Be vigilant, for your sake and that of others. Photo by María Helena Carey (keys by forgetful neighbor)
Although the increase in violence –so well documented here, there, and elsewhere– is what is on our minds as a community, I wanted to share a cautionary theft story that happened some time ago to one of our readers. After a busy afternoon, these Capitol Hill neighbors were emptying their car and tending to their family. The following morning surprised them in a nasty way: Their car had been stolen and found some time later abandoned in one of our neighboring states. Thank goodness, it seems the thieves were only interested in a joyride and left most of the belongings –including expensive baby gear– in the car. The cops were alerted to the robbery because if you report a car theft to the police, the tags go into a database and many police cars now come with passive scanners that check license plates as cars go by.
The kicker? The exhausted family had dropped their car keys near their vehicle, and made it easy for would-be thieves to take off with their property. Some neighbors are exhausted on account of family and/or work responsibilities. Other neighbors are slowing down due to age or infirmity: make sure you check up on your neighbors and to borrow a line from Metro, “See something, say something.”
One of the things that makes our neighborhood great is the care we show for others no matter what the situation or what the season. Stay vigilant on behalf of your friends and neighbors. Here is a short list of resources to help you help others in need:
DC Police Department: 911, always. If your property has been stolen, make sure you report it. You can even fill out a theft report online.
United States Capitol Police: 202-224-5151
Information and general non-emergency help: 311 or online by clicking this link
If you see individuals having trouble in the heat (or cold), find help here:
Heat Advisory: Click here for our early summer post on what to do.
Hypothermia Shelter Hotline: (for winter’s cold) 800-535-7252