No Increase in Burglaries Over Summer in Franconia District, Police Say

According to Franconia District Station Commander Captain Jim Baumstark, this summer was busy for the station officers, but they didn't have too many big cases. Police reports also show that there was no increase in burglaries in Franconia District this summer.

Baumstark, along with MPO Jim Reid and Assistant Commander First Lieutenant William Jacoby, gave residents an update on crime in the area during the summer months in Wednesday's Citizen Advisory Committee meeting.

Baumstark said police are still working on the fatal car crash that recently happened on Van Dorn Street. They're also still investigating the accident where a pedestrian was struck and killed on Franconia Road that happened on Oct. 9.

Baumstark warned residents about the recent trend in postal mail thefts. The suspect is taking mail out of people's mailboxes during the morning hours. If their are checks in the envelopes to pay bills, the suspect is taking them and then are in possession of the person's bank account information and his/her signature.

MPO Jim Reid advised residents to avoid mailing information that may include a check or valuable information from a mailbox that's not secure. The suspect is targeting mailboxes with the flag up. Instead, residents are advised to mail their bills directly from their local post office or purchase a secure mailbox for their homes.

Officers have also noticed an increase in a scam in the area. Baumstark said someone is calling residents and saying they're from the power company. The suspect then informs the residents that they need to put a 7-Eleven certified check in the mail in 24 hours or their power will be turned off.

"I know what it sounds like, but you'll be surprised how many people are running down to the 7-Eleven and putting checks in the mail," Baumstark said. "If you receive this call, contact your power or electric company and ask about it before you do anything and then contact the police."

Franconia officers are also looking into a number of peeking incidents reported in the area. Baumstark said they have a suspect in mind and hope to close a few cases soon.

"We're closing in on a suspect who may be involved. We think we may close quite a few cases once we do that," he said.

Also during Wednesday's meeting, the station's new victim services advocate gave a short presentation after the SWAT team had to cancel at the last minute. Nicole Carroll served victims of crimes in the Mason District area but recently joined the Franconia District Station.

During her presentation, Carroll explained that they work with the Criminal Investigations Bureau and provide one of the many important services provided through FCPD.

"We assist victims of different crimes, whether it's a burglary or an assault. We provide assistance for children and adults," she said. "The good thing about it is that we're not forced on people. We're there if you need us."

Victim services advocates also provide court accompaniment to make sure victims understand what's happening. They also provide updates on cases, crisis intervention, offender release notification, counseling and support among other services.

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