The message below warns of theft occurring on Lemon Hill, often when runners,
bikers, & rowers leave their cars.  In April or May, an FRC member, Mark, had
his car stolen from Lemon Hill.  Luckily, the police found it.
We can be happy the police are taking action.

Let's all remain aware and alert, in order to protect ourselves and each other.
Thanks to FRC member Kathleen for forwarding this to us.

On a more positive note, have a happy and safe July 4th!
See you at one of the group runs next week!

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To: kathleen
Subject: Lemon Hill parking & vehicle break-ins
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:56:08 -0700
 
Thanks to Joyce Michael for the forward.
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Subject: Lemon Hill Parking and Vehicle Break-Ins

Hi Everyone,
Captain Wilson and I have been working together for the past couple of weeks
regarding the numerous vehicle break-ins at Lemon Hill. As a result, they had
posted a couple of "plain clothes" police officers in the area from
approximately 6:00 am to 8:00 am. Last week they arrested several males who were
caught in the act or were acting suspiciously (looking into several vehicle
windows or waiting until vehicle owners crossed the street to case a vehicle).

These folks were searching for GPS devices or their hook-up accessories. They
have also been caught looking under wheel wells for keys.........another
opportunity to benefit from the stolen vehicle.

Some of the offenders were talking on cell phones and when folks left their
vehicles to row, run, bike, etc. they got up and broke into vehicles. If anyone
notices any suspicious activity you are asked to call 911 and they will send a
unit to the area to check things out.

Some of the offenders have been arrested and due to prison overcrowding are
released after 24 hours.  Sometimes there are offenders with 40 or more priors
who are released after a short jail stay. The police are working with the
District Attorney to resolve these issues.

The Captain and police officers at District 9 are asking Boathouse Row Folks to
help discourage break-ins from occurring by:
a.. Taking vehicle keys with you and not leaving them in a "hide-a-key" box in a
wheel "well"
b.. Reporting break-ins immediately by filing a police report
c.. Taking your bags, wallets, purses with you to row, run, bike,etc.
d.. Making sure your personal items such as bags, briefcases, even those "smelly
sock" out of view from outside vehicle
e.. Making sure all GPS related items are put away including chargers, hook-ups
(hot items for thieves)
f.. Visiting Philadelphia's 9th District website to review crime in the area at
philapolice9th.weebly.com

I have also been working with Fairmount Park Rangers and they have assigned
rangers to monitor Lemon Hill, Lloyd Hall and Kelly Drive during high volume
parking such as Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 am - 9:00 am and 5:30 pm -
8:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays they will make rounds throughout the day
beginning at 7:00 am until 7:00 pm. You will see some Rangers on bikes and
others walking. They usually work in pairs and carry a radio and are in direct
communication with the Police Department.

The police and park are doing their part to eliminate crime on Lemon Hill and
Boathouse Row so let's get together and do what we can as a Boathouse Row
Community to help with these efforts........many hands make light work.

If you have further questions please feel free to email me. Please make sure
your membership gets this email.
Thanks for your help.

Marty Mirabal, Vice Commodore
Schuylkill Navy