| Crime Prevention Tips | Block Watch |
| Parking and Junk Vehicles | Crime Watch and Vacation House Check |
| Public Safety Commission | |
Crime Prevention Tips
Top
The Lake Forest Park Police Department is dedicated to enhancing public safety and reducing the fear and the incidence of crime. But there are many things each and every community member can do to reduce his or her chances of becoming a victim. Below are crime prevention tips for your home, your business, yourself and your family. We urge you to familiarize yourself with the information contained in this section and to make crime prevention a part of your life:
Block Watch
Top
The Block Watch program has been around for many years in various communities across the country. The program has gone by many names such as Community Watch, Crime Watch and Neighborhood Watch. Whatever the name, the primary principle is the same, your neighbors are your allies crime prevention.
Block Watch operates under the community policing principle that preventing crime is everyone‘s responsibility. Block Watch is successful because it is a program of neighbors helping neighbors to prevent crime. No special equipment, skills, or tasks are required of anyone to participate. The only thing required of participants is being alert to what‘s going on in ther neighborhoods. A police officer patrolling the neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in your yard, but you or your neighbor might.
The LFPPD will help you form a neighborhood Block Watch or let you know if one already exists in your neighborhood. Block Watch is simple, requiring two commitments:
- A commitment between neighbors to be concerned about each other's property, and
- A commitment that when suspicious activity is observed, that a call is placed to check on the neighbor's welfare and the activity is reported to 9-1-1.
Block Watch is a crime prevention program that:
- Teaches citizens techniques to reduce their risk of being victimized at their home and in public.
- Teaches citizens the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them to police.
- Teaches participants how to make their homes more secure and properly mark their property.
- Encouages neighbors to get to know one another and their routines so that any out of place activity can be reported and investigated.
- Provides a way for concerned citizens to address issues that concern the entire community.
Block Watch does not have to be restricted to crime prevention issues. Block Watch can also address other community issues as well such as drug awareness, personal safety, first aid, health and safety, fire prevention, city planning, street repair and disaster preparedness.
Block Watch is not:
- A citizen patrol or vigilante force.
- Intended for participants to take personal risks to prevent crime.
- Limited to homeowners. The concept of neighbor watching out for neighbor is just as important for renters as it is for property owners.
- A guarantee that crime will not occur in a neighborhood.
For information on how you can start or join a Block Watch program in your neighborhood call the Crime Prevention Unit at 206.364.8216 x545.
Parking and Junk Vehicles
Top
Parking issues are and Junk vehicles are frequently asked of police officers and the records department. You may ask yourself what is legal, illegal and what can I do. The city ordinance for parking LFPMC 10.12. The information for Junk Vehicles can be located at LFPMC 10.12.065.
No one shall park or leave a junk vehicle on any highway, street, public right–of–way, or public property located within the city of Lake Forest Park for more than 24 hours. For purposes of this section, a “junk vehicle” is a vehicle that meets three of the following requirements:
- Is at least three years old;
- Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: a broken window or windshield or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;
- Is apparently inoperable; or
- Has a fair market value equivalent only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
In addition to any other penalty imposed, the junk vehicle shall be impounded and, after notice to the registered owner, disposed of at a licensed vehicle wrecker, hulk hauler or scrap processor with notice given to the Washington State Patrol and to the Department of Licensing that the vehicle has been wrecked, unless the same is claimed by the registered owner after reimbursing the city for its cost. (Ord. 824 § 4, 2000)
Crime Watch and Vacation House Check
Top
Crime Watch is a service program staffed by 33 volunteers who check homes of residents who are away. This organization was founded by Dan Olson who received an award from the City Council for his outstanding volunteer effort. The Lake Forest Park Police Department sponsors this free service. Last year, the volunteers checked homes 365 days. Homes are checked to insure that they are secure. If volunteers encounter any problems, they are reported to the police department and a person designated by the home owner. Packages that are left on porches are picked up by the volunteers and are moved to a more secure area.
Wade Carter, Jr. of Carter Subaru donated a Subaru Forester for the Crime Watch program. The Crime Watch car is clearly marked, so you identify it in your neighborhood. The volunteers are identifiable by their Crime Watch jackets and hats. Volunteers also carry a photo identification badge. A Follow-up phone call will be made to the residents advising them of the activities when they have returned.
Home owners may request a Crime Watch Vacation Check form. Applications are available at City Hall (in main lobby) or the Police Department. You may also find the form on the web at:
Click to download the Vacation House Check Form [PDF]
The application must be printed out, completed, and returned to the Police Department with a signature by the home owner.
Crime Watch Volunteers Assist with Emergency Preparedness Packets Top
Public Safety Commission
Top
- Public Safety Commission
- A City of Lake Forest Park Volunteer Commission. The PSC organizes public safety presentations and acts as the liaison between the Police Department and citizens interested in active participation in community policing. The Mayor appoints commissioners.