8/16/17. The North Stamford Association Board discussed recent postings on Next Door North Stamford regarding a perception of increased crime in North Stamford during its Board meeting on August 14th.
One of our Board members contacted Chief of Police, Jonathan Fontneau about the claims posted on the site. We have learned that in the past thirty days there has been one successful home burglary and one attempted burglary. Today, we have heard of a second. In addition, there were three cars broken into and items stolen from those vehicles. There has however, not been any statistical increase in North Stamford crime this year or from recent years.
The impact on the victims of these crimes and the unease felt by readers cannot be minimized, however the number of incidents are far fewer than one might believe based on reading the Next Door postings. The North Stamford Association Board will stay in close contact with our Police Department and request updates on actions plans addressing crime in North Stamford, regardless of the frequency.
At the recent July 17th North Stamford Association member only Forum focused exclusively on Police Services and Crime, Captain Susan Bretthauer provided the following pointers regarding crime prevention:
- If you observe a suspicious vehicle or person, call the police department, 203-977-4444
- Purchase a timer for your lights at home. Vary the rooms, vary the times.
- Keep a radio or television on when you are not at home so that voices are heard if someone comes to the door
- Make sure that if you are away that newspapers and mail are picked up or held
- Be sure that your lawn is mowed (or snow plowed) when you are away
- Let a trusted neighbor know if you are way
Chief Fontneau assured us of the department’s diligence in monitoring and addressing any and all criminal activity that may occur in North Stamford. Our members are asked to communicate with the Police Department to report any issues of concern. The North Stamford Association encourages those who are not members to join the Association in order to obtain member only information and access to member only forums such as the recent one with Police Captain Susan Bretthauer.