Crime Prevention in Rodgers Forge

From Mike Calwell, the chairman of the Rodgers Forge Community, Inc.'s Crime Prevention Committee:

Rodgers Forge has seen an increase in burglaries and other crimes in the last couple months. These range from quietly entering the house through a basement window and taking cash to well orchestrated, multi-person robberies. Until a couple months ago, I was naïve to how vulnerable our neighborhood and houses are. After reading post after post of criminal activity it was clear there is an issue that needs to be addressed.

About a month ago, I proposed a committee to the Rodgers Forge Community Board to focus on crime prevention and neighborhood safety. Be careful what you ask for. On October 14, 2009, the Rodgers Forge Community Board approved the new committee and nominated me as the chair.

The vision of the committee is to increase crime prevention awareness and safety throughout the Rodgers Forge community through education, proactive communications and community participation. I believe there are basic measures most residents can take to sure up their borders. This could include anything from additional lighting in the back of our houses to deadbolts with keys on both sides. I know in the last couple weeks as I’ve focused on the committee and talked to other residents, I’ve learned several small things that may overt a break-in later.

At the end of the day, we may not be able to eliminate criminal activity in Rodgers Forge. I had a brief conversation with my Mom who lived in the apartments when she was first married. There was a wave of violent activity back then. It’s our duty as residents to stand-up to the criminals preying on our neighbors and let them know we are now watching them. Take the simple steps to secure your home, look out for your neighbors and report ANY suspicious activity.
Please contact me with any questions, comments or ideas. Together, we CAN make a difference.

Mike Calwell
MikeCalwell@GMail.com