Thieves Target West Dearborn Homes
Dearborn police are issuing a neighborhood crime alert after a recent rash of home break-ins in west Dearborn.
News of the break-ins has been the topic of many a conversation between homeowners living in the area targeted by thieves. The five known homes burglarized so far are located on each side of Telegraph, between Michigan Avenue and Ford Road.
Dearborn Police tell WDIV, Channel 4 news that the number of break-ins could rise as families return from holiday trips.
If you have any information, please call Dearborn police at 313-943-2240.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:56 am
Whatever happened to Dearborn police cars patrolling neighborhoods in marked squad cars? That would go a long way to deterring crimes. Instead, we get the same old one note samba from the still non-resident Dearborn police chief asking citizens for our help in preventing crime.
Isn’t that their job?
December 31st, 2010 at 4:08 pm
its the sign of the times- I have lived in the hills for 15 years and have rarely heard a peep about crime….It eventually goes everywhere. Including where the Chief lives. We as neighbors need to be aware of our surroundings. Talk to your neighbors when you’re out of town and then have them pick up your mail/papers- when you notify the paper or post office- you’re telling a complete stranger when your going to be gone- not making any accusations but there are criminals among us everywhere. If something doesn’t look right call the Cops- don’t turn the other way. You do not have to get involved but call the professionals.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I live in the area and have seen more of a police presence. Neighbors who read this should tell others, as in a normal situation, to watch out for each other. Call the police at 943-3030 and let them know if you see anything out of the ordinary. Good neighbors watch out for each other. Keep your sidewalks shoveled and take in your trash cans by the end of the day. Sure signs that no one may be home. Use common sense and we will rid the area of these opportunists. Happy and safe New Year.
December 31st, 2010 at 5:01 pm
I guess they don’t like your neighborhood @Just Asking! I see patrol cars driving through my neighborhood on a pretty frequent basis and I live on a very quiet street that only has 2 blocks in Dearborn! Besides—don’t you want to help prevent crime in our city? The police department is as overburdened as anyone else these days and I’m happy to help—especially since it means my home and community are safer for me keeping an extra eye out! Quit whining about how they need to do their job and take the extra ten seconds of effort to look around.
January 1st, 2011 at 2:01 am
Just Asking: What makes you think the police are NOT patroling our neighborhoods? I will granted the chief is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and is not an effective leader whatsoever. That said, in spite of the chief, the cops on the road are still doing their jobs. I think we have the best cops in the area and that they deserve a much better chief, mayor and support to do that job they WANT to do.
January 1st, 2011 at 11:36 am
J.A.
I think you need to get to know the difference between “law enforcement” and “crime prevention”. Police departments have evolved since the days of Chief O’Hara and Commissioner Gordon.
Your questions can be best answered by Chief Haddad himself. I have found him to be very personable and intelligent. He genuinely and personally cares about our community and its safety. He can accurately tell you what the police department’s job is.
Crime prevention starts at home. Read the content on the following site. http://www.mcgruff.org/
This concept started in 1978 as an advertising campaign and has grown into successful programs for young and old.
Maybe, you and some friends can organize a neighborhood watch program where you live?
Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Lifelng, do you live on Chovin?
January 2nd, 2011 at 10:00 am
We live near Ford Road and Outer Drive, and rarely see a police car in the neighborhood, unless a speeder is being pulled over and off of Ford Road. While our neighbors and ourselves definitely look out for each other and notify the police of suspicious activity, we just don’t see any police presence, and have also experienced a rash of break-ins. Maybe it depends on the proximity to major roads, though Ford road and Outer Drive make it easy for criminals to smash, grab, and run right out of Dearborn and into Detroit or the Heights.
January 2nd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
nope.
January 2nd, 2011 at 2:52 pm
I read this summer that Dearborn residents could call the Police Department, let them know they were on vacation, and patrols would take extra notice of their property during that time. Does anyone know if this still happens?
January 2nd, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Try talking to this Chief, and all he does is compare our City stats to what he faced while in Detroit. He said we should work together, yet he hides in his senior apt., and lets the residents deal with existing problems — we deserve better big man — if he can’t handle the problem, don’t put handcuffs on his officers. We don’t like his comparing us to Detroits, problems, and we should be happy with the way things are.
January 2nd, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Just Asking: I would suggest you contact the Chief AND the Mayor. Ask them about special teams and undercover units, things like that. See what THEY say about where they are putting the man power. In your first post it sounded as if you were finding fault with the cops on patrol. You must remember that their hands are tied by this chief and the mayor. The two of them have a whole different idea about what needs to be done out there.
January 2nd, 2011 at 11:23 pm
If we beef up the Police Patrol then lets have them start at City Hall,that’s where the biggest bunch of thieves are. Whats the difference if someone sneaks into your house and takes your money or the people managing this city just take your money and sneakily blow it?
Only difference is that most of the stuff they blow it on you never find out about it.
At least the street thief has to take a huge risk when he steals,these people just hide behind their iron wall of government and blow your money with no risk at all.
California Rep. Darrell Issa is about launch his investigations and subpoena powers on the crooks in D.C.,is there anyway we can get him to go after this cities regime?
January 3rd, 2011 at 10:20 am
I have grown up in Dearborn, all my life, and I am 32 now. In the same home one block off telegraph and Cherry Hill. (with the exception of 6years I lived in Windsor). Never have I felt unsafe, EVER, here. And while crime can and will affect just about everyone in some shape or form in their lifetimes, doesn’t mean we have to like it! Now I can honestly say in the years I lived here, I had a Dearborn police officer across the street, and now just 2 houses down from me, so that was always reassuring. But other than that have never had patrol cars on my street, patrolling. I guess we’ve never really needed them. We have always had a safe comfortable neighborhood, with crime never a thought in our minds. But I do agree that it would say a lot for a few cars to be patrolling around the area to put minds at ease. I agree with Ali as well, don’t compare us to the city of Detroit’s problems, cause are NOTHING like ours. We still have a safe, comfortable, beautiful city being affected by the times we live in. I am proud to say I’m a resident here…and always will, no matter what people’s views are of the city or its people.
January 4th, 2011 at 11:47 am
I had no idea that this blog censored posts that were politically incorrect. Apparently, one cannot state the obvious reason for the recent rash of burglaries in west Dearborn. Does anyone really doubt the race of these culprits?
January 4th, 2011 at 12:21 pm
folks, it helps to get out and walk (with or without a dog). then you know what is normal in your neighborhood, you get some exercise, and you’re out there, just with your presence saying “hey, we’re patroling” to whomever might be looking to do bad things. maybe you’re not the most imposing looking person ( I know I’m not but my dog is) but it’s an ad hoc neighborhood patrol.
and I live on a 2 block street too.
January 4th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Just a note to all: There has been a recent rash of break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Crowley Park neighborhood, as well. My sister’s house was broken into during the day, back in November. The crook smashed a window to get in, took only little items (and pills, including the dog’s medicine) and left before she got home. The responding police said there were two or three calls about attempted burglaries THAT DAY in the neighborhood.
Side note: I had called the police from outside my sister’s house, since she had called me first and I realized upon arrival we didn’t know if the burglar was still in the house. The officers arrived very quickly, and entered the house with guns drawn to make sure there was no threat. It is sometimes easy to forget the bravery that is needed to be a cop. We are lucky to have these brave officers in Dearborn.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Crime is everywhere. It does not discriminate by neighborhood, race, or level of living.
I have lived in Dearborn for 22 years and have never had problems. I live on the other side of town where neighbors still watch out for each other. They sit on their porches, walk the neighborhoods and let their children play outside.
I totally agree with Smarie117. The police do not patrol our streets, the neighbors do.
I can’t believe that people on this blog actually blame the city administration or the police for the rise in crime.
Use some common sense, talk to your neighbors, start a neighborhood watch.
I have always believed that those who do not think they can be robbed or vandalized because they live in a certain area or a certain city are sitting ducks.
January 5th, 2011 at 10:18 am
Neighbors have to look out for each other. A police car can drive down a street on patrol and a crime can happen as soon as they leave. They cannot be everywhere all of the time and I don’t think that we want video cameras on every street light pole. I have always been very happy with the police response times in Dearborn. Just a couple of weeks ago when I was out of town my wife noticed someone going into the backyard of the house across the street that is vacant and for sale. While not unusual to look around a house that is for sale it usually does not happen at 10:00 PM. She called the police and they responded (4 cars) in only about 5 minutes. It turned out that it was the neighbor on the next block who thought that he saw something unusual.
January 5th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Neighbors make a big difference. We were gone recently and a neighbor heard our alarm going off and figured out how to contact some relatives. Turned out to be a false alarm, but Dearborn residents are generally very helpful and involved in the neighborhood. Just another good reason to live here!
January 5th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Our neighborhood has many widows who are senior citizens living alone. That probably is the case in many Dearborn neighborhoods. As seniors and/or women living alone are viable targets for criminals, or “sitting ducks,” it probably would be a good idea for the city and police administration to increase visibility of patrols in those areas. During the Susan G. Komen walk for breast cancer, marathons, and other events, we have no lack of police presence and securing of our major roads that are city parameters.
January 5th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
OK–first the good comments. Dearborn Police are great if it is an emergency situation. They are there in minutes and ready to handle the matteer.
BUT, as routine police patrols are concerned, I NEVER see them in my east end neighborhood or any other east end neighborhood…NEVER! I have called Chief Haddad many times asking to speak to him in this regard and I have NEVER heard back from him…EVER. To be fair, I have never seen an improvement after similar complaints to previous Dearborn police chiefs, but at least they called me back to discuss the matter. Haddad can’t be bothered! But remember that he came from the Detroit Police Dept…what can we expect from the worst police depart ment in the country. It seems he graduated summa cum laude from that depatrtment.
Shame on Mayor O’Reilly! Did he appoint Haddad because of his Arab heritage to gain favor with that sector of the electorate? Methinks so…or the mayor is turning a blind eye to the situation…or worse, he doesn’t know about it.
I would LOVE to see regular police patrol in all neighborhoods..up and down our streets. I can’t remember that last time in 42 years that I have seen a police officer with a car pulled over in the neighborbhood writing a ticket for speeding or running stop signs…with his lights blinking. If that were to occur and police cars were present and visible, pehaps some of those intent on nefarious activity might go elsewhere.
I continullly see police in their patrol cars driving the main thorofares, windows rolled up tight, on their cell phones (a definitly agaist policy) , and not seemingly concerned about what is going on around them…Get in the neighborhoods, be seen, be procative…write tickets. When waas the last time yopu saw a patrol car even writing a parking ticket for flagrant parking violations…blocking sidewalks, parking in alleys, etc?
Yeah, I am disgusted with our police department..we are not getting our money’s worth..especially since Chief Haddad has been here.
January 6th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Dave – you said that you never saw a car in 42 years doing their job. You also said that no other police chief was any better.
What is worse? A chief that calls you back, tells you what you want to hear, and then does nothing or one who hasn’t called you back?
Let’s start working to protect our neighborhoods and stop blaming the police who can never be everywhere at one time.
Also, it is a well known fact that crimes in a neighborhood are usually committed by people who fit into the neighborhood and won’t look suspicious walking down the street. Strangers do not know that seniors are living by themselves. Take a long, hard look at your neighbors. Get to know them. The good ones and the bad ones. Forewarned is forearmed.
January 6th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
For those wanting to leave information at the police department when you are on vacation. This is taken right out of the Dbn. PD website, and has been offered for many years.
Going to be out of town for a while? Let the Dearborn Police Department help to put your mind at ease while on vacation. Dearborn Reserve Police Officers will check your home periodically while you are gone to ensure that everything is as it should be. It’s easy to sign up! Call the front desk officer at 313-943-2241 and ask to be put on the list.
The officer will ask you for the following information:
* Name, address and phone
* Date you’re leaving
* Date you’re returning
* Who, if anyone, will have a key to your house
* Contact person while you are out of town
The officer will then ask:
* If you have had both the papers and mail halted?
* Did you put a light and/or radio on a timer?
* Will there be a vehicle parked on the property?
Reserve Police Officers will stop by periodically to check your home. If they find anything that they think is suspicious they will immediately investigate and if need be call your contact person.
Also, take the initiative to look what is going on in your own neighborhoods. You know what activity looks suspicious, and what is the norm. It is better to call the PD for suspicious activity than learning later that something serious happened that you may have been able to prevent by a simple phone call to the police.
I was a Dbn. PD officer for many years and can assure you that police do patrol neighborhoods when they have the time to do so. This is especially true when there is patterned crime being reported. Does anyone actually think that police don’t want to be in neighborhoods where homes are being broken into and cars being stolen? Get serious! This ability to make people feel better by seeing a marked car once in awhile is quickly diminishing with cuts in personnel and resources, it is a sign of the times. I firmly believe that Dearborn Officers do a pretty darn good job, especially being surrounded by Detroit on a couple of sides of town. If you don’t believe that they are busy, buy a police scanner and listen to the calls for service. Just because you have not seen a marked scout car does not mean you have not had police in your neighborhood. Plain clothes officers in unmarked “civilian type” vehicles patrol high patterned crime areas and some uniformed officers patrol in unmarked cars. You mostly have have 7 – 10 patrol cars at any time that cover nearly 25 square miles, which is more than most suburban police departments have at any time. A simple shoplifter arrest takes 2 officers 1 1/2 to two hours to handle, more serious incidents take more personnel and time. Be happy that Dearborn Fire and Police are quick to get to any emergency in town, quite unlike many other departments I know. The biggest crime prevention is your ability to use your eyes and telephone – crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
Sorry to rant a bit, but it is hard to hear the complaints when citizens of Dearborn are quite fortunate to have the Police and Fire services afforded them. Wait until the census figures for population of cities and townships come out in March. With the charter provision that 2.1 police per 1,000 residents is taken into account, Dearborn should have about 205 officers for 98,000 residents. We currently have about 188 officers and are in a holding pattern for budgetary reasons until the census comes out. It is believed that the population dropped to about 85,000 which would by charter drop police to about 178 officers. State lawmakers and city administrators are looking to legally get out of such charter provisions based on cities ability to pay for police services. Any change in that charter provision will provide even less police officers in this City. Can you believe that we had over 210 police officers in the 1950’s and early 60’s than what we should actually now have? Reducing the numbers of police further would greatly impact police services and yet we want to save our pools. Go figure.
January 6th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
As a Dearbon Police Officer, I can assure all of you that the officers of this department take crime in the city very seriously.
We officers feel horrible when a crime occurs against one of our citizens and breaking and entering is something that we take very personally.
I cant think of any crime that impacts someone more than to have their home broken into. The fear and anxiety that goes along with that, is horrible. It is something that will affect them the rest of their lives.
To say that you never see a police car in your neighborhood is ridiculous. I guarantee that they are there, perhaps not at the time you are home.
Yes this chief has some different ideas about fighting crime which I and many other officers disagree with but the officers still go out everyday and do our job.
If you citizens dont feel that you are getting the service that you should be then I urge you to go to the council meetings and voice your concern and make sure you do it at the ones that are televised so you dont get blown off by this administration.
January 7th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
To Homegrown and Concerned Cop, I offer apologies for the insults on behalf of all the Dearborn residents who truly appreciate the service we receive from very dedicated police. I am a senior citizen and a lifelong resident of Dearborn. Fortunately, I have not had to call the police very often, but when I have, the response was immediate and the concern and attitude of the policeman was very assuring. I do see patrol cars in my neighborhood and many other neighborhoods I frequent. In my daughter’s neighborhood a few concerns have been reported, patrol cars are commonly seen.
Dearborn police, please do not be discouraged by these few comments. Most people recognize and appreciate your service. We truly appreciate the risk you take to keep us safe and help us in our times of emergency. These break ins are in no way a reflection of a poor police department, but rather a result of many other changes in our city and neighborhoods.
January 8th, 2011 at 12:18 am
Concerned Cop, thanks for your comments. People can be so short sighted, honestly. The “I don’t see it so it doesn’t exist” mentality is a crime in itself. Most people applaud our officers and appreciate your hard work, in spite of Chief Haddad and O’Reilly. I have been going to the council meetings and have written the mayor several letters. I am ALWAYS appalled at the condescending way the mayor speaks to the good citizens of the city and frankly, I’ve noticed Tom Tafelski and some of the council member do it as well. I am so tempted to go that podium and knock each of them off their pedestals, I dare not do it. But you are correct. If the citizens feel that they are not getting the service they deserve, get to the meetings. There are always plenty of empty seats!! Stay safe.
January 11th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
As one of those whose house was burgled, I can say that the police were very responsive, and since the 27th I have seen patrols stepped up in the neighborhood. Even before the break ins, I frequently saw police patrols going up and down my street.
January 13th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Thanks to the notes above about police staffing levels. I can see why the City has been waiting to replace officers, but the Charter-driven staffing levels are MINIMUMS, not maximums. It seems to me that I will sacrifice some snowplowing to keep cops on the job. Does anyone agree with me? How do we tell city officials to keep cops and firemen on the job? The number of crooks will not be reduced because our population has dropped, so we still need police to protect us.