This report is disturbing, and it fits into the apparent trend toward
more-brazen crime in the 'hood. Kathy's warnings are on target, but
if supposed "workmen" can climb ladders against our houses without
scrutiny, nothing stops them from using their "workmen's tools"
quickly to pry a locked window.

At a minimum, police should talk to workmen at any site they have not
already determined is under construction / renovation. As neighbors,
we should probably (1) tell our neighbors when outside work is going
to be done to our houses, and (2) tell the police when workmen appear
to be trying to enter our neighbors' homes when we haven't been told
that work is going to be done.

It's unfortunate that we need to be this cautious, of course. . .

The police can't protect us from this kind of stuff (or any crime)
alone, but I do think we need more police on the street here. I see
a marked patrol car on Fessenden Street maybe once or twice a week.
When I lived in Dupont Circle I saw a police car once or twice an
hour. Obviously there's more crime in Dupont Circle, but I don't
think the disparity in patrols is proportional to the crime rate
difference.

-- Jon Bender

--- In COMMUNIT-E@yahoogroups.com, "kathysmithindc" <ksmith1804@...>
wrote:
>
>
> PSA 202
> Burglary – 4300 Block Fessenden St. NW, 7/31/08, 930am – 330pm
> Citizen reports that someone entered his home through a 2nd floor
> window and took numerous pieces of electronic equipment.
>
> ----------------
>
> From: Kathy Smith
>
> It's a bad idea to go out and leave a second floor
> (and definitely a first floor) window open. Someone
> can put a ladder up and break in and the neighbors
> will think the guy on the ladder is a workman who is
> supposed to be there.
>
> The sad fact is that a few of the legitimate workmen
> may be part-time thieves.
>