DARN Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors

P.O. Box 983 Asheville, NC 28802
phone: 828 225 2959

Periodic Reports from the
Community Resource Officer
Asheville Police Department

December 2008

From Officer Jackie Stepp:

I just wanted to update you on a few things that I have been working on and make sure you are aware of a few things.

APD has coordinated with City to help clean up the Triangle Park ("The Block") area. This is the small park located behind the Police Department.  There is open container, public urination, drugs, etc occurring.  APD has increased patrol and Police presence in the area and we are making numerous arrests, etc.  I feel that if the City helps to beatify the park it will bring some new people in the area who will utilize the Park properly.  Small inexpensive things like mulch, sidewalks, etc.  The City has agreed to implement metered parking around the Park to hopefully keep more traffic flowing through the area. Now the same cars are just parked there all day. 

APD has also put some special attention on the area around Grove and Hilliard.  Families Together has allowed us to conduct surveillance from their building, which has resulted in numerous citations and arrests. 

APD conducted a special at 93 N. Lexington about two weeks ago.  We placed  decoy car in the lot and put $3 in the machine.  All Safe showed up and illegally towed the vehicle.  Two men were arrested and APD detectives will follow up on this investigation.

Special Ops in the downtown area are still being conducted on a regular basis to address issues such as panhandling, drugs, open container, vehicle B&E's, etc. 

 

Thanks and Happy New Year

July 2008

From Officer Jackie Stepp:

Early Wednesday July 8, morning there was a purse snatching at a local bar in the downtown area.  Suspect was caught on a moped and had items from the purse in his possession. Suspect was charged with larceny and drug paraphernalia. 

 51 Biltmore lot (next to Hotdog King) is on the Progress Energy list to get additional lighting and the small lot on the corner of S. Lexington and Hilliard (across from Vigne).  This should take approximately 3-6 weeks.  Public Interest Projects have also installed additional lighting in the parking/courtyard area behind Asheville Wine Market and Laurey’s. 

They have ordered sings from Fast Signs asking people not to leave valuables in their vehicles and those should be up sometime this week.

The posted the properties at 19 Biltmore (under renovation) and at 31 Biltmore (Brenda’s Fabulous Finds) with “No Trespassing-letter on file with APD” signs. 

 I just wanted to give you all a heads up on some good news in the downtown area.  No the purse snatching is not good news but catching the suspect is.

On July 7^th at 23:13 around the area of 1 Battle Square two motor vehicles were broken into.  Two immediate arrests were made by APD officers. 

On July 6^th there were three downtown businesses that were broken into. The businesses were 22 N. Market Street, 268 Biltmore Avenue and 77 Coxe Avenue.  APD officers spotted the suspect still inside 77 Coxe Avenue, with money in his hand.  An arrest was made and suspect was charged with all three B&E’s.

March 2008

From Officer Jackie Stepp:

Hi everyone. I hope all is well.  I apologize for not giving you a February report.  I went out on February 29, 2008 for surgery.  I am now back at work but on light duty.  I would like to meet with guys every now and then if that is possible.  It is important for me to get to know members of the DARN association.  Do you have monthly meetings?  Can you please forward me any information about upcoming meeting so that I can attend? 

Crime Update:  There is a new crime mapper though the City of Asheville’s Home page.  Once you get there just put mapAsheville in the search block.  Then click on new Crime Mapper.  Here you can put in geographical locations and view the crime that has occurred in that area.  Our crime analysis guy is overwhelmed with work and hasn’t been able to get me an update.  Please let me know if this website is helpful and gives you a good enough crime update.  During the month of February there was a Breaking and Entering in the downtown area.  Officers observed a male walking down the street and detained him until they could determine if the business was in fact broken into.  Upon further investigation it was determined that it had been broke into and there were some items missing.  The suspect had cuts on his hands and the stolen items were found in his possession.  Suspect was charged with Breaking and Entering as well as possession of Marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  The location was a business on N. Lexington Avenue.  APD officers responded quickly to the business alarm and did a great job on catching the suspect. 

City Parks:  I have been working with John Kutscher with Parks and Recreation to get some Park rules posted in the City Parks.  Pritchard Park continues to be a problem so with these rules we will be able to better control the park instead of waiting until the break a law.  This will also help Jennifer at the Kiosk feel more comfortable in asking people to leave.  She will have something physical to point at and show what rule was violated. 

 As the weather gets warmer you should start to see more officers on foot patrol in the downtown area.  We extended some of our downtown augment beats in order to cover Patton Avenue and the “Triangle Park” on S. Market Street. 

 Remember:  Most intruders seek easy targets.  They want to get in quickly, quietly and unseen.  The harder you make it for them, the lower your risk of a break in. 

Here is an update on the police reports for the month of January. 

Crime update: During the month of January there were 16 vandalisms, 1 larceny of motor vehicle, 3 larcenies, 6 burglaries, 8 violent crimes (including robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault) and 17 drug related crimes reported in the downtown area.  Officers made an arrest for possession with intent to manufacture sell and deliver.  This was the second arrest for the same individual.  Officers were in plainclothes conducting surveillance from Mayfield’s. 

The new Kiosk at Pritchard Park has been up and running throughout the month of January.  Jennifer is doing a great job and now has a radio that she can call the police dispatch directly on for a quicker response from LEO.

 A wet shelter will be implemented on February 1^st and will be located at ABCCM facility on Hillside Street.

The wet shelter is also called the “social detox” and it is a referral option for Law Enforcement.  If LEO encounters someone who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and has no place to go, the wet shelter may be used.    

Sign up now for the Citizens Police Academy.  The Asheville Police Department is now inviting residents to apply for the spring semester of its Citizens Police Academy.  The academy, offered for free twice a year, gives participants insight into the philosophy, policies, and guiding principles of law enforcement and the ethical conduct governing the APD’s services in the community.  The class is designed to give residents an appreciation for the problems and challenges facing law enforcement, as well as an up-close opportunity to offer insights, ideas and solutions. 

The academy last for 11 consecutive weeks, with three-hour classes held on Thursdays.

The course consists of basic classroom instruction, presentations and demonstrations on topics such as criminal investigations, constitutional and criminal law, use of force, departmental structure and defensive tactics.  Participants will also be able to ride along with police officers on patrol.

The final day of class ends with a graduation ceremony.

Classes begin March 13 and 6pm.  Those wishing to participate must apply and be accepted.

 The signup deadline is March 7^th.

For more information on the academy, contact Officer Allen Dunlap at 259-5834 or adunlap@ahsevillenc.gov

 Help put a stop to these violent crimes.  While driving lock doors and roll up windows.  Keep valuables out of sight and park in well-lit areas.  Never pick up strangers.  While walking, biking or jogging go with a friend, avoid isolated areas, stay alert and do not carry lots of cash or wear expensive clothing or jewelry. 

January 1, 2008

Crime Update: During the month of December there were 25 vandalisms, 4 larceny of motor vehicles, 25 larcenies, 2 burglaries, 6 violent crimes (including robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault) and 6 drug related crimes reported in the downtown area.  Officers made and arrest out of Pritchard Park for Sell Sch VI. 

 Community Resource Officers attended the DARN Christmas party.

 Please help us continue to stop the ongoing larceny problems in the downtown area.  Be cautious of valuables placed in open area.

 The new kiosk is now stationed at Pritchard Park and will have a full time employee stationed there as a Park Ranger.  The kiosk will also be used as an information booth for tourists as well.  Hopefully this will also be helpful in freeing up the police in order for officers to patrol more of the downtown area.

 Heads up everyone about a car jacking scheme that is going around.  Beware of paper in the back window of your vehicle.  You unlock your car, get inside.  You start the engine and shift into reverse.  When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.  So, you shift into park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove the paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.  When you reach the back of your car, that is when the jar jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off.  They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what ladies, I bet your purse in still in the vehicle so now the car jacker has your car, your home address, money, and your keys.  Your home and you whole identity are now compromised.  Beware of this scheme that is now being used.  If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away.  Remove the paper later.  And be thankful that you read about this. 

 

Community Resource Officer, Asheville Police Department
Officer Jackie Stepp

Police direct number
828 252-1110

Mayor Terry Bellamy
Vice-Mayor, Jan Davis
Robin Cape
Kelly Miller
Bill Russell
Dr. Carl Mumpower
Brownie Newman