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A letter from Lieutenant Hamlet Hood

Holiday greetings to the residents and citizens in the Brauers, Creighton, Eastview, Fairfield, Fairmount, Mosby, Peter Paul, Upper Shockoe Valley, Whitcomb and Woodville communities…

Richmond Police Department
First Precinct, Sector 113
2501 “Q” Street
Richmond, Va. 23223

November 20, 2006

Holiday greetings to the residents and citizens in the Brauers, Creighton, Eastview, Fairfield, Fairmount, Mosby, Peter Paul, Upper Shockoe Valley, Whitcomb and Woodville communities:

I am Lieutenant Hamlet Hood and for those of you who do not know me, I am the Officer-in-Charge of Sector 113; the area where you live and work. I want to share with you a few things that will hopefully allow all of us to have a happy and safe holiday season.

This is the time of year when we celebrate our religious beliefs, customs, family and friends, and have a renewed since of hope and comfort. We give freely and open our homes and businesses to family and friends. Unfortunately, there are those in our community who will use this time of year to prey on others; and regardless to how much is being given, they feel the need to take that which is not theirs.

This has been an extremely successful year in the reduction of crime in our communities. As of this date, violent crime is down -30% and property crime is down -41%. This gives us a total reduction in crime of
-38%. In fact, Sector 113 leads the City of Richmond in crime reduction. We, the community and the police, have done this by working together and not tolerating criminal behavior. Neighbors are talking to each other and becoming more trusting of the police. We must keep this going and not make it easy for the criminals.

Here are some suggestions that will help deter crime through this holiday season:

Secure your homes and vehicles – Many of our crimes are due to items being left in cars; unlocked cars, homes and/or businesses; or items being left in plain-view from the street, in homes or businesses.

Report suspicious activity – If you see someone that you or your neighbors do not recognize, and they are acting in a suspicious manner, notify the police to check it out. It may be nothing, but criminals do not like to hang around where neighbors are watching out for each other.

Do not walk by yourself – Criminals tend to target people who are by themselves. If you must be by yourself, avoid dark or shaded areas. During nighttime hours, turn on your outside lights.

If you own or work at a business, avoid opening or closing by yourself.

Avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive items!

Avoid warming your car or leaving it unattended and running – Thieves are looking for these easy opportunities.

There are many more ways to be safe and secure. If you use these suggestions, the chance of you becoming a victim of crime will be lessened. If you have any questions, please call First Precinct at 646-3602.

Thank you and please have a safe and happy holiday season,

Lieutenant Hamlet Hood, Jr.
Commander, Sector 113