Oakley in the News, again!

Oakley was featured on cincinnati.com today.  Our community received rave reviews and glowing recommendations.  They also made mention of our Oakley After Hours event.

To read more visit www.cincinnati.com

CUT POLICE 20%, RAISE TAXES!

Or close health clinics and rec centers!  So say some Cincinnatians when asked how to eliminate a $51 million City deficit in 2010.

Afraid that a service important to YOU will be cut?  City Council wants to know what you value most, so show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday June 5th at the Cintas Center to help save the programs you need.  Because you'll talk in small groups of citizens, everyone has a voice, everyone will be heard--and Council members have promised to listen.

Remember--a $51 million deficit will affect everyone.  If you want a say in the future of our City, come on June 5th to deliberate with other citizens what City services we can't live without. 

If you plan to attend, please visit http://www.citizenscivicrenewal.org/

to RSVP (though it isn't required).  Also, take a moment to review the "budget choices" and "budget scorecard" files on the site so that you understand how the options are framed and will be discussed.

And please forward this email to others who value the power of people to offer actionable insight to City Council.

A great way of looking at crime – through the eyes of a burglar.
Contributed by Officer Dwayne Dawson, District 2

Please remember to record your serial numbers and photograph heirloom items.

What is the best “burglar repellant”? Eyes and ears observation and looking out for each other. Keep this in mind and tell your neighbors; watch out for each other, and call 911 if you suspect your neighbor is being cased.

BURGLAR OBSERVATIONS:

• Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
• Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
• Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste…and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
• Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up in the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
• If it snows while you’re out of town, you might want a neighbor to create car and foot tracks to the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
• If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.
• A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
• It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.
• I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters (don’t take me up on it). If you don’t answer, I’ll head to the back door or a back or side window.
• Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and medicine cabinets.
• Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms (unless to acquire that aforementioned gaming system).
• You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.
• A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:

• Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake….I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
• The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
• I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.
• I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
• I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
• Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
• To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.
• If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com.  

Esplanade Master Plan

You may have noticed that the Madison Road-Oakley Business District is undertaking some major changes.  The Oakley Community Council, in conjunction with the City of Cincinnati, Metropolitan Sewer District, and SORTA, is sponsoring the plan to increase traffic safety and make the District more pedestrian-friendly. You can read about these changes on this website.

As a part of that project, the Geier Esplanade (in the middle of Madison Rd between Dewey's Pizza and the 20th Century Theatre) will be significantly increased.   Click here to view the initial draft.  The ultimate goal is to make the space friendly and inviting for residents of and visitors to our community.  

Please email oakleycouncil@oakleynow.com with your thoughts, questions and/or concerns.

Protect your auto -Lock It or Lose It
The Cincinnati Police Department is sponsoring a "Theft from Auto Awareness" campaign for the month of March. The blue links below will present additional information to assist visitors in ensuring their personal items are secure while away from their vehicles.  One of the links outlines the Cincinnati Police Department's commitment through partnership with members of the community in providing a heightened awareness that will assist citizens to avoid being victimized.       

• Theft From Auto Advisory Brochure (PDF)
• Theft From Auto Powerpoint (PDF)
• Letter to the Stakeholders Letter to the Stakeholders (PDF)
• Theft From Auto Video (WMV)