The annual public safety meeting, organized by our Neighborhood Watch Program and Public Safety Committee, will focus on deterring and preventing crimes of opportunity, as well as other public safety issues relevant to our community. We also will recognize the efforts of the officers and block captains to protect our community, and elect association officers for 2008-9. Increased reports of property crimes are causing concern in our neighborhood (PSA 201).

Overall, there were 51 criminal activity reports for the first three and one-half months of 2008, compared to 39 reports for the same period last year. This increase was primarily due to significant increases in thefts from automobiles (15 vs. 10) and stolen automobiles (9 vs. 2). Although violent crimes remain relatively low, there was a slight increase compared to last year (5 vs. 3), resulting from an increase in robberies (2 vs. 4). There has been a significant decrease in burglaries (5 vs. 9).

At the meeting, newly appointed Acting Commander Mark V. Carter, Sr. will discuss his plans for improving police services in our area, and PSA 201 Lieutenant Michael Lockerman will focus on thefts from automobiles, stolen automobiles, and robberies. D.C. Police Assistant Chief Diane Groomes, Assistant Chief Peter Newsham, and Commander Andrew Solberg, also will be available to address community concerns. In addition, Chevy Chase Village, Md., Police Chief Roy Gordon will join us to discuss police cooperation across jurisdictions.

To reward the efforts of our block captains, there will be a raffle for prizes contributed by merchants along the Connecticut Avenue corridor, including gift certificates from Arucola Osteria, Child’s Play, Full of Beans, Periwinkle, and Salon Familia, as well as a gift collection from Starbucks. Block captains must be present to win. Sign in and raffle registration begins at 7:00 pm.

Please join us for the meeting at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, May 20, at the Chevy Chase Community Center.

DC Fire/Emergency Medical Services personnel will be providing free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, starting at 7:00 pm, and special guest McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand. Coffee will be provided by Starbucks and dessert will be served. For more details, click here to see more information on the meeting in the Chevy Chase Citizens Association May Newsletter.