. Stringer and other officers will offer pointers for personal protection and the effectiveness of neighborhood watch groups in combating crime.

In recent weeks, thieves burglarized 25 cars and broke into one residence — all in one weekend. “In a city of 45,000 people, you’re going to have an occasional burglary. Burglaries to residencies and vehicles actually are down from 2011 for the second year in the row,” Stringer said.

However, Stringer recommends precautions. “Lock vehicle doors. Many offenders won’t waste time or run the risk of getting caught from noise to break into a vehicle. (Precautions) will force them to move on and get out of our city.”

He also warns against leaving valuables in plain sight. A “smash-and-grab” is more likely when a thief can see a laptop computer, expensive sunglasses, cell phone, iPad, electronic reader or GPS device.

“We expect a spike in crime around summer months (and the holidays). We’re already begun increasing patrols in neighborhoods. We have tried to be proactive,” Stringer said.

The June 30 presentation also will discuss Neighborhood Watch Groups. Most significantly, a Neighborhood Watch Group “becomes a force multiplier for the police department,” Stringer said. “It’s not THE police department … it’s THEIR police department.” He quoted a historian: “The public are the police, and the police are the public.”

Stringer urges individuals to call the police department (256- 722-7190) about any unusual situation or noises. “People say, ‘I didn’t want to bother you because the police have more important things to do.’ Police officers will tell you if something more important is going on.”

“People would be surprised that how often a small piece of information can deter criminal activity,” Stringer said. “The details can break a major case. Feel free to pick up the phone and call us.”