About 75 residents filled the Cranston High School West auditorium recently for a presentation from Cranston Police and Glen Wood Crime Watch Association, which revealed a drop in break-ins and other crimes in the area.

During the presentation, Colonel Marco Palombo released impressive statistics in our Community Policing for District 2’s (Ward 6) drop in break-ins and other crimes.

A PowerPoint presentation showing crime statistics for the Glen Hills area showed that housebreaks were down 59 percent from the same period one year ago (40 last year, 17 this year.), a 2 percent drop in theft from motor vehicles (37 to 33) and no change in theft of motor vehicle parts (9 to 9).

Palombo wanted residents to know “you are not a bother. Please, please call us if you see something suspicious; that is our job and we are there for you.”

Lt. Steven Brooks also demonstrated a new website for residents to utilize, www.CrimeReports.com. Residents can obtain real time information on incidents in their area, including any type of thefts through this site. The program allows for customized searches of particular streets, neighborhoods or districts. Residents can receive crime alerts or provide anonymous tips through the program, which also has a free mobile app for Apple and Windows cell phones.

The meeting also touched base on public notification and sex offender levels, as to what they mean and levels of severity. Public notification of sex offender flyers was discussed. Clarification was made that anyone can print and share with neighbors as long as the sole purpose is for public notification and awareness.  

In addition to Palombo’s report, cognizance of achievement was given to Albert Melikian, president of the Crime Watch Association, for his stupendous efforts and dedication. Melikian is the staunchest community protector; he correlated the last meeting at Glen Hills Elementary that had hundreds of residents (many from Dean Estates where there had been 42 break-ins in a six-month period) coming forward with concern for their safety.  He said because of those specific Crime Watch directives, the Cranston Police Department upped their surveillance both with a presence of more police and unmarked cars. As a result, two major arrests were made; one burglar had the biggest breaking and entering (“B&E”) ring that Rhode Island had ever seen. When arrested, he was found with $33,000 of stolen goods in his car. 

Palombo further recognized Mayor Allan Fung, Senator Hanna Gallo, Councilman Michael Favicchio, Aram Garabedian and the four new community police officers that will be visible throughout District 2.

Following the presentation, audience members were given the opportunity to ask crime-related and public safety questions, which Palombo, Fung and the other city officials were happy to answer. A few of the most pressing questions and answers were as follows:

One resident asked if police do details, because “I don’t see their presence.”

Palombo answered, “Yes, we use unmarked cars. Since the last Crime Watch meeting, we stepped up the police presence and even had some Warwick under covers. We caught two of the biggest B&E burglars here in Cranston over the last six months and subsequently we have continued our success watching crime go down.”

“Is it against the law to have tinted license plate covers, as a primary offense?” (Meaning you can be pulled over and ticketed on that alone) asked another resident.

“Yes, they are illegal and you are correct that for cutting down on crime, such as hit and runs, robberies, DUIs, that it is impossible to get a clear snapshot of the numbers to report to the police. It is a primary offense and since it was brought to our attention, we will be cracking down on this, too,” replied Palombo.

Another concerned citizen asked about panhandling.

“As you know, we have been cracking down on Panhandling in the Chapel View, Pontiac area along with other areas. It has become a serious problem with the economic status of our state,” said Palombo.

Fung intercepted, adding that the level of civility toward the homeless population should be the same as treating school children whom are fundraising. The mayor said it is dangerous for parents to allow children to essentially do the same as panhandlers without proper supervision and should not be running in the street to collect money. 

Alliance for Safe Communities asked Fung what the current status was following last year’s discussion regarding moving Harrington Hall residents into the more secure Gloria McDonald Building and closing Harrington Hall itself. The mayor replied he did not know, having spoken with Mr. Leach in the governor’s office during the summer for the latest update. Fung said that communication with Mr. Leach had revealed more funds were allocated to fix Harrington Hall. Gallo concurred with what Fung said.

Alliance members suggested that one primary concern of Rhode Island residents was the presence of sex offenders among other homeless with no demarcation lines between homeless law abiding, convicted felon, violent offenders and sex offenders housed together. They asked Senator Gallo to consider legislation to address the issue of creating such lines to omit sex offenders from residing in designated homeless shelters. Gallo agreed to work on this type of legislation as requested by Alliance for Safe Communities.

It was also asked if there is a limit on how many sex offenders are allowed at Harrington Hall. Fung responded that three years ago when this initially became a big problem on our radar, we wanted the cap at 5 (Note: We had as many as 10 sex offenders). But remember, that this is supposed to be a “Shelter of Last Resort” and to be a veteran or homeless for reasons other than being a sex offender doesn’t mean you should be together. 

Lt. Brooks interjected at that point saying, “You need to remember that these sex offenders have served their time.  Whether you think they have or not, under the law they have.” 

The question of squatters on Deerfield Road was brought up to the mayor. Fung turned it over to Favicchio, who said he is working with the city inspector on this along with Capuano Drive. Fung instructed the residents to call in if they have any of these issues and direct them to his new Director of Constituent Affairs Jeffrey Barone, a former District 2 councilman. 

Melikian asked, “What about getting the streets repaved? Many years ago I submitted a petition in 2002 to have some of our worst streets fixed and nothing has ever been done. However, I have noted many other streets outside Ward 6 have been repaved. Why?”

Mayor Fung said this is a process. He admitted Ward 6 has had lots of water issues in that area and have led to continuous problems that ruin the streets. 

“First you correct the water problems before the streets can be done. Every year we budget for so many streets to be redone.  You need to submit your request to your council member. Now, you can work with the new director of constituent affairs,” he said. 

The status of flooding was also questioned. Senator Gallo had put forth legislation mandating that city catch basins were cleaned on a yearly basis and those in a flood zone be cleaned every six months. The bill passed and residents need to be aware of this protection and make sure it is done in your area by calling the city. Is the city cleaning these areas?

“Yes,” said Mayor Fung. “But people that have had issues should stay vigilant and keep tabs on their own, too.”

Melikian shares that the purpose of a crime watch is to develop a positive and constructive working relationship and partnership between law enforcement and the community by holding community meetings to discuss all security issues and concerns as well as any fear, mistrust and suspicion that the community may have toward law enforcement and to replace it with trust, confidence and respect, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods. Last, I want to acknowledge and thank those few people and students that helped deliver flyers; we couldn’t do it without you!

Editor’s Note: Suzanne Arena is the co-organizer of the Glen Wood Crime Watch. She submitted this piece on behalf of the organization for publication.