Police stress precautions to residents as Ann Arbor records 80 home invasions in 2 months
Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones addresses an audience on Feb. 28 about a rash of home invasions.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
Last summer, Ann Arbor resident Anne Darnell noticed a service vehicle was stopped outside a neighbor’s house in the Orchard Hills-Maplewood neighborhood.
The neighbor was on vacation, so Darnell’s husband went to check what was going on while Anne Darnell called the neighbor.
It turned out the service call was scheduled, but that type of vigilance is what Police Chief Barnett Jones told a crowd was their best defense against being victimized during a wave of home invasions that has hit the city since Jan. 1.
Close to 150 people gathered for a meeting called by the Ann Arbor Police Department to discuss the issue Tuesday at Clague Middle School.
According to AAPD statistics presented at the meeting, 82 home invasions have been reported between the beginning of the year and Feb. 18. That’s up from 49 home invasions and commercial burglaries during the same period in each of the previous two years. Among the incidents this year, 35 involved intruders entering through unlocked doors and windows.
Jones and Detective Dave Monroe, who is assigned to all the cases, stressed residents should take basic precautions. Among them are locking all doors and windows, calling 9-1-1 upon seeing anything suspicious, getting to know neighbors, using auxiliary and stronger locks, locking doors inside garages, keeping up the appearance that someone is home even if no one is and investing in a home alarm system.
“You live in a relatively safe community, and don’t let anybody tell you that you don’t … but we are not safe from crime, and that’s the discussion need to have this evening,” Jones said, underscoring that people need to lock and secure their homes.
“People are utilizing our goodness and the fact some don’t lock doors and windows to take advantage of all of us.”
Jones attributed the spike to several factors, including the economy and mild winter.
Monroe said police believe there are two to three small groups involved in the break-ins and some thieves are “homegrown” while others are coming from other communities, including one suspect who has been linked to Southfield.
“We are a destination community, meaning we have stuff,” Jones said.
Jones said one arrest was made in January and the suspect went through the legal system but was subsequently released. That person is wanted on a warrant, and Barnett declined to further discuss the case.
The home invasions have occurred throughout the city, though Monroe said slightly more have occurred toward the edges of the city. That could be because it provides an easy escape route to the freeways, Monroe said. He also said neighboring municipalities are experiencing an uptick in the number of home invasions and agencies were sharing information, though he didn’t provide statistics.
Barnett said break-ins have often occurred during the daytime hours. In many cases, the thieves are knocking on front doors or ringing doorbells. If there is no answer, then they are checking for open doors and windows.
In 33-percent of the cases, doors or windows were forced or pried open, according to the department’s statistics. None of the cases have included a weapon and no one has been hurt so far.
Jones said there have been instances where residents have seen people walking around and casing houses before breaking in, but neighbors never dialed 9-1-1 because they said they didn’t want to bother the police or weren’t sure that the stranger didn’t belong there.
In one case, a burglar entered the house of someone who was slow to answer a knock at an unlocked front door. When the homeowner confronted the would-be burglar, the suspect said they had accidentally entered the wrong home and left, but the resident didn’t call the police until the following day.
“When you see stuff out there that doesn’t belong, involve the people who you pay to keep you safe; the police,” Jones said. “Your police agency doesn’t mind responding to calls for service … and all that about not having enough officers patrolling, that’s bahooey. We’re going to get there.”
Jones also said thieves are known to tell residents they represent a fake charity or pose like they are on a service or utility call.
Of the 82 reported home invasions, a small number involved intruders breaking glass, then reaching inside a home to unlock the door. Jones said residents should install bolt locks with an inch throw placed at least 40 inches from glass. Jones also suggested a type of adhesive that can be placed over glass to make it “as strong as steel” and a type of drop lock he said is employed by drug dealers because it makes it so difficult for cops to kick through doors.
Residents planning a vacation should have a trusted friend or relative pick up mail and fliers left on the doorsteps, Jones said. He suggested having relatives drive on driveways if there is snow to make it look like someone is home. He also told residents to limit the Tweets and Facebook posts that advertise they are out of town.
Jones and Monroe recommended residents try to give their house a “lived-in” look, even if they only are gone for a short time, by using timed lights. They said thieves are casing for homes that appear unoccupied.
“They are targeting certain houses for a reason - make it look like you are there,” Monroe said.
When questioned about carrying firearms, Barnett said Michigan residents have the right to carry concealed weapons with the proper paperwork and some are part of an open-carry group. But he said people who do legally carry guns should expect that officers will want see paperwork.
Like several others in attendance, Diane Leeland said her neighbor’s house had been among those broken into and she was on heightened alert over the last month.
“There’s nothing else you can do but be more aware,” she said. “A lot of the advice here was good advice, and doesn’t take much effort.”
Darnell said much of the information at the meeting was review and her family has discussed extra precautions like those discussed. She also said her street, which is one block from where a home invasion occurred, is tight-knit.
“We have a great street and we look out for one another,” she said.
She was surprised to learn how many home invasions have been reported, but said it was best the community knew about the issue.
“We can’t pretend it’s not happening,” she said.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify the number of home invasions in previous years.
Comments
sparty2219
Sun, Mar 4, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
Glad I have a gun
Sutro1
Fri, Mar 2, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
It is unfortunate that the Police Department has been culled. However, nothing is being done within the City political system to correct any of the serious issues at hand including rebuilding the police force!. Five years ago I waited over three hours for the police to respond to a 911 call. When they finally showed up, the officer was beligerant and unapologetic for not arriving in a timely manner. The incident was over, I was more than angry and he was busy finger pointing. It was the last straw for me. I put my house on the market and eventually moved. I watched more and more services downsized or eliminated. Yet the same political forces prevailed. The city is a bit out of touch with the rest of the neighboring communities as far as crime and protecting the residents is concerned. Its fine to get to know your neighbors, but the city needs a better police force. That has to start at the top and I am not speaking of the police chief. Its time for a change. Let the mayor go back into real estate. Someone with some serious clout needs to take over the city. God knows the City of Ann Arbor residents pay enough taxes!
Wonders
Fri, Mar 2, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
There are some well thought-out comments to this article. I notice that responders tend to be far to one side or the other, though, and I suggest that a viable solution lies somewhere in the middle of "get a gun, shoot the intruder" and "why aren't the damn police doing more?!" Yes, our community is feeling the effect of a diminished police presence, and it is frustrating that residents have paid for this by experiencing crimes that may have been prevented through higher quantity and quality police force. It is also true that many of us have not engaged in much community-oriented crime prevention, such as making a point to talk to neighbors - in general, and about crime specifically. And, many of us could take more responsibility for protecting our homes. Just saying....I think it almost always pays to consider a balanced approach. We need more police, and we have the right to expect that they are taking their position seriously and doing as much, if not more than we as citizens are doing to protect ourselves. But that also means that we citizens need to raise the bar in terms of what we're doing. If everyone made an effort to introduce themselves to one neighbor that they don't know yet, that would be significant. I am going to do just that this weekend. Reading this article, I realized I don't know the people in the house right next door to me. We had a break-in on our block recently, so this is a good way to get talking. Good luck building stonger neighborhoods!
lefty48197
Fri, Mar 2, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Ann Arbor seems to have plenty of police to drive around the city looking for people who make turns without using their turn signals and quickly pulling them over and issuing a ticket. It's too bad they can't find enough police to go after the people who are invading our homes. Should we call the Sheriff's Department when we witness a home invasion in progress? The state police? Will ANYBODY protect the citizens of Ann Arbor from real crime instead of just protecting us from traffic violators.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
I don't see any separate category in crime stats for a "home invasion," which has been defined as breaking and entering when someone is home. Are home invasion, breaking and entering and burglary all categorized as "burglary" for crime stats purposes? I think this is important, since residents feel crime is up and yet stats suggest otherwise. Are home invasions being tracked using the burglary category? There is no separate category for home invasions. <a href="http://www.city-data.com/city/Ann-Arbor-Michigan.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.city-data.com/city/Ann-Arbor-Michigan.html</a>
NewStart
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
I get calls in the daytime and wonder if these are ruses to find out if I am home or not...especially the ones that have noone on the line when I answer. Get a dog, keep the radio on and LET'S CATCH THESE CREEPS!
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
Seeing how taxpayers dollars won't buy police, only a sculpture of one, more and more of us are looking into developing Neighbourhood Watches. City officials can wring their hands with 'Pedestrian Mindreading Crystal Ball', and 'Idling will Kill Us' ordinances. Now that the city's dirty laundry crime rate is now hanging on the line, citizens won't have to worry about crossing the street or auto emissions killing them.
john728
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
i was born and raised in ann arbor i live in ypsilanti now i had trouble paying my taxes but when i was growing up w knew all the neighbors you could play outside and everyone watched out for each other if a kid was doing someting wrong another parent would say hey i see what your doing and im going to tell your mother and if there was some person that didnt belong eyes were on them most people never know the person next to them let alone the end of the street get to know you neighbors even if you dont like them you dont need to be friends just be Americans and when you make cuts dont cut public safety i wont mind waiting in line at city hall but i dont want to wait for police and fire thank you for your time God Bless America
leaguebus
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
One effective way of dealing with this problem is using our plain clothes officers to monitor the hottest neighborhoods. I assume that the cuts made in staffing also affected the number of plain clothes officers too.
babs
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
We have lived in Ann Arbor since 1976, during that time in 3 places with 2 break-ins. Poor statistics, right? Apartment, condo, single family home. At the 3rd floor apartment, we were 'invaded' while we slept, the intruder was in our bedrom to take valuables off the dresser. The policeman could not believe we (stupidly) left the balcony sliding door opened slightly on the sweltering July night. It never occurred to us that Spider man was living in a2 and could scale balcony to balcony from the ground floor. We were told the possibility of finding the intruder and our goods was nil. The condo was safe, thank goodness. Our home in NE Ann Arbor was broken into at 9 am on a weekday a few years back. That intruder kicked in a triple deadbolted door, basically frame and all. The response from the police was perfect in all ways, professional, very quick, thorough, made me so proud of our police force. Yet, no hope for finding the poor excuse of a human who crashed our home and put us into hyper-vigilent mode ever since. Our out of town families think we live in a dangerous city, so sad. Please stop advertising our lack of man power on the police force or find a way to stop the scum at the city limts!
thecompound
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Did you replace your door with something that was stronger, if something exists? I wonder if there will be an economical uptick in people buying home safety items?
nowayjose
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
If you did your job substanciating your own stories, bloggers would't have to be blocked. You're welcome for the story
Julie Baker
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
We have confirmed that Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones has resigned. We have unblocked two comments that related to this news. See the story here: <a href="http://annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-police-chief-barnett-jones-resigns/">http://annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-police-chief-barnett-jones-resigns/</a>
Julie Baker
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Unsubstantiated comments have been removed. We will be publishing a story momentarily that will confirm them.
Julie Baker
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
A comment discussing moderation policies was removed. You can discuss that here: <a href="http://annarbor.com/about/annarborcom-conversation-guidelines-comment-moderation/">http://annarbor.com/about/annarborcom-conversation-guidelines-comment-moderation/</a>
KeepingItReal
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
"You live in a relatively safe community, don't let anybody tell you that you don't...but we are not safe from crime, and that's the discussion need to have this evening," Jones said, understanding that people need to lock and secure their homes. " He went on to say, "we are a destination community, meaning we have stuff," Jones said. Ironically, Jones serving as police chief in another Michigan community, actually sent people to Ann Arbor for services that was not offered in his community. What makes him think that other police chiefs are not doing the same. I recently ran into a young man who sought housing from the Delonis Center that Guenzel the former county administrator fought so vigriously for, who informed me that upon seeking shelter there, he was arrested at the shelter because he had committed a simple misdamenor offense sometime ago. Apparently, when a person seeks shelter at the Delonis Center, part of the intake process is to conduct a criminal background check. If that person has a warrant out for their arrest, they are automatically arrested and placed in the county jail. He spent approximately 11 days in jail at approximately $64.17/day which we as taxpayers paid. After 11 days in jail and an appearance before a judge and represented by a public defender, he was released on a personal recognizance bond, meaning the judge did not think this person posed an immediate danger to society. When the county jail was expanded, a major concern was that the increased incarceration of low income people would occur to help pay the cost for the construction of the new jail. While there are individuals who deserved to be incarcerated to protect society, the financing of the new jail is being done on the backs of relatively harmless criminals. If those resources that Chief Jones talks about are so plentiful in this community, why can't they be spent diverting people out to the system.
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:38 a.m.
If you have a warrent you should be in jail.
KeepingItReal
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
YouWhine. Why do you think there are homeless camps in Ann Arbor?
Youwhine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
Sorry, but the main leg of your argument is false. The shelter does not check people for warrants. It is actually quite the opposite. The staff there is highly reluctant to share ANY information about ANYTHING with police as they feel that the clients' privacy is more important than safety of the public at large. If they turned in everybody who had a warrant, the building would be nearly empty today. Too bad you aren't KeepingItRealHonest.
nowayjose
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Wont be his problem anymore. I hear the Chief is retiring today.
Youwhine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
Don't go spreading facts, your comment will be deleted.
Youwhine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
You sure you didn't mean to say FORMER Ann Arbor Police Chief?
deetdeedee
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
<a href="http://www.shattergard.com/home.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.shattergard.com/home.html</a> for the glass security film and door supports.
say it plain
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 6:35 a.m.
Thanks, you'd think that the .com could provide more info. you know, being journalists and all.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
ann arbor is the new detroit.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
As I said before, the police will not ever be standing outside your back door waiting for the criminals to exit with your stuff, unless of course, they are tipped off. It is YOUR responsibility to protect YOUR stuff, no matter how many police are available to take your report.
G. Orwell
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
The city of Ann Arbor should not spend so much time and money on things like the pedestrian death cross walks and giving away all control and money to the Transportation Authority, and use those resources to beef up the police department and provide training and guidance to residents. Maybe the police department can sponsor gun safety classes for a fee. Great way to make money, get to know the residents and help the community.
observer
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Again, you have people making decisions about the Police Dept. who have no right doing so.....The AAPD is very hard working, but when you have a mayor and council who care more about art and the like, this is what you get.....it is a shame....
brian martin
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
I am one of the 80+ cases - someone entered my house last week while I was sleeping and stole my laptop and a coat. I usually lock my doors even when I am home, but forgot that night. Good thing I have renter's insurance.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
Better check your policy. Some renters' policies don't cover theft unless there are signs of forced entry.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
The thing about this that really bothers me is they were in your house going through your stuff. You were totally vulnerable to anything they wished to do. That must be a terrible feeling, like they totally violated your private space. Hopefully others will learn from you story.
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
I came from a 4.7 million horse city to Ann Arbor's 100,000 horse town. When I moved to A2 7 years ago, I was almost mugged by 2 guys at 3d & liberty while walking my dog at 9pm on a sat night. I carried an asp, presented it to the 2 men, who attempted to flank me, and they quickly dispersed. A week later, someone did get mugged, same exact location. Would I have done that in Chicago? No, I would've thrown my worldly goods at them (except, of course, my dog.) But Ann Arbor is a smaller, somewhat more insulated community - not that there aren't threats here. 7 yrs ago, the thugs were opportunists preying on the perceived weak, easily spooked by anyone who stood up for themselves, and didn't have the foothold that they now *enjoy*. We have a whole new breed of thug - emboldened by Ann Arbor's permissiveness, people averting their eyes and just handing out money, not saying no when they set up their little sidewalk enclaves outside of independent businesses, and the lack of police presence. When everyone has finally had enough, stands up, looks up, and start taking back the streets, neighbourhoods and city, of Ann Arbor, only then will things change. State St merchants have started taking back their street, and the thugs are rolling to other areas - follow the tags, and there you will find them - keep them moving, don't make it comfortable for them (after all they don't make it comfortable for anyone else.) If all the area business people cooperate & start prodding these thugs off taxpayers turf, they will go back to the holes they infested before. Perhaps a citizen based patrol to complement the police force is in order, seeing how the city officials have been too busy discussing the impending Idling Law. (Yes, watch the city hall community TV channel - its the best comedy out there.)
Sallyxyz
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
"We are a destination community, meaning we have stuff," Jones said. It's also a destination community due to the lack of police: just five patrol cars per shift covering a city of over 100,000 people. Thugs know this. If they have so much information on potential suspects, why are none in custody? See below: Monroe said police believe there are two to three small groups involved in the break-ins and some thieves are "homegrown" while others are coming from other communities, including one suspect who has been linked to Southfield.
zanzerbar
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
I've used this alarm and it is very effective and inexpensive. <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2850623" rel='nofollow'>http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2850623</a>
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
While I agree with the claim there's been too much cutting back on our police force, (I'd love to see bicycle cops back on the beat), I think it's true that people become too comfortable when there ARE "enough" cops to properly cover the city's needs. Ultimately: our self defense falls on us, no matter the specific kinds of crime or the crime rate. This is why HEEDING what Policed Chief Jones tells us is so important. RE: " Jones also suggested a type of adhesive that can be placed over glass to make it "as strong as steel" and a type of drop lock he said is employed by drug dealers because it makes it so difficult for cops to kick through doors."–– That tells us that the criminals are ahead of us when it comes to THEIR security. Time to up our game, folks! RE: " Michigan residents have the right to carry concealed weapons with the proper paperwork and some are part of an open-carry group. But he said people who do legally carry guns should expect that officers will want see paperwork." –– It's great to see the improved concealed carry law in operation. But be advised: you have to KNOW how to properly inform police officers you come in contact with that you are legally armed. There's proper procedure for this and it's essential that it be rehearsed and followed!
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
to just curious,thwarts are not reported cuz cops will spin it around+charge the thwarter.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
justcurious: just a bit more explanation: Again among my circle, all of them have created a defense strategy built around prevention, rather than confrontation. Properly securing residences, knowing how to detect threats and AVOID THEM are the first things we all learned. So the "lack of reporting" is also a sign that there ARE well secured homes and people out there. I have used these tactics to thwart criminals on the streets of Ann Arbor - just by knowing "how not to get mugged." Honestly, I hope never to have to fire my gun, but it's there if I do have to.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
justcurious: Good point, shows you're thinking things through and noticing such things. The actual reason is statistical: Since Michigan's Shall Issue law went into operation (passed into law 06-2002, in operations since 10-2002), over 250,000 people obtained CPLs That's 500% increase BUT the total (300,000+ as of January) equals only about 3% of the adult population. Obviously, criminals aren't going to run into many armed citizens, right? The other factor is situational: My friends almost all have a CPL. I got my first one in 1967 (when it was much harder to get one). So among me and my friends: SEVERAL have used their guns to thwart crimes. Also, I hope you've noticed that my posts aren't of the kind you mention. I agree that there's too much "big talk" on forums but - that's true of every forum, isn't it? I also hope you notice that my emphasis is always on more complete preparedness - such as the things Chief Jones recommends.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
I'm waiting for people to come forward and tell us that they actually DID thwart a crime with their weapon. I just really don't see evidence that people are doing this. People talk big about it all the time but they don't seem to be doing it.
jcj
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
How many of these "80 home invasions" were reported within 20 min of happening? 3-5 more police on patrol will not help. UNLESS you take some precautions to protect your valuables and install some kind of alarm.
ranger007
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
Time to start defending yourselves the thugs know they can get away with it and the police can't do anything about it so its just going to get worse
Sallyxyz
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
I thought I read a previous article a few days ago that stated 40 home invasions in two months. What is going on with the numbers? How are "home invasions" counted for crime reporting purposes? If there is a break-in and nothing is taken, is that counted as a burglary? If there is an invasion (break-in) and a theft occurs, is that also counted as a burglary? If a weapon is involved in a home invasion, is that counted as a home invasion, or as a robbery?
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
Just FYI: being armed or not armed is treated separately under the law. Obviously: an armed intruder is far more of a threat and the law takes that into account statistically and when charges are filed. And - "home invasion" is a type of forced entry. Generally, the term only applies when there are occupants in the home at the time of forced entry. Forced entry with or without theft is also categorized - as you surmised.
Peter Eckstein
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
I was about to make Keri's point when I saw that she had just made it. More specifically, how about an article tomorrow with lots of specifics about "drop locks" and "special adhesives" with brand names of products and names and addresses of dealers. You are not shy about naming names when describing a new business or a new addition to Mark's Karts (and I have no problem with this) so don't be shy about telling us what to shop for and where to do it to follow Chief Jones' advice.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:31 p.m.
Just build a 10' wall around you property with barbed wire on top. But don't forget to respect the zoning setbacks!!!
Sallyxyz
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
It's not considered "news," unfortunately, to provide useful information as you suggest.
jeff4179
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.
Living the reality and hearing the Mayor and City Council and other city officials speak feels like being in the Bizarro World....crime is up, people are entering and stealing from homes, there is a ridiculously low number of police on duty, it's extremely difficult to get Ann Arbor police to help with car accidents/reports, etc.... But, according to our out of touch city officials....there is no connection between any of these things. Just coincidental correlations between more police and a safer city and less police and a more dangerous city.
keri
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
"Jones also suggested a type of adhesive that can be placed over glass to make it "as strong as steel" and a type of drop lock he said is employed by drug dealers because it makes it so difficult for cops to kick through doors." Perhaps for those of us who didn't attend the meeting, AA.com could give more specifics on these safety suggestions.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
I don't know what he was talking about specifically, but I was curious after I read the article and found these: <a href="http://www.shattergard.com;" rel='nofollow'>www.shattergard.com;</a> <a href="http://www.diywindowsecurity.com;" rel='nofollow'>www.diywindowsecurity.com;</a> <a href="http://www.armorglassintl.com;" rel='nofollow'>www.armorglassintl.com;</a> <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Residential/" rel='nofollow'>http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Residential/</a> I don't have personal knowledge of any of them, but they all look worth investigating, particularly 3M and Shatterguard.
Gargoyle
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Sooner or later these thieves will break into a house and the homeowner will exercise their 2nd amendment rights. Their luck will run out and the crime spree will be over.
zip the cat
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
What did you expect. When you print and hold news confrences and tell the world your cutting back and laying off police, Hey wake up people the crooks read the papers also. Theres a up tick in crime allright and I'll bet the worst is yet to come. Hey they can't find the serial rapeist, How can they stop the Home invasions Maybe the answer is to get rid of a few dozen more police. No money for more police,but we have a million dollar urinal Wow,when will the circus end
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Why did Chief Jones ignore this? Annarbor.com article on connection between heroin use and burglaries from 2010 <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/heroin-addicts-are-a-desperate-lot/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/heroin-addicts-are-a-desperate-lot/</a> Heroin use in Washtenaw county on the rise. See 2010 statistics. About as prevalent as marijuana use. <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/State_Epi_Profile_2011_Rvsd_360612_7.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/State_Epi_Profile_2011_Rvsd_360612_7.pdf</a>
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
A friend of mine who does business on Main has reported instances where sharps have been left in the planter boxes. Wake up City Officials, your city that employs you is telling you something.
RUKiddingMe
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
"82 homes home invasions?"
FedUpinA2
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
Wake up Ann Arbor! This crime puzzle isn't so hard to figure out. Take the uniformed cops off the street and crime goes up. Look at the downtown street bums that were shaking people down for money last summer. Now a huge increase in home invasions. Next summer look forward to a big increase in armed robberies. The damage has already been done to our city, how long will it take to reverse it? Who will reverse it? Not the people in city government that caused it, that's for sure.
firecat40
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
I live near Clague and Very Rarely see a patrol. In addition to the recent crimes, people treat Bluett Rd as their high-speed expressway between Nixon and Green. I used to see motorcycle patrols, car patrols, U of M Public Safety patrolling, not anymore. Obviously more officers are needed. There has been graffiti at local schools, booze bottles on playgrounds, etc. With a visible police presence, active Neighborhood Watch, and fear that someone like myself is a gunowner, maybe they will think twice before breaking in? If these crooks think that we are wealthy, travel, don't lock our doors, and don't like guns, they target us...
Lisa
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 9:19 a.m.
Neighborhood Watch and the Helping hand went out in the 80's!
nyrdreems
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
I just can't read the article. The photo looks like a prank. C'mon annarbor.com, be professional. That silly photo is disrespectful. Was someone using a camera phone? Time and time again I shake my head at this joke of e-news. I do try to read to be informed. But annarbor.com needs to do better. Is there a way we can pay for better reporting?
jcj
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4 p.m.
Gotta agree. Very disrespectful. I don't know of any photographer that takes one shot. Give a 1st grader an old box camera and they could do better.
Mike58
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
The sad part is, given the current level of police staffing, the "bad guys" will never get to enjoy the art at the new multi-million dollar Justice Center. The experience could have been life changing for them.
Karen
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
A crime spree in perfect precious Ann Arbor? The horror!!!
motorcycleminer
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
Boy this is real " rocket science " OZ is surrounded by expressways giving instant access to it's treasures by the street scum from an area to our south east ( name wtihheld to be politically correct ) this has been going on for years, ask anyone who owns a business in the jackson rd corridor...Fewer toungue depressors , zebra traffic control, bomb shelters and FEMA city hall re-do's..not to mention farm land miles from town and a few more cops actually doing what they are paid for ..thats protection vs tickets and you might see an improvement..in the mean time lock your property and have a 12 gage response to the situation...
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Or a .40 JHP portable version
Jon Wax
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
1. We need cameras recording the inbound and outbound cars at main/m14, plymouth/23 and state/94. At least then we would have some record of possible suspects and including the plate numbers of each car in the shot, while tedious to search through, would give a step 1 in catching the perps, especially in light of the lack of police presence. 2. This is not A2 from the 70'3 and 80's and hasn't been for a while. Leaving your doors unlocked, keeping your head down and having no solid way to protect yourself and your family is a recipe for disaster. Buy a gun, talk to your neighbors and open your eyes. It doesn't have to be a pistol. Just get a regular 12 gauge. 3. A2 doesn't have the population it used to have. I wonder how much money the school actually kicks in to the city. There are a lot of people living in A2 that aren't here permanently, don't own property and don't pay property tax. The city is broke, but they don't want to advertise that because then, since everyone here is a mollycoddled softie, it would be open season for the criminals. My guess is that there will be a LOT of violent incidences over the summer. How many will make the news? Probably less then half. peace Wax
Lisa
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 9:17 a.m.
Right on and that how is how it was back in the day!
Rugeirn Drienborough
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
1. Completely useless. Thousands of cars per day go through those intersections. There is no way to link any car going through there with any other event. There are also dozens of other ways to enter and leave the city. 2. Excellent idea, but don't forget to get the training you need to be effective and safe with that firearm. Remember that you are responsible for every bullet you fire. 3. Yes, Ann Arbor does have the population it used to have. The population of Ann Arbor has grown in every decennial census from 1860 to 2000. The 2010 census was down by 0.1%. By the way, the university employs 30,000 people, so the economic effect is large. By the way, landlords figure in their property taxes when they set their rents, so that one doesn't fly either. Since you're here, I presume that you are also the "mollycoddled softie" you claim everyone else "here" to be. Oh, am I stretching a point? Sorry.
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
I would rather take the expense of cameras and put more police on the roads. Proactive, rather than reactive, is the key. Why get them speeding out of town after the fact.
walker101
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
Unfortunately this is just the beginning, I would have not be wanted to be living here before if the crime is down from prior years, I can only imagine. It's a little too late and no one wants to address the real issues, many would rather be politically correct than to face the fact that this town is easy pickings for the local street thugs and thuggery. The element has arrived and they're here to stay, why not, Detroit has already been plifered and when you have more street smarts than the local upstanding liberal ideology of peace and loving citizen how much easier can it get. Unfortunately I've seen this in other communities and the only why to fight back if you want your city is to be a little more proactive in identifying these suspects (with pictures) or at least identify this individuals who make these crimes and at least make it worthwhile when it comes to breaking the law. But this town does not want to offend nor does it want to face the fact that the crimes that are being committed by outsiders that have migrated from the East part of the state. Until you change your ideaologies and political correctness this is what you can expect and more to come. Rarely does this media every identify anyone when a crime is reported, you can only keep your eyes closed for so long.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:42 a.m.
I agree. Too many articles with suspects do not show photos and this is crucial to identifying perps. Some of these thugs only serve short sentences, if any, thanks to the slap on the wrist justice system in Wash Cty, so they are back out. Revolving door justice. Photos keep everyone aware of who is committing these crimes. AA dot com can do better when it comes to taking the effort to obtain the photos and post them with the articles.
jcj
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:30 p.m.
Remote Control Adjustable Motion Alarm <a href="http://www.smarthome.com/25515/Carlon-HS4370D-Remote-Control-Adjustable-Motion-Alarm/p.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.smarthome.com/25515/Carlon-HS4370D-Remote-Control-Adjustable-Motion-Alarm/p.aspx</a>
4Bells
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
Cut police resources, release felons from prison and pretend this is a great idea & they're all going to become instantaneous law-abiding, productive citizens. No real consequences for criminal behavior, because it's "non-violent" crime. Ten years of cuts to law enforcement, jails and the prison system have come home to roost good citizens. Your state representatives, senators and the governor need to hear from you - loud & clear . . .
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:24 a.m.
Most of what you mention is run by locally elected governments and judges and has nothing to do w the state at all
Lac Court Orilles
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
As long as Republican politicians are in office we will continue to have more and more break ins by people who are out of work and out of unemployment benefits. Republicans are only interested in making the rich richer, and only use the term job creation to garner enough votes to get elected so they can do their dirty work. Elections always have consequences.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
Psssst. The President is a Democrat and the Senate is controlled by the Democrats. Plus, I believe the mayor and all of city council are Democrats..... but don't let the facts get in the way of a good partisan rant.
andys
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Thanks G.O. for the balanced response, I'm a Rep (leaning to independent) Blaming only republicans when our current situation is the result of massive failures by politicians on BOTH sides is delusional.
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Stop using the economy as an excuse. I'm not a 'party' person, I vote for whomever I think will do the best job. But it's excuses like this the ignore the bigger picture. Its the pervasive inability to put the smackdown on social miscreants, instead we pander to them, make excuses for their bad behaviour, make all sorts of 'special' considerations for them. Liberty Square is the perfect example. Clearly the people living there were squatters, and neither the city or the townspeople wanted to disrupt this little conclave up - it wouldn't be politically correct - no, let's let them live in the center of town, for free, and give them food, water, blankets, whatever, so we can feel good about ourselves. Never mind you couldn't walk past there at night because of the seediness, nevermind where these squatters are relieving themselves (no one provided a bathroom, for shame). Perfect example of the inability to put the smackdown on wrongdoing. But lord help me, a hardworking tax paying individual,mic I can't read a pedestrians mind if they might want to cross the street. I'll get a huge fine and 2 points on my license,
G. Orwell
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
Both Republicans and Democrats are to blame for this. Both Bush and Obama helped give banks that created this economic mess trillions of dollars in bailout. Banks, ratherr than using this money to improve the economy, as promised, the banks gave out billions in bonuses, lent it back to our government at high interest and paid off European banks. The fault clearly lies with Clinton (for repealing the Glass-Steagal and passing NAFTA), Bush, and Obama.
Lisa
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:24 p.m.
Thank you for all informed there are now only 5 officers per 100,000 people wow !Whats really bad is try making a police report the officer is most likely a civilian officer {volunteer} most of the time meaning they cannot give tickets and cannot properly file the guidelines that are enforced to writing a proper police report train them also.1 detective 80 cases and internal affairs officers does 5 or 6 jobs alone. We are real safe. Bring Mayor Ingrid back she ran the town right and in the black response teams quite complaining at least you were able to keep your job. Did anyone know you can pay your water bill in town but if you mail it it is outsourced??????What happened to Ann Arbor dirty, no police, looks bad what has happened people???
Bob Heinold
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
As we march closer and closer to a situation like pre-Giuliani NYC, the emphasis is on victims and potential witnesses as to what they should do. Remember that it starts with small things like graffiti, traffic and pedestrian infractions--things considered too minor to stop. -Bob H.
G-Man
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Don't let Pres. Obama throw out the 2nd Amendment!!!!!!!
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:20 a.m.
A president can't overturn a constitutional amendment.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
he will play that card during 2nd term.bank on it.
Sparty
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
His Justice Dept was just following GWB's Operation Wide Receiver
G. Orwell
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
He tried To take away our second amendment by shipping thousands of guns to Mexico to blame the second amendment. The program was called, "Fast and Furious." Obama, Holder and many others were caught but no one went to jail even though two of our boarder agents were killed by these guns and thousands killed in Mexico. Obama will try again.
Roy Munson
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
If more of these have happened near the edges of the city, why not increase patrols in these areas? Show a presence. Give them something to think about when they pass by that squad car on the way to kicking in your door. Provide a deterrent!
MjC
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
This was a very informative neighborhood meeting and I'm so glad that I was able to attend. A lot of great tips and information provided. Many thanks to the Ann Arbor police, and Chief Jones, for reaching out. And remember neighbors, let's all look out for one another!
Roy Munson
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
" … and all that about not having enough officers patrolling, that's bahooey. We're going to get there." My neighbor heard them in the act of smashing in my front door and called these same police. Of course they didn't get there in time and had all kinds of stories/excuses as to why they were slow to respond. And getting them to produce an accurate police report that I could give to my insurance company was like pulling teeth. Thank you, AAPD. I hope you will "get there" next time.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
To be fair, what were the "stories/excuses" they gave? Care to share?
Davidian
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
I think more and more people are realizing that there is nothing the police can do for you when you are in the middle of a home invasion. Police clean up messes and try to catch perps. They rarely are able to intervene. And 1 cop to 80 home invasion cases? What makes things worse: Ann Arbor has the perception of being flush with upper middle-class and weathly people that oppose gun ownership. That makes for a whole lot of marks. It's also a matter of time before a home invasion becomes a double homicide or a rape. Glad there is some rational discussion about firearms. Hopefully some people realize that only they can defend themselves, a couple thugs get shot and killed during a home invasion, and the perception that Ann Arbor is ripe for the picking changes.
zags
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
More cops = less crime. These are not crimes of opportunity or crimes of passion or spur of the moment crimes. These are crimes committed by criminals who know there are not many police officers on patrol and are taking advantage of the low probability of being caught. Eventually these criminals will become more emboldened to the point that someone is going to get hurt. We need to stop messing around with pet projects and start hiring more cops to patrol our city. Protecting the citizenry has to be the number one priority of our civic leaders.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
As our community becomes increasingly stratified between those of us who have everything and those with nothing, these types of property crimes will only increase I'm afraid. I want to thank Governor Rick Snyder and the Republican legislature for exasperating the situation with their policies and the Ann Arbor Mayor for culling our police department. I have no problem with getting rid of Leaf and Christmas tree pick up, but I will not sit idly by and watch as my family's safety is put in jeopardy as part of partisan politics!!!
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:16 a.m.
Most people with nothing are in that situation as a result of there own poor choices. I would argue that the function of government is not to protect people from there own stupidity on the backs of us who are responsible. I would also like to point out that if the city of a2 would manage there money properly they could have a very impressive police force. It has been Democrats who have cut your public safety not repubs. I'm an independent fyi just some food for thought
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
leaguebus, thanks.
leaguebus
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
It is politics when the Republicans keep cutting taxes to decrease the size of government. What they forget is government is also public safety and education. We have had 30 years of mindless tax cuts, now we are paying the price.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
I think you are the first person that found it necessary to put a political slant on this. I wonder why it took so long? Not everything is politics!!
G. Orwell
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Get trained and arm yourselves. As the economy gets worse, crimes like this will continue to rise. Police are great but vast majority of the time they arrive after the crime has already been committed. Statistics clearly show that there are less crimes when more law abiding citizens are armed. Also having a simple alarm system and a dog helps. Just providing some common sense advice. I don't think the police chief mentiones any of these.
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:10 a.m.
Actually I grew up on the west side of the state in a fairly rural area and can tell you there virtually no break ins. Pretty much every house had at least one firearm inside. It was common knowledge that if you went into someone's house and they were home you were most likely going to get shot. As a result most burglaries were from tourist homes that were usually unoccupied during the week.
CincoDeMayo
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 2:14 a.m.
They have great public art. Just not as much money is spent on it. Go Heidelburg Project!
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
Zeeba, Detroit at least is open about its crime issues. Ann Arbor likes to ignore problems until it can't hide the ugly facts any more. And the ugly fact it, the inhabitants have allowed the 'rights' of the thugs, street people, and panhandlers to supersede the taxpayers, and now the city's dirty laundry basket is overflowing. And yes, I've actually been going to Detroit for a reprieve from Ann Arbor, Slo's BBQ, Astro Coffee. Although admittedly they are a little deprived of 'public art' and can't compete with Ann Arbor's stunning collection.
zeeba
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
G.O. - No, because these characters don't think about the consequences of their actions in the first place, like I said. They either don't think anything bad will happen to them or they're simply fatalistic about it and figure they're going to roll while they can. Chicago and DC are only two cities and their bans were lifted only two years ago - there are any number of other factors that could account for a lower crime rate, such as an improving economy. Besides, no one has ever been able to show a link between increased gun ownership and public safety - and that's involved studies of hundreds of cities all over the world. Btw, CPL - I don't suppose it occurred to you that people in Detroit are far less likely to report crimes than people around here? Or do you really think east Detroit is safer than Ann Arbor?
G. Orwell
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
@zeeba Did you ever think that things in Detroit could be even worse if law abiding citizens WERE NOT armed while all the criminal Washington DC and Chicago became safer after the hand gun ban was lifted by court order.
CPLtownie
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
My niece moved from here to the east side of Detroit. According to crimemapping.com, she is safer THERE THAN HERE.
zeeba
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
Seems to me that folks in Detroit are armed to the teeth and it doesn't do much to discourage crime there. If these were the type of people who were inclined to think about the possible consequences of their actions, they wouldn't be going around breaking into homes. These guys are not the sharpest crayons in the box.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
"… and all that about not having enough officers patrolling, that's bahooey." Here is my definition of bahooey: just five patrol cars per shift covering a city of over 100,000 people and a mayor who is "comfortable" with the major cuts to the level of police and fire staffing that the former city manager made "as an experiment". If you take the time to talk to our fine officers as I have, they will tell you honestly how unrealistic it is what they are being asked to do on a daily basis!
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:51 p.m.
the blake car is a 4000 lb. camera.
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
From listening to the scanner, I think they need a full-time officer stationed downtown when the bar's close. Seems like a lot of drunks like to fight after their night of partying.
Brad
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
That's just the chief reading from his talking points supplied by the mayor. An interesting thing - not sure how many police cars are on the street at a time but there is pretty much *always* one parked by the Blake Transit facility. Do we have a full-time officer assigned there or something? How about we get them out in the community doing some policing instead?
justcurious
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:30 p.m.
"According to AAPD statistics presented at the meeting, 82 homes home invasions have been reported between the beginning of the year and Feb. 18. That's up from 49 in all of 2011 and 2010 respectively. Of those incidents this year, intruders entered 35 homes through unlocked doors and windows." If I am reading this correctly, it says that 82 "home invasions" or illegal entries have occurred in first 49 days of 2012, yet only 49 occurred during all of 2010 and 2011? This is an amazing statistic. Did Chief Jones even mention drugs as a possible cause of the increase? If not, why not? Drugs affect the whole community, including the children of well-to-do community members. If this is not being discussed then the community has their heads in the sand, so to speak. If one listens to the scanner they hear that many citizens are already reporting suspicious activity in the community. But with the number of families where both work outside the home and the number of single person households, there aren't enough "watchers" left in the neighborhoods anymore. How could the mayor have possibly reported that crime was down with all of this going on? Why did it take them so long to bring this to the citizen's attention? Jones said, "You live in a relatively safe community, and don't let anybody tell you that you don't … but we are not safe from crime, and that's the discussion need to have this evening," Which is it?
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
Nice. What you managed to do in your post is repeat the conjecture and offer no real opinion.
Lisa
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
Is the city of Ann Arbor really have enough Police? I called about a accident that happened in October on Brookside and Miller in which a lady had hit an innocent woman and child leaving school head on and we were all told only 6 officers on duty in Ann Arbor and that it was a 2-3 hour wait for help. The woman was injured and freaked out . Where were our police????Only 6 on duty for the whole city and the 911 rep said talk to the city they fierd the police and fire! Hopefully City Council see their mistakes get your acts together and bring back the officers whom were let go and the fire patrol that was slashed in half.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:46 p.m.
i hear you saying"hey detroiters come to a2, its easy pickings'
Sallyxyz
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
Public art is more important than police services in Ann Arbor.
walker101
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:12 p.m.
What would expect from an art loving city.
heresmine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
One detective? 80+ cases?
smokeblwr
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : noon
I KNEW it was the Others from OUT OF TOWN committing these crimes!!
Brad
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Hopefully those "others" aren't being ferried to Ann Arbor from some other jurisdiction by some clown police department trying to get rid of them.
spm
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
I wonder if dogs are a deterrent to break-ins? I didn't see the police talk about that issue. Just wonder how many of the people whose homes were broken into had dogs in the house at the time it happened? I've got three medium sized dogs who bark when someone's at the door and would love to think it may help keep burglers at bay.
decaad
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 7:02 a.m.
I have two rottweilers and anybody willing to risk coming into the house when not introduced to the dogs obviously needs the stuff more than me. While my dogs are very friendly with friends and family they definitely can tell if somethings not right. Last summer a man had walked into the back yard when my wife was gardening. It was the dogs who ran him off. I hate to think what could have happened if they hadn't she was home alone in an area of the yard screened from the road and neighbors.
Dog Guy
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
I tend to agree with Ron Granger that dog barking confirms the owners' absence: The neighbors' dog will not stop barking. He is barking the same high, rhythmic bark that he barks every time they leave the house. They must switch him on on their way out. (a fragment from Billy Collins)
Rugeirn Drienborough
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
I have three dogs, not because they're canine burglar alarms but because we love dogs. Dogs can help both as an alarm and as a deterrent, but do remember that they do sleep a lot during the day and they do bark all the time at things that are not dangers. (My dogs seem to bark at things that only they can see! If your only reason to get a dog is security, please don't. Get an alarm system instead. Dogs are sentient, conscious, loving creatures who need lots of TLC and attention. Get a dog because you love dogs, not for any other reason.
Major
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Depends on the dog, small "ankle biters" not so much, noise from them is a good early warning system though. I used to have a little Yorkie that heard every single noise that was not the norm, yap yap yap at the window...if he kept at it for more than a minute, this would wake up the big guy....not good, he likes his sleep and you know the old proverb.... "let sleeping dogs lie" oh..picture to the left..."Major" my big guy, doesn't bark...until the intruder is in...good luck with that!!!
Ron Granger
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
A barking dog confirms to them that the house is probably empty.
Arboriginal
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
I believe dogs are a deterrent. Leaving even a drop of blood at a crime scene is like confessing. The pros know this.
maestra27
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
My Ann Arbor home was burglarized a couple weeks ago. I have a dog, but it did nothing to deter the crook from breaking through my front door and going through every inch of my house. Granted, my dog is not that "threatening", but I'm guessing he was barking before the crook came into my house.
MjC
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
The issue was discussed at the meeting during Q&A. Chief Jones noted that dogs are not as good as a deterrent as an alarm system, locking all windows/doors, making a home look occupied at all times, and having neighbors contact police to report suspicious strangers or behavior. He apparently has seen too many cases where the dog was hurt or let out of the house (sad); although he's good with a barking dog that sounds an alert when you're home.
Brad
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
"We can't pretend it's not happening," she said Exactly. That's what we have a mayor for.
Linda Peck
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
The times have changed and those of us who have the heads tucked under will lose. Let's get real Ann Arbor. Not only are there increased break-ins, but there are increased violent attacks. What disturbs me also is that people who are convicted of violent crimes are free to go, no time behind bars, to continue to commit violent acts. Why are marijuana dealers getting jail time and violent criminals free to go? There is something terribly imbalanced about all of this.
Dan Ezekiel
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.
The police chief's first name is misspelled in the photo caption.
arborani
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
Well, at least it's not a glamour shot.
Carole
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
Agree with individual who stated, a little less art and more police officers. Just a very short while ago, it was reported that crime in Ann arbor was down, yet we still have a sex offender roaming the streets, and a higher than average amount of break-ins. I applaud the neighbor who contacted another neighbor who was away to double check a service truck parked at their house. We all can help by being watchful and reporting any suspicious activity. But, we need to have police officers who can respond in a timely fashion. For those presently on staff, I commend you, but being short handed, there is only so much territory one can cover. City get with it--we need for our town to be safe.
Machine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
According to Michigan law, a home invasion occurs when someone while breaks and enters a dwelling when either of the following occurs: 1) that person is carrying a dangerous weapon, or 2) there is another person lawfully present in the dwelling. I doubt most of these incidents truly classify as home invasions and to construe them all that way is to misrepresent the facts. I wouldn't be surprised if many of these incidents are smash and grabs by unarmed kids waiting until there is no one home.
Machine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
First I point out part of Michigan law. genericreg points out that MCL 750.110a goes on to expand the definition of "home invasion" to include every instance of breaking and entering. I am not sourcing wiki or using it as a fact, despite the fact that I accidentally used the word "definition" - I am just saying that the wiki description is more in line with my perception of what happened when reading that a "home invasion" has occurred. People really are obtuse on AnnArbor.com sometimes. Similar to public discourse in general I guess, full of vitriol and nitpicking instead of civil discussion.
yourdad
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
Wikipedia is a very weak and non admissable source. Please don't try to sway opinions about such serious and very personal issues with such lame "sources". That is all
Rod Johnson
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
I thought you said it was "according to Michigan law." Now it turns out your facts are from Wikipedia?
Machine
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
I guess my impression when somebody says "home invasion" is more in line with the Wikipedia definition: Home invasion differs from burglary in having a violent intent, specific or general, much the same way as aggravated robbery—personally taking from someone by force—is differentiated from mere larceny (theft alone). As the term becomes more frequently used, particularly by the media, "home invasion" is evolving to identify a particular class of crime that involves multiple perpetrators (two or more); forced entry into a home; occupants who are home at the time of the invasion; use of weapons and physical intimidation; property theft; and victims who are unknown to the perpetrators
genericreg
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:25 p.m.
Facts: (3) A person who breaks and enters a dwelling with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault in the dwelling, a person who enters a dwelling without permission with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault in the dwelling, or a person who breaks and enters a dwelling or enters a dwelling without permission and, at any time while he or she is entering, present in, or exiting the dwelling, commits a felony, larceny, or assault is guilty of home invasion in the second degree. (4) A person is guilty of home invasion in the third degree if the person does either of the following: (a) Breaks and enters a dwelling with intent to commit a misdemeanor in the dwelling, enters a dwelling without permission with intent to commit a misdemeanor in the dwelling, or breaks and enters a dwelling or enters a dwelling without permission and, at any time while he or she is entering, present in, or exiting the dwelling, commits a misdemeanor.
getyourfactsright
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:12 a.m.
Maybe a bit less art and more police? I understand the "bucket" system but most places that have "buckets" stop when security is lacking. Yes we are AA and a cool city that crime is on the rise - time to stop playing games and bring back the streets.
Ron Granger
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
Security will always be lacking. You need to protect yourself. The police won't be there to do it for you. These are crimes of opportunity. When the police aren't around. You can't put a cop on every corner.