Grove Crime Statistics Update

Dear residents and Crime Watchers,

In the past few weeks, I have seen several resident’s posts on sites such as NextDoor recounting incidents taking place in our Grove neighborhoods. Since I assumed the responsibility of providing police services for the Grove in July 2013, I have made it my personal mission to increase communications with our residents to allow for greater transparency. My efforts include the engagement of our community via meetings, emails, and yes, even the NextDoor app. I have encouraged our residents to report every single incident that impacts our community and directed them to Crimemapping.com, where you can search for crimes in the Grove. I wanted to take an opportunity to reassure our community that Coconut Grove is safer now that it has been at any time in the past decade. I searched and compared the crime stats for the last ten years to give you a glimpse at how our crime prevention efforts have impacted the level of reported crime in Coconut Grove. I know you will appreciate the effort our team puts forth each and every day to keep our community safe.  Reductions were experienced in every category, but most impressive is that when compared to 2006, Robberies were reduced 86%, and Burglaries went down 67%.

Year 
Assault
and
Battery
Robbery
Stolen
Cars 
Burglary
Car
Break
ins
Theft
Shop
lifting 
2006
187
60
62
162
253
264
28
2007
171
72
73
127
235
264
40
2008
186
66
79
127
340
237
61
2009
140
48
35
164
274
185
33
2010
128
34
29
104
245
178
42
2011
106
26
35
117
264
161
39
2012
105
43
28
126
218
216
47
2013
99
43
27
98
201
202
59
2014
82
33
39
95
227
149
60
2015
85
18
20
72
171
162
47
2016
84
8
20
54
173
115
28
The numbers speak for themselves, and the results are impressive, but there is still room for improvement. I know that stats offer little consolation to the resident that has been victimized, and I promise to continue to work arduously to make our community safer each and every day. I want to improve in the area of car break-ins, so  please remember to park properly and secure your vehicle by removing valuables and locking all doors. Please share with your neighbors.
Thank You and be safe, and I hope to see you at our next crime watch meetings.  
 
Commander Manuel A. Morales
Coconut Grove NET
Miami Police Department
South District Substation
Office 305-643-7170
Mobile 786-300-1479
Twitter @CGCommanderMo

Pop-Up Margarita Stand

Margaritas!The famous Utopia Pop-Up Margarita stand is rumored to be making an appearance Sunday at 5 PM in the Triangle Park at Ensenada and La Playa.

Walk the dog. Take a jog. Meet your friendly neighbors for happy hour. All (adult) Utopia residents are welcome. Enjoy free margaritas while the supply lasts.

Pass the word.

See you there!

Crime Update from Commander Morales: Guns, Drugs, Fireworks, Theft

On Tuesday, our units were conducting an anti-gun violence operation in the Village West and received information about a suspect that was delivering drugs to the Grove. The units were able to apprehend WM Ilitch Munoz for sale of cocaine. The investigation revealed the suspect was armed with a .357 revolver and was also in possession of steroids. The officers were surprised to learn that the suspect had used his job as an Uber driver to solicit drug buyers. I am extremely proud of our units for taking a gun off our streets.

As the above incident was developing, I received a call from a resident on Coconut Ave in the Center Grove. He advised that a suspicious male was looking into vehicles. Units responded to the area and were able to contact BM James Taylor. The officers were able to develop probable cause to effect the arrest. A record check revealed Mr. Taylor has been previously arrested for breaking into cars. Kudos to the alert resident that diligently called the police and likely prevented a crime in our community.

A few moments ago, one of our grove units on a traffic detail conducted a stop of an individual for a moving violation at Grand Ave and Matilda. The alert officer detected a strong smell of marijuana, he investigated a little deeper and discovered a sizable amount of marijuana. The offender was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell.

In closing, I have received numerous calls from concerned residents about the continuing explosions and fireworks rocking our community for the past few weeks and I am aware of the disruption it is causing. Our units have saturated the area but have failed to locate the perpetrators. I have tasked one of our supervisors and his team to employ the use of undercover vehicle to covertly search for the offenders. Rest assure that our team will continue to seek the violators until we can restore peace and quiet to our community. If you know who is responsible please call 911 or send me a direct message.

A final reminder to Park Smart – park your car in a safe location, remove all valuables and LOCK your doors.

Stay Safe.
Cmdr. Manny Morales

Trip Report: Hawks Cay

For those of you who attended the Spring Fling, you remember that there was a door prize for two nights stay at Hawks Cay on Duck Key. Well, I am the least lucky person when it comes to drawings or sweepstakes so you can imagine how surprised I was when the officer on duty pulled my name from the hat. In fact, I was fixing a batch of margaritas when people called me and said I was wanted outside by the police officer. My first thought was, oh no, did someone park on a neighbors lawn! Well it was a pleasant surprise and I must thank Cheryl Andrews for arranging the door prize from her client.

Janice and I decided to use the certificate to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary this past weekend and we had a wonderful time. Our room was very nicely appointed with a comfortable bed and spacious bathroom. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. The grounds were well groomed and there was a dolphin exhibit at the lagoon. I enjoyed an ahi tuna snack at the pool bar which was outstanding and the bartender had no issue with pouring a good drink. Janice and I took advantage of the “tranquility zone” also known as the adult pool as the family pool was a bit too happening for us empty nesters. We also explored the nearby marina where all kinds of activities from scuba to deep sea fishing are offered. We only wish we had a little more time… I’m sure we will go back.

I’m including a few photos from our stay for those of you who are considering a visit.

[flagallery gid=6 name=’Duck Key, Florida’]

Miami Vehicular Protection Request (Hurricanes)

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El Nino is ending and hurricane landfall probabilities are up this year. However, there is still time to register your vehicle for free parking in the Oak St garage in the event of a hurricane.

Many of our neighbors do not have garages and their vehicles are subject to damages by a hurricane. The City of Miami will allow registered residents to park in the municipal garages if they have properly registered their vehicles IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT. Parking is available on a first come basis for registered residents.

Registration via the Miami Parking website is fairly quick but it must be complete before June 30 each year.

You will need an uploadable document proving you live in the city limits of Miami. I suggest a phone snapshot of your driver license. Have it on your computer before your begin the registration process.

Additionally, this year, you will need to create an account with the City prior to registering. Its easy but takes one additional step.

Its a bit hard to find the registration page on the Miami Parking website so I’ve included it here for your convenience:

https://www.miamiparking.com/miami-vehicular-protection/

You will be mailed a decal to place in your car to identify you as a registered vehicle owner. The registration form lacks a place to add your address so I recommend putting a request to mail the decal to you with your mailing address in the comments box.

Good luck and lets hope we don’t need to use the garage this hurricane season.