I ve been burglarized, what now?

Transcription

1 Volume 5, Issue 10 October, Published Monthly for our Westcreek Neighbors A S S O C I AT I O N Combating Crime in Westcreek Go Green, Go Paperless Sign up to receive the Association Newsletter in your inbox. Visit PEELinc.com for details. Log on at westcreekna.org I ve been burglarized, what now? After our article in the last issue, we ve received several responses from Westcreek residents about their experiences with crime in our area. Our APD District Representative, Officer Zach LaHood, confirmed that Westcreek is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. But just to put things in perspective, here is what a safe neighborhood looks like these days. Our president, Chris Schexnayder, pulled these stats from the City s crime site Here is a recap from May until August of 2009 from City of Austin s Crime Data. Dates: 05/26/ /26/2009 # Crime 1 ASSAULT BY CONTACT 1 ASSAULT W/INJURY-FAM/DATE VIOLENCE 2 ASSAULT WITH INJURY 8 BURGLARY OF RESIDENCE 4 BURGLARY OF VEHICLE (Continued Crime Stats on in Page Westcreek, 2) continued on Page 3 A NEIGHBOR S CASE My home fell victim to a burglary My Westcreek home was burglarized about two months ago. After reading the Sept. 09 WNA article about burglaries, I would like to share a few additional security tips. Please share these with my Westcreek neighbors as you see fit: 1. Keep fence gates locked. (Burglars came in my back yard via my unlocked fence gate.) 2. Install steel security storm doors, not just regular ones. And put them on all exterior doorways. (The burglars kicked in my backdoor and would not have been able to do so if (Continued on Page 3) Victim, continued on Page 3 INSIDE: Another Critter Story! Part 3 of our Oak Wilt Series Association Newsletter - October 2009

2 WNA Contacts WNA website... Webmaster: Nick Weynand Write to us at: WNA; P.O. Box 91373, Austin, TX For comments on this newsletter, or to submit ideas/articles: Newsletter Editor Karen President Chris Schexnayder Vice President Gary Treasurer Jan Secretary & Enhancement Committee Chair (YOM) Judy Jefferson Member At Large, Place 1 Nick Weynand... nick@trademarkmedia.com, Member At Large, Place 2 Chris Morris...chrismorris85@hotmail.com, Member at Large, Place 3 Trudy Hasan...trudy.hasan@sbcglobal.net city Contact Call 311 to report any City-related problem. It operates 24/7. Report a non-emergency crime, barking dogs, speeding problems, zoning violations, blocked sidewalks, etc. Austin Police Department District Representative Zachary LaHood... Zachary.LaHood@ci.austin.tx.us, Newsletter Info Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc. Printing & Publishing Adver./Kelly Peel advertising@peelinc.com, Advertising Information Please support the businesses that advertise in the Westcreek Newsletter. Their advertising dollars make it possible for all residents to receive a newsletter at no charge. No homeowners association funds are used to produce or mail the newsletters. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office at or PEELinc.com for ad information and pricing. Disclaimer At no time will any source be allowed to use the Newsletter contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, , electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from the Association and Peel Inc. The information in the Newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Westcreek residents only. Association Newsletter - October 2009 I've Been Burglarized, what now? - (Continued from Cover Page) 8 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, 1 DEBIT CARD ABUSE 1 DISTURBANCE/OTHER, 1DWI 1 FALSE REPORT TO PEACE OFFICER 1 FALSE STATEMENT/OBTAIN CRED 5 FAMILY DISTURBANCE 3 FOUND PROPERTY 1 FRAUD/OTHER 5 HARASSMENT, 1 INDECENT EXPOSURE 1 LEAVING THE SCENE CRASH/ACCIDENT 1 REQUEST TO LOCATE, 1 ROAD RAGE 1 STALKING, 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON, 1 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 2 THEFT, 1 THEFT OF SERVICE 1 VOCO VIOL/OTHER 1 WARRANT ARREST, NON TRAFFIC As you can see, there are a high number of burglaries of residences and vehicles, as well as criminal mischief. (See related article from a resident of Westcreek in this issue.) We cannot be lax in our efforts to fight crime in one of the safest neighborhoods in the City of Austin. PLEASE, take valuables out of your car and lock it. If you have a garage, park your car in it and lock the garage door, and lock the door from the garage into the house too. Always lock your main doors and your windows. And most importantly, if you see ANY suspicious activity in the area, report it immediately to the police at A personal message from our WNA President: Don t be alarmed by the statistics. We are still one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Perhaps the increase in crime is related to the economy more people hard up for money. Perhaps some of the incidents are just teenagers looking for trouble. We print these articles to make our Westcreek residents more informed, because a more informed community is a safer community. Maybe some of the criminals will read this newsletter and get the idea that we aren t just standing idly by. Read the articles in this newsletter from the two Westcreek Residents and follow their tips. Talk to your teenage children find out what they know, if anything. Take steps to protect your home, valuables and loved ones. We can make Westcreek an even safer place to live! Master License: M STEVE S PLUMBING REPAIR water pressure problems sewer & drain service fiber optic drain line inspections free estimates satisfaction guaranteed Steve Brougher West Koenig Lane

3 A Neighbor's Case - (Continued from Cover Page) a security storm door had been in place.) 3. Don t just lock door handles. Use quality (security grade) deadbolts at all times and install a second deadbolt if your door allows for it. And take the time to install the steel jamb reinforcer that quality locksets come with. It helps to prevent the jamb from breaking on a kick in. 4. Keep self-defense items easily accessible in your home. That could be as simple as pepper spray in two different rooms of the house. 5. Report any suspicious activity to That includes people hanging out in parked vehicles on the street. This is how they case out a house for behavior patterns and potential targets. 6. Take the time to photograph and record serial numbers for any valuable items you have at home. Also add identifying markings to items. For example, etch your address on a hidden part of the back of your flat screen TV. This will aid in reporting lost items to insurance, identifying items should they be recovered and catching the bad guys. Editor s Note: If you think you see a suspicious event occurring, or a suspicious person, ALWAYS call NEIGHBORHOOD FALL GARAGE SALE Get your garage cleaned out and purge the stuff you don t need anymore! The Neighborhood Fall Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, October 24th! We will run an ad in Austin American-Statesman as well as the Oak Hill Gazette. Please be courteous, put your signs out in time, and take them down after the day is over. Combine with other neighbors, and make it a fun Saturday! Association Newsletter - October 2009

4 SUPERIOR SERVICE FOR YOU AND YOUR CAR Southwest Family Owned and Operated Mark and Jan Welp REBATES! REBATES! REBATES! Most Available through 12/31/09. State Inspections Full Service Oil Changes Mechanical Repairs ASE Master Mechanic AAA Approved, 95% Rating 12K / 12 Mo. Nationwide Warranty Computer Diagnostics Courtesy Drop Off / Pick Ups 30/60/90K Warranty Services Coffee Bar Children s Playroom Hours: 8-6 Weekdays 8-5 Saturday 3416 W. William Cannon Austin, TX W Slaughter ln BRODIE LN WILLIAM CANNON DR manchaca RD Do You Know Where Your Children Are... Between midnight and 4:00AM? (Article written by a concerned resident) This will sound a provocative and, to some parents, an insulting question but with the recent spate of break-ins, robberies and vandalism in our Westcreek neighborhood, it is of paramount importance that we catch the perpetrators before they become yet more brazen and someone gets hurt. Some weeks ago, my neighbors were sitting in their living room at midnight playing a quiet game of cards when they heard two loud knocks on the front door. After a one-second delay, their front door was kicked in. The man of the house instinctively yelled out and the vandal(s) ran off at such speed that no one was seen or identified. This was a bizarre incident in many ways: there were two cars in the driveway and a third parked at the curb; the downstairs and upstairs lights were on; and, as one approaches the front door, stepping onto the front patio triggered 600 watts of security lighting to come on flooding the front door with light. In the opinion of the police, this was more of a prank than the work of a professional burglar. The following night sometime in the wee hours of the morning, just across the road from the incident described above, a beautiful front yard was nonsensically vandalized. An arbor was ripped out of the ground and thrown onto the sidewalk and several expensive plants were killed by having large rocks thrown on them. Again, this is not the work of professional criminals. These are just two of 7 incidents known to residents in the area of Smith Oak Trail and Porsche Lane. (The police know of only 5 since the other 2 were not reported). As you sit back and read this article enjoying your morning cup of coffee, please pause for a moment and think how you would feel if you were the victim of one of these pranks described above. It is important that we do all we can to help the police catch these vandals. The more they get away with their violence (we need only look across at Circle C and read of the increasing number of cars being vandalized), the greater it will become. As a father of two sons (now in their mid-thirties), I have been through the numbing experience of having to respond to an early morning call from the police asking me to come pick up your son. I did not up to that point know where he was. But, thankfully, the Westlake police had a policy of rounding up teens that were cruising after midnight and taking action. The WNA Board is now working very closely with Officer Zachary ( Zach ) LaHood to learn how residents can best protect their properties (more about this in a later issue) and what we can do to catch these criminals. We will succeed, and when we do, we will ask that the full extent of the law be used to punish them severely. Please don t let it be one of your kids a criminal record stays with them for a long time. Association Newsletter - October 2009

5 Association Newsletter - October 2009

6 Oak Wilt Detection, Prevention and Treatment in Affected Areas - Part 3 By Andy Harkins Control Strategies There are three primary tactics used for oak wilt management in Texas. Successful control usually results from an integrated program incorporating measures from all three tactics. One tactic attempts to prevent the outbreak of new oak wilt infection centers by eliminating diseased red oaks, handling firewood properly, and promptly sealing wounds on healthy oaks. Another tactic involves trenching or other measures to disrupt root connections responsible for root graft transmission of the fungus. Finally, injections of the fungicide propiconazole (sold as Alamo ) into individual, highvalue trees help reduce crown loss and may extend the life of the tree. This tactic is not proven to cure oak wilt, but will significantly reduce tree loss. Oak trees wounded between February and June are at high risk for oak wilt infection because sap flows freely from wounds inflicted during this period. The wounds are attractive to sap-feeding beetles that can transmit the oak wilt fungus. Sap beetles can be abundant during this period, increasing the risk of oak wilt infection. If pruning or other wounding is unavoidable during this high-risk period, wounds should be promptly treated (within several hours) with wound treatment compound or latex paint to avoid attracting insects. Avoid using asphalt or creosote-based paints. The risk of insect transmission is lower from July 1 until the first hard frost, but some risk still remains. A wound dressing still should be applied to provide additional protection. Although less risky, wounds made during the dormant season, from the first hard frost until early March, should also be treated with wound dressing. This dormant period is the safest period for making any type of wound on oaks, whether from pruning, construction activity, or other causes. Infected trees of the red oak group frequently develop mycelial mats as they decline and die. Removal in fall or early winter poses the least risk of spreading oak wilt. If a felled tree is used as firewood, it should immediately be piled and covered with a black plastic sheet whose lower edges are covered with soil to make a tight seal. Piles that are covered in spring or early summer can be uncovered and used safely by late summer or early fall. If wood with the bark attached is chipped, the chipped material should be piled promptly to allow composting to eliminate mycelial mats. Selective pruning of diseased branches in white oaks may aid recovery or prolong the survival of high-value trees. Remove the affected branches and treat the wounds promptly. Because infected white oaks typically do not form mycelial mats, firewood from infected white oaks pose no hazard of transmitting oak wilt. Trenching methods may be used to sever all root grafts connecting wilting or suspect trees to healthy trees. A trenching machine can be used to break connecting roots 4 1/2 to 5 feet deep, midway between a diseased tree and an adjacent healthy tree. Trenching equipment may be available from local rental agencies, state or city foresters, or arborists. Time is critical to the success of this effort; the sooner the grafts are broken, the better the chances for saving nearby trees. Oaks within 50 to 60 feet of diseased trees of the same species can be at risk of infection by root graft transmission. To effectively stop spread of oak wilt within a group of oaks, two barriers are recommended: a primary barrier, separating wilting trees from adjacent, apparently healthy trees; and a secondary barrier, separating the latter from remaining trees. Root disruption within 10 feet of healthy trees should be avoided, because it often causes severe root injury. Barriers between diseased and healthy-appearing oaks of different species are usually not necessary. It is important to break root grafts before removing oaks that are showing oak wilt symptoms, since removal of these trees before breaking the grafts can accelerate movement of the fungus into neighboring oaks. In addition, cutting down healthy oaks around the perimeter of infected trees without breaking root grafts will not stop the spread of oak wilt. Roots of the felled trees remain alive, and the fungus can pass through grafts to healthy trees beyond the ring of felled trees. Alamo is the only fungicide scientifically tested and proven effective (when properly applied prior to infection) for use as a preventative treatment to protect live oaks from oak wilt. Limited success also may be achieved in trees treated with therapeutic injections during the earliest stages of infection. The fungicide is injected into the tree s water-conducting vascular system through small holes drilled into the root flares at the base of the tree. Treatment success depends on the health of the candidate tree, application rate, and injection technique. Injection should be performed only by trained and licensed applicators. Fungicide injection does not stop root transmission of the fungus. This treatment, therefore, is most effective when employed in conjunction with trenching or to protect individual high-value trees in situations where trenching is not practical. Healthy live oaks at high risk of infection in advance of an expanding infection center are preferred candidates for injection. Visible symptoms can be used in selecting trees as candidates for preventative or therapeutic treatments. A tree with visible symptoms of oak wilt, as well as any non-symptomatic tree immediately adjacent to a tree with symptoms, should receive a therapeutic treatment. If symptoms are observed in more than 30 percent of a tree s crowns, it is unlikely a fungicide injection will be effective. Injections or non-symptomatic trees at greater distances from symptomatic trees will yield the best results for preventative treatments. There are several steps in the injection process that require careful attention. Diluting the fungicide solution, exposing and drilling holes in the flare roots, connecting the injection apparatus to the tree, and monitoring uptake must be performed according to the fungicide manufacturer s specifications. Treatment may take several hours. (Contniued on Page 7) Association Newsletter - October 2009

7 Oak Wilt Detection - Part 3 - (Continued from Page 6) Information and training are available through county extension or Texas Forest Service offices. The services of a professional arborist are recommended to assume proper injection. Oak wilt rapidly kills red oaks and live oaks, while white oaks die more slowly and occasionally recover. Symptoms are often confused with other maladies, so a laboratory test should be done to confirm a tentative diagnosis of oak wilt. The disease spreads in two ways: overland, by means of insects; and underground, through root grafts between adjacent oaks of the same species. To minimize overland spread, avoid wounding oaks during the high-risk period (February through June), and if possible during the lower risk period from July 1 to the first hard frost. The safest period to prune oak trees is the dormant period, between the first hard frost and March 1. All wounds should be protected by a wound treatment compound or paint. To stop root graft transmission of the fungus, grafts can be broken by creating trenches between adjacent infected and healthy trees. Fungicide injection sometimes can protect high-value trees even when a small portion of the crown has begun to wilt, but is most effective in protecting healthy-appearing oaks that are at risk of becoming infected. Integrating oak wilt management practices is usually the most effective approach to suppressing the disease. For example, it is important not only to time pruning to avoid the high-risk period, but also to remove and properly handle infected oaks in the red oak group. In communities that have experienced oak wilt outbreaks, a coordinated program involving both homeowners and government officials have been shown to be most effective. Editor s note: You may contact Andy Harkins via at: aharkins@oakwiltsolutions.com. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above HOME EQUITY LOANS 4.89 % APR* 10 YEAR FIXED RATE 3.69 % APR* UP TO 60 MONTHS 1.71 % APY 6 MONTHS 5.19 % APR* 15 YEAR FIXED RATE plus no closing costs** AUTO LOANS 3.89 % APR* 66 MONTHS new or used 15 AUSTIN METRO LOCATIONS 5.69 % APR* 20 YEAR FIXED RATE CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT % APY 12 MONTHS 1 regular - minimum deposit of $1000 required You Can Join! 4.29 % APR* 72 MONTHS 2.32 % APY 24 MONTHS Membership is open to anyone in the 5 County Austin Metro Area New Locations Coming Soon in Round Rock & Pflugerville FREE BUSINESS & PERSONAL CHECKING 250+ FREE ATMs ACROSS TEXAS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOANS 5.75 % *** 5 YEAR FIXED RATE 5.95 % *** 10 YEAR FIXED RATE 6.20 % *** 15 YEAR FIXED RATE 20 year amortization/no pre-payment penalty 1.31 % APY $25,000 TO $74, % APY 6 MONTHS MONEY MARKET 1.46 % APY $75,000 TO $124,999 minimum daily balance of $2000 required 1.66 % APY $125,000 AND ABOVE CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT % APY 12 MONTHS 2.47 % APY 24 MONTHS 2 jumbo - minimum deposit of $95000 required The perfect church for people who aren t. The Purity Code Sundays. 9:30 am (parents of students) Grief Share Sundays. 11:00 am Soul Mates Sundays. 11:00 am (seriously dating, engaged, newlywed) Home Alone Sundays. 11:00 am (empty nesters) Family Walk Sundays. 11:00 am (parents) Celebrate Recovery Mondays. 7:00 pm Esther Beth Moore Wednesdays. 9:15 am or 6:30 pm (women) Ephesians Kay Arthur Wednesdays. 9:15 am or 5:30 pm (women) Sunday Morning Schedule 9:30. Blended Worship 11:00. Contemporary Worship 9:30 & 11:00. Bible Life Groups (all ages) G r e a t H i l l s B a p t i s t C h u r c h w w w. g h b c. o r g J o l l y v i l l e R o a d. A u s t i n, T X Association Newsletter - October 2009

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