12 Points Neighborhood Watch gets new signs

By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE May 08, 2008 11:52 pm

— Criminals have not yet been banished from the 12 Points and Collett Park area, but several signs are pointing in the right direction.
“I guess I’m hopeful it’s improving,” remarked Neil Garrison, Neighborhood Watch Team Leader and fifth-district member of the Terre Haute City Council.
Garrison and the neighborhood watch group will place 15 new, reflective, metal, 11 by 14-inch signs throughout the area.
The signs were provided by the Terre Haute Street Department, with financial support from the local Fraternal Order of Police and officers’ union.
City Police Chief John Plasse said the department is behind the group’s efforts.
“They’re trying to get people together to report suspicious activity, which helps us out,” he said, explaining that when people see the new signs, they might be encouraged to participate more in their own neighborhoods.
Plasse said he tries to stay active with other neighborhood group meetings such as the one in Farrington Grove, to “get all of us on the same page” with regards to vandalism and break-ins.
Garrison said the Police Department has been extremely cooperative.
“They’ve been great, fantastic,” he said, noting that police officers have helped with another local initiative, the “graffiti busters.”
“I’m really pleased with what they’re doing,” he said.
Garrison keeps association members and police updated on recent events, such as a van stolen from the neighborhood on April 18. The van was later found with minor damage, he reported.
Another item distributed on his e-newsletter concerned a purse stolen from a car in the 2100 block of North 11th Street. To date, the purse has not been recovered, he wrote in the e-mail, reminding neighbors to take valuables with them inside at night.
Asked if he thinks youth are responsible for the problems, he said, “I think that’s probably the majority of the minor vandalism and graffiti-related things.”
Garrison said using the chain e-mail has greatly helped communication within the neighborhood, calling it “a new twist on an old idea,” and encouraging others in the area to join up by e-mailing him at neil.garrison@terrehaute.in.gov.
“It’s growing,” he said, noting about 85 members have signed up.

Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.

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