Inspector Matt Clark

It has been a busy summer for the Fifth Precinct, and the officers have been working diligently to reduce crime and protect the public. Overall, reported crime is up six percent. This is a measurement of ten crime categories called 'Part One crime.' We started the year with crime increases of nearly 20%. 

I'm very proud of the great work 5th Precinct officers are doing. Their work has led to weekly reductions in crime and a 14+% decrease in crime since April. More importantly, we have had a 14% decrease in violent crime in 2012.

The vast majority of our crime increases have been in three categories: theft, auto theft and burglary (commonly garage burglary). The theft increases have been primarily retail theft. We are currently working with our local retailers to prevent theft in their stores and prosecute the offenders. We continue to focus on traffic enforcement and focused patrols to reduce auto theft. 

Incidents of burglary have recently increased. The majority of these burglaries have occurred in detached garages, and bicycles are commonly being taken. We have arrested a variety of individuals for garage burglary and bike theft. Some of these arrestees are teenage juveniles and others are career burglars. Our precinct investigators have thoroughly investigated these burglary cases and their efforts have led to a number of positive arrests and criminal charges.

Our public safety message remains constant for southwest residents. First, thank you for your 911 calls on suspicious and criminal activity. Second, lock your garages and windows, and keep valuables out of sight. Finally, record the serial numbers for bikes, TVs, computers and other valued items. 

We have already seen decreases in reported burglary as a result of our recent arrests. The Precinct's Crime Prevention Specialists (CPS) have tracked these offenders and are releasing their information as part of our public awareness and burglary suppression strategy. We will continue to keep our residents informed. If you are interested in receiving email information from our CPSs, please visit the following site:

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimealert/police_crimealert_signup

From the officers at the Fifth Precinct, we hope you are having a safe and enjoyable summer season.

Insp. Matt Clark

The 29th Annual National Night Out was Tuesday August 7, 2012. 

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family.

This year's theme was proposed by Kate Sandweiss, of the East Isles neighborhood: "It takes a village, it starts with our block." Thanks Kate! And thanks for representing Fifth Precinct! :)

This year, the Fifth Precinct tried a new approach. Traditionally our representatives visit as many events as we can, but this year Inspector Clark assigned key personnel to neighborhoods in an attempt to visit as many events across the precinct as possible.

We had 10 teams out. Altogether, we were able to visit events representing 96 blocks.

National Night Out is important for one key reason: neighbors connecting with each other can help reduce crime and build community.

Crime Prevention Analyst Luther Krueger was interviewed about National Night Out and stated:

Maggie from Lowry Hill summed up how National Night Out can be even more important by building community interest in the next generation:

In June, a resident of Lowry Hill was up in the middle of the night grading papers when she noticed two SUVs had been parked on the street for awhile. The lights were all off in the SUVs but now and then she noticed the glow of cell phones. At times the doors opened and the people seemed to spread out into the neighborhood before returning to the dark vehicles.

She called 911 on suspicious activity.

When officers arrived, the two vehicles took off in different directions. Officers were able to stop one of the vehicles where they identified Robert Virgil Love DoB 2/17/1980. He did not live in the city and had no legitimate reason for being in the area. Officers located suspected narcotics inside the vehicle as well as tools which are oftentimes used in burglaries.

This alert resident is one of a growing number of people who watch out for their neighborhood and take the extra step of calling 911 on suspicious activity. It may seem daunting for those who grew up being told 911 is for emergencies only (it isn't; it's for any time you need police, ambulance, or fire response) or perhaps it seems like such a simple call could not possibly make a difference. 

When you notice something in your neighborhood
and it stands out to you, please remember that 

you CAN make a difference, and you DO,

every time you call.

Key phrases for describing suspicious activity to 911:

• casing
• prowling
• lurking
• loitering

Each council member we feature in this new section will be asked the same 5 questions to get a snapshot of what's happening in their ward.

Don't know what ward you're in? It's easy to find out! Check the city's interactive map at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/council/ or use the city's WardFinder at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/about/maps/ward-finder.asp to search by your address.  

CM Elizabeth Glidden, Ward 8

1. What are the current initiatives in your ward?

We are working on many transportation and land use projects, including a potential streetcar along Nicollet, reopening Nicollet at Lake Street, planning for a large transit station at 35W and Lake Street (as part of Bus Rapid Transit along 35W), and of course the current reconstruction work on Nicollet from Lake to 40th Street. 

Other initiatives include continuing to stimulate development opportunities along 38th Street, improving opportunities for bicycling and walking, working to prevent foreclosure and address long-vacant properties, and building community capacity and connectedness through programs like One Minneapolis One Read. 

Supporting public art and the role of community artists in building our vibrant neighborhoods is also a goal of mine, such as with the current Chicago Arts District initiative that will reach from 32nd to 42nd Street on Chicago. 

2. What are the current public safety strategies in your ward?

We have many focused initiatives, including working with the 5th Precinct and other partners on keeping Nicollet Avenue safe ("Revitalize Nicollet"), continuing to build block clubs, working with neighbors on persistent problem properties including neglected vacant homes, and supporting safe places and programming for young people. 

3. What is your best advice for personal and property safety?

Be aware of your surroundings and get to know your neighbors.  Meet the people on your block -- close neighbor networks build awareness of neighborhood and block issues, and thus also build capacity to address problems. 

Many neighborhoods, like Kingfield, have a crime and safety committee that meets monthly, which is a great opportunity to talk to others about creative solutions to problems and connect with public safety personnel like police officers, city attorneys, and your crime prevention specialist. 

Also, learn how to report crime and request updates from your crime prevention specialist - you can get the personal contact info for your crime prevention specialist at 311!

4. What is your favorite police show?

The Closer.

5. How can you be contacted?

Call me at (612) 673-2208.  Sign up for my newsletter and e-mail me at www.minneapolismn.gov/ward8.  I have community office hours every Monday, 9-11, at Sabathani Commuinity Center outside Room 129, so please stop by!

Monty Malibiran 

May 25, 2012 10:00 p.m.-

Officers responded to 28 St W and Dupont Av S regarding a report of a robbery of person. The victim reported that she was approached by a male suspect who pointed a fake gun and demanded her purse.

May 25, 2012 10:25 p.m. - 

A victim called in to report a robbery that occurred on the 1100 block of 28 St W. 

The victim stated that while he was walking home, he was approached by a male suspect who asked for a cigarette. As the victim was putting away the cigarettes, the suspect placed a hard object against his head, implying a gun.

Shortly after the second robbery occurred, officers located Malibiran who matched the suspect description in the robberies. A cell phone taken from the second victim was found on his person.  

He has been charged with one count of second degree aggravated robbery.