Police Department Conducts Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting

The Smithville Police Department had it’s first city wide Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting Saturday night at city hall.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says the meeting was a success with residents and leadership from both Smithville and Liberty in attendance.
The focus of the meeting was to explain how the community can assist the police department by working together in combating crime. The presentation focused on being a Crime Watch neighbor and how being a good neighbor means watching out for one another’s property and by reporting suspicious activity to the police.
This nationally recognized program has been very effective in reducing the amount of suspicious activity in city neighborhoods and businesses.
Chief Stufano says, ideally, residents in a good Crime Watch neighborhood should know the three neighbors across the street from their homes, on each side, and the three neighbors behind your residence.
Heightened awareness and the reporting of suspicious activity to the police will ultimately improve response times for service. Citizens can be assured that when they report suspcious activity, their names will be held in strictest confidence.
Other information presented by Chief Stufano included the rising instances of identity theft and Operation ID which inscribes information onto your personal items for easy identification in case of loss. The meeting also afforded the public an opportunity to see the new Drug K-9 handled by Detective Sergeant Steve Deffendoll.
Chief Stufano says “In a recent rash of burglaries in the south end of the city, neighbors were able to give excellent descriptions of the suspect that had eluded police for over three weeks. Their support was instrumental in helping catch this subject.”
Additional meetings will be scheduled and all residents are encouraged to attend.