Crime Related Information

Crime statistics in the city of Austin are available from the Austin Police department.  View crime statistics and follow the instructions.  Our neighborhood statistics are noted in the Highland Park West Balcones Area Neighborhood Association selection.  This is a useful site containing a variety of crime related information.

HPWBANA has created neighborhood watch groups: Map of Neighborhood Watch Groups

Central West District Representatives Covering Our Area

The West Austin News Police Report column is a great way to keep informed about crime in our local neighborhoods.  To subscribe to this local newspaper please visit their website: West Austin News website

Topics Related to Crime

Description of HPWBANA Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighbors Encouraged to Call in Traffic "Trouble Spots" to new APD Tip line

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HPWBANA Neighborhood Watch Program

The HPWBANA is trying to increase awareness of neighborhood crime.  An increase  in residential and automobile burglaries in the neighborhood has prompted interest in a neighborhood watch program.  Because research shows that the most effective programs are those that involve neighbors in small, localized groups, the HPWBANA Board proposes to act as an initiator and resource for neighborhood watch groups within our boundaries.  The following actions are planned:

• Provide a variety of crime information: Provide neighbors with timely information about crime in the neighborhood, especially when distribution of this information could prevent other crime.  Types of crime information include:

City wide crime issues and trends 
Crime trends in our neighborhood
Crime Alerts
Safety tips
Programs available from APD
APD Commanders Forum information
Individual crime concerns reported by residents

• Yahoo Listserv: Publicize "Alert" notices via our email list when received by APD and from concerned residents.  Neighbors are encouraged sign up for our email communications.
   
• Website: Post various crime related topics and notices on our website.
   
• HPWBANA News: Provide crime related articles in our newsletter.
   
• Crime Meetings and Events:
  • National Night Out: Support neighborhood watch groups by possibly hosting an annual neighborhood-wide social event focusing on crime and safety, such as National Night Out or other gathering.
  • APD Commanders Forum:  Encourage attendance at the quarterly APD Commanders Forum meetings where specific crime concerns can be discussed directly with APD.
  • Event Introduction: Include an introductory crime topic at our various neighborhood events to increase awareness.
     
• Neighborhood Watch Groups: Assist groups of neighbors interested in implementing neighborhood watch groups by providing start-up information, including contact with APD officers for presentations.  Our neighborhood has been divided into 6 neighborhood watch areas to start this program.  Contact a HPWBANA board member to see who in your area is already involved.  We will maintain a crime network email list using these volunteers for distributing information to as many residents as possible.

Map of Neighborhood Watch Groups

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Neighbors Encouraged to Call in Traffic "Trouble Spots" to new APD Tip line


Speeding and fatal traffic wrecks on Austin's roads have been an increasing problem over the last year, and APD thinks neighbors and motorists might have the key to finding the trouble spots.  According to an April 5 article in the Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Police Department has set up a phone line so motorists can report speeding cars and other traffic hazards.  Callers are asked to leave a message on the line by calling 974-4440.  Twice a week an APD officer will review the line's messages.

This is good news for neighbors who wish to report ongoing speeding and traffic problems along the roads in our neighborhood.  Neighbors who live along busy streets like Balcones, Perry and Hancock can have their traffic
concerns heard directly by Austin Police. In the article, police Commander David Carter, who heads the department's
newly formed highway enforcement command, states, "It is an opportunity for the public to give us direct feedback, perhaps to even tell us things we don't know.  People can make a difference."  APD will consider callers' information when planning where to conduct
special initiatives, according to the Statesman story.  All neighbors are encouraged to call the line often with their concerns.  Trouble spots reported by a large number of callers are likely to receive higher consideration that areas reported by only one or two people.

by Susan Rauch

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Last updated on 08/09/2007