University Park Residents React to Local Burglaries

Sitting in a large circle in the auditorium of University Park Elementary School on Tuesday night, University Park Police Chief Michael Wynnyk listened to the concerns of residents after an increase in burglaries in the neighborhood. He also talked about safety and preventive measures to combat crime.

Compared with the last four years, there has been an increase in home burglaries in the past six months, totaling 16 burglaries this year, and a slight increase in car thefts. Labtops, iPods, cell phones and cash are just a few of the items that are being stolen. Chief Wynnyk said he believes the increase in crime is due to the economy and the tough job market.

Twenty-two people, including University Park Mayor John Tabori, gathered Tuesday, doubling last month's public safety forum attendance. The main concerns for residents were learning more safety tips to prevent burglaries and car thefts, and having these tips easily accessible on the city's website or in the neighborhood newsletter.

As a University Park resident for the last 47 years, Tom Stickles said he hasn't been burglarized yet.

"I tried breaking into my home, and I began to realize easy ways a burglar could enter," said Stickles. "I also checked the inside of my home and I made sure not to put valuable things in the easiest places to steal."

Wynnyk agreed that Stickles' method would help one figure out the most obvious ways to break in, as burglars like taking the path of least resistance. He also recommended that residents know their neighbors and have a free security assessment done on their homes, a service that the police department provides to residents.

Adding his own safety advice, Mayor Tabori advised residents to watch out for solicitors who do not have city permits, as some of them have recently been arrested for theft. He also recommended installing tracking devices on computers and other electronic equipment to find thieves.

"Once we start catching these guys, they won't come back," Tabori said.

The mayor's statement rings true. As more arrests have been made recently, Wynnyk said the number of burglaries has tapered off. The diminishing number is also attributed to the help of University Park residents.

"Community awareness has heightened," he said. "They are making more phone calls, participating in neighborhood watches and being conscious of which residents have moved out and which have moved in."

The date of the next and final public safety forum is to be decided. Chief Wynnyk plans to have it before school begins.