College Cultural group spotlights crime prevention

A roundtable discussion on crime prevention was held at the College Cultural Neighborhood Watch meeting July 21. Tony Vance, from the U.S. attorney's office, and Officer Kraig Brucek, Mott Community Police, participated in the discussion.

David Caswell and Dale Scanlon from the Citizens Nuisance Task Force also contributed.

President Mike Herriman clarified procedures for reporting crime in the neighborhood.

"Call 911 first," Herriman said. "Then call the Mott Community College Police at (810) 762-0222. After that, call Red Alert, the citizens' crime notification system."

Brucek said the Mott Police assist the Flint Police but that 911 prioritizes the calls.

"The radio is the officers' commander. It carries the same weight as the chief. Officers cannot respond on their own," Brucek said.

A discussion about scrap metal theft and a 911 operator saying that police do not respond to this type of incident ensued.

"It's an open invitation to thieves," Scanlon said.

Caswell said he listens to the police scanner and in 60 seconds there were three calls to 911 for scrap metal theft incidences. His group has been focusing on junkyards that purchase the stolen scrap metal.

"State law says that you cannot pay cash for aluminum, but they are getting around this by using cards for ATM machines as payments. We're fighting more than the thieves," Caswell continued.

Vance informed the group about a new state law that targets felons who get caught with guns. They will be prosecuted in federal courts and if convicted they will be doing time in a federal penitentiary. The prison sentences imposed are heavier than under state law.

"People with information about individuals with illegal weapons should call the tip line at (800)-ATFguns," Vance added.

Simply ways to prevent break-ins were discussed.

"It's doors and windows that thieves come in through," Brucek said. "Securing doors and windows is a must. Using a porch light is another great deterrent."

Brucek explained that for less than $5 residents could purchase a photocell switch at their local hardware store to control their porch light.

"The photocell will turn the light on when it gets dark and off when it's light," Brucek said. "You can buy one for incandescent or florescent lights," he said.

Harriman closed the meeting saying that the group is not just about fighting crime but empowering people to live a higher quality of life.

"We want to make life better for our area," he said.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Your comments are welcome. E-mail them to the editor at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .