A SERIES OF EARLY MORNING THEFTS HAS RESIDENTS IN A TEMPE NEIGHBORHOOD TAKING SECURITY* INTO THEIR OWN HANDS. REPORTER JOEY CARRERA IS CAUGHT ON CAMERA LEARNING ABOUT AN APP USED TO CONNECT COMMUNITIES… AND KEEP THEM SAFE.
THE OPTIMIST PARK NEIGHBORHOOD OFF THE 101 AND BASELINE, HAS RESIDENTS FROM NEARLY EVERY GENERATION. WHEN THE QUIET COMMUNITY STARTED HAVING TROUBLES, THEY TURNED TO TECHNOLOGY TO TRY AND KEEP SAFE.
“My neighbor approached me and he had told me that his garage had been broken into. He knew I had cameras on my house. He asked to he could look to see if there was any evidence.”
GARY AND SUE ROSWURM HAVE CAMERAS THAT COVER VIRTUALLY EVERY ANGLE OF THEIR HOME.
“At one point we noticed this white truck with a large trailer go around the block several times. We noticed he was shining flashlights – a powerful flashlight – into yards.”
THE FOOTAGE QUALITY WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH TO MAKE OUT A LICENSE PLATE NUMBER, BUT IT GAVE POLICE AN IDEA OF WHOM TO LOOK FOR.
“Our officers that are responding will look for anything that could help us solve the crime, which could include camera systems.”
“Knowing that thieves may be lurking around their neighborhood… residents took action, and downloaded a social networking app…designed for communities… called Next Door.”
“We have 74 in our quadrant of this neighborhood who have joined it. We’re looking out for each other and posting anything suspicious.
TEMPE POLICE SAY SECURITY PRECAUTIONS ARE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME, BUT THEY REMIND EVERYONE TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN IT COMES TO CRIMINALS.
“If they feel there’s a danger there we want them to call us, we want them to reach out to us.”
THE CULPRITS HAVE NOT BEEN CAUGHT. THE RESWURMS ARE UPGRADING THEIR SECURITY EQUIPMENT TO SEND A STORNG MESSAGE.
“They’re not going to come to my house to rob me.”
THE NEXT DOOR APP HAS OTHER USES TOO. YOU CAN FIND A BABYSITTER, POST A PARTY OR MAKE NEW FRIEND.
IT’S AVALIBLE FOR DOWNLOAD IN THE APP AND GOOGLE PLAY STORES.