Crime & Safety
BHPD Block Party Provides Fun and Information
The Beverly Hills Police Department Neighborhood Watch event Sunday on South Gale Drive gives residents a chance to meet one another and get crime updates.
The residents of South Gale Drive needed only to walk out their front doors Sunday afternoon to meet their neighbors, enjoy some good food and receive some valuable information about crime and safety.
The hosted the Neighborhood Watch “Connect to Protect” event to interact with the community and bring residents up to date on emergency procedures, earthquake safety and crime statistics.
Neighborhood Watch meetings were previously held at the police station or library, but over the years the crowds were dwindling so these new events bring the information directly to the people, according to Don Chase, crime prevention and community relations officer for the BHPD.
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“We already have a good-sized crowd here, so I think this works better to get the information out,” Chase said.
A portion of South Gale Drive was closed for the block party and booths were set up offering various information. Residents could also purchase earthquake kits, which is something everyone should have, Chase said.
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Members of the Finkel family purchased four kits at the event: one for their home, one for the office, one for their car and one for the nanny’s car.
“I am very relieved that they are providing this service today because I’ve been meaning to buy some for a long time but haven’t done it,” Rebecca Finkel said of the kits. “It’s a bargain as far as I’m concerned because I know the kit was prepared by a good source.”
The kits were provided by the Beverly Hills Health and Safety Commission at a cost of $40 for the home kit and $25 for the car kit.
“We’re also here gathering email addresses for a new newsletter we will be sending out that will keep people updated on emergency, disaster and crime issues all in one fell swoop,” said Health and Safety Commission Chairman Peter Landau. “But first we have to get enough people signed up before we can send the newsletter out.”
Robert Loscalzo, block captain for the Gale Drive Neighborhood Watch program, said he was happy to have the police department come out to his neighborhood to offer its services.
“It’s wonderful. Having a police presence in the neighborhood prevents crime and motivates people to watch out for each other,” Loscalzo said. “The police can’t be everywhere, so people need to help the police by keeping an eye on their neighborhood.”
In addition to general information on identity theft, home security and auto burglary, Chase also let the residents know about specific crimes they should be aware of, including , which involves people knocking on doors and then breaking in if there is no answer.
Attendees were also able to check out the BHPD smart car and rescue vehicle at the event. A fire engine was on hand and food was available from the Patty Wagon food truck.
“It doesn’t get any better than this. Neighbors can meet neighbors they’ve lived next to for years but maybe never met,” Mayor Barry Brucker said. “This is something that keeps us all together and keeps us protected.”
