Hello fellow Utopians, I know it’s been a while but I was unable to attend the April meeting and there was no meeting in May, which led to a very well attended and robust meeting on June 10th.
Police Report
Commander Manuel Morales advised that Coconut Grove experienced a 17% decline in crime for 2014 as compared with 2013. Current crime stats show a continued decline but at a slower pace. He stressed that historically there is a spike in crime during the summer.
For April and May of 2015, nine arrests were made for street sales of drugs in the West Grove. In the North Grove, four thefts were reported at Mercy Hospital. A bicycle was stolen from an apartment complex in the Central Grove and two bikes were reported stolen in the South Grove.
Commander Morales advised that there are two loosely knit gangs continuing to operate in the West Grove. Contrary to most gangs, these are not drug trafficking groups but are involved in violent activities which are victim-specific (not random).
Commander Morales encouraged everyone to remain vigilant and be the eyes and ears of the police and to not hesitate to call the police when they see something suspicious.
He explained that the police department tracks habitual offenders, often referred to as career criminals, who are responsible for 80% of all crimes.
A representative from the State Attorney’s Office gave a detailed report of the status of recent arrests and prosecutions of individuals arrested for committing crimes in the Grove.
Reportit.leadsonline.com
Commander Morales strongly recommended that all residents avail themselves to a free program called reportit.leadsonline.com which lets you securely store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss.
Police Patrols
A discussion then followed as to the value of off-duty police patrols similar to Utopia. Commander Morales advised that homeowner’s associations with off-duty police patrols experience significantly lower rates of crime. He stressed, however, that even with police patrols, criminals can still strike and he reiterated the value of citizen involvement. In addition to Utopia, three other Grove neighborhoods utilize off-duty City of Miami police patrols; Bay Heights (highest coverage), Coco Grove and Grove Manor. A portion of the North Grove is attempting to create a Homeowner’s Association to explore hiring off-duty officers while other areas have been successful in being designated “special taxing districts” to acquire extra security in the form of security guards and police patrols.
Court Watch and Code Watch
Tom Cobitz provided an update on the Court Watch program in which he and other Crime Watch members and Grove residents keep track of habitual offenders’ cases through the criminal justice system and speak on behalf of Coconut Grove at sentencing and other court hearings.
Mr. Cobitz is also the representative of the Crime Watch’s Code Watch in which members work with residents to identify abandoned or dilapidated structures that often lead to drug sales and other illegal activity. Code Watch works with the police and code enforcement to enforce nuisance abatement laws which could lead to demolition of the unsafe structure or forcing the property owners to secure the buildings.
Citizens Reports
A North Grove resident reported that a home located at 1855 South Bayshore Drive is being used as a hotel, creating considerable traffic and noise. The neighborhood is zoned only for residential properties. There is growing concern as two other residences in the same area are also suspected as being used as hotels. Several concerned residents attempted to take legal action against the South Bayshore property but the case was dismissed in court. Residents were encouraged to continue gathering information which will be shared with city officials in an attempt to seek nuisance abatement enforcement.
A North Grove resident also reported (and was confirmed by Commander Morales) that a crime watch member video recorded two individuals driving a stolen black Honda SUV stealing equipment from lawn service trucks. The member also called the police which led to the apprehension of both individuals, one of whom was charged with robbery for forcibly taking lawn equipment from a landscaper. The other individual was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer as he assaulted an officer during the arrest.
New Business
Crime Watch reported that PAL, the Police Athletic League, which provides youth activities for at risk kids is experiencing a shortage of funds. Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes is sponsoring a black tie fundraiser at the Grand Bay Club, Key Biscayne, on Saturday, June 27th. I’ve attached an invitation. Tickets are $150 per person or $200 for VIP tickets. If you can’t make it, donations are always appreciated.
Volunteers have been requested for the Mary Street Art Festival. Please contact me if you’re interested in helping.
Crime Watch is also working with the Police Department for the installation of cameras throughout the Grove. A committee will be formed to determine where the cameras should be placed.
Closing Remarks
We had over 40 people in attendance at this month’s meeting. The discussion is participatory, lively and informative. It is open to everyone and I strongly invite you to attend next month’s meeting on July 8th.
