By BOB HESS

The Moccasin Street Neighborhood Watch Group, which recently met on Nov. 5, has expanded well beyond Moccasin Street.  Residents from Third and Fourth streets, Main Street, Lake Street, Elizabeth Street, Bluff Street and Oak Street are participating, as well as a few from Buchanan Township.
The group’s communication system also has been expanding.  An email list is now utilized and  phone captains will notify those who do not have computers. the Berrien County Record carries an“Alerts and Information” column.  Facebook, coordinated with Buchanan City Facebook, is utilized,  and there was recent coverage from Channel 57 news.
n Something new is coming to Buchanan in the near future.  Val Grimes, Berrien County Animal Control director, will be conducting education programs for the public, as well as coordinating education programs within the schools pertaining to some of the issues that have arisen as a result of the dog attacks in Buchanan.
n It was noted that the loose dog situation in the area has improved.  People have been calling the authorities when loose dogs are seen, and the dogs are being picked up and taken to the shelter.
n There have been no peddlers in the area since 57’s coverage of the issue.  The police have been active on approaching those who have been peddling without permits.
n Several people are concerned about the ice cream truck that is parking near Moccasin School when children are being dismissed from school in the afternoon.  This is an area of heavy congestion, and this truck makes a dangerous situation even more dangerous.  Thanks to officer Morely for his efforts in trying to keep things safer by his visibility in the area during the heavy congestion times.
n Concerns have arisen about children going in and out of the vacant houses on the 300 block of Bluff Street. Beer bottles are seen around and in the buildings.  People are seen using the “high weed” area to go from one street to another, which could lead to some serious security situations for children as well.
n Officer Mike Troup of the Buchanan Police Department said a suspect is on the loose within Buchanan who is believed to have been involved in a serious stabbing within the city.  Posters concerning this suspect are posted in the downtown area. Call the police if you see the individual or call Crime Stoppers at (800) 342-7867.  You could receive a $100 reward for contacting Crime Stoppers or as much as $1,000.
n Sheriff Paul Bailey explained, that due to budget cuts, there are fewer officers available for traffic control and crime response. He said, that with the cuts in the Buchanan and county forces, more civilian eyes and ears are needed if we are going to keep neighborhoods active.
n We had an incident at one lady’s house where a man came to check out her house for possible “improvements.”  A friend of hers notified someone in the neighborhood watch group out of concern for her safety.  The person contacted by her friend, in turn, contacted the police who were on her door step almost immediately.  The lady stated she appreciated the quick response.  The man was from what seemed to be a legitimate company, but did not have a permit to peddle in the city, and never returned to finish his inspection nor to get a permit from the police.
n Locking doors when away from home and even when at home is encouraged. This is because of the great increase within Berrien County in breaking and entering and home invasions.  Senior citizens need to be especially careful.  Do not open doors to anyone you don’t know if they don’t have a city badge fully visible.
Most entering into vehicles is the fault of the victim because the vehicle was not locked.
Also, many people are leaving their garage doors open during the day and night.  This is an invitation to a burglar.  They can see what you have in your garage and can strike at any time.
that moment or come back at night and steal what they have seen.

Seeing officer Morely riding around the city is giving our people a good feeling.  They know that he makes his rounds on a regular basis and keeps his eyes on our homes, businesses and schools.  Our people see this and we greatly appreciate what he does for us and our children.  Not many people know that he does this for a very minimal amount of money.  Thanks Frances.

Suggestions were given on home security to help with preventing B&Es.

ALERT
I was in a meeting with Prosecuting Attorey Art Cotter recently.  He, very adamantly warned parents and grandparents about the dangers of “sexting” on cell phones and computers.  He stated that young people are finding themselves in some very serious and dangerous situations because they are “sexting” naked pictures of themselves to friends and finding themselves being plastered all over computer sites like Facebook, etc. and/or being blackmailed into doing things that they had not considered before posting that picture to their friend’s phone or computer.  Prime examples are being seen in our immediate area courts today.  Take your children to a local newspaper and show them about the cases that are presently being tried in our local courts at this time.  This is becoming more and more of a serious problem as each day passes and parents need to make their children aware of what the consequences can be if they participate in it.

REMEMBER THESE PHONE NUMBERS:

Buchanan Police —  695-5120
Crime Stoppers —  1-800-342-7867
Emergency — 911