The Wedge, the community newspaper of the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA), wrote about the January visit:
“Two policemen from the Model City Precinct were our guests at the Association’s January general meeting. Officers Marv Jones and Jim De Concini were invited to the meeting to discuss what people can do to protect their homes from burglary.
Burglary, they said, is the most prevalent crime. They noted that one of the most obvious precautions one can take is to lock the doors and windows when you are gone from your house or apartment. If you will be working in the backyard of your hose, make sure the front and side doors are locked.
The officers stated that all doors should be equipped with dead bolt locks. If your apartment does not have these locks, you should inform your landlord that he is in violation of the law. If dead bolt locks are not installed, you can file a complaint against your landlord.
If property is stolen from your home, chances for recovery of the items will be much greater if you have recorded the serial numbers and descriptive details of such valuables as TV sets, cameras, power tools, stereos, etc. Another technique is to etch an identifying mark or number, such as your social security number on your valuables. This makes stolen items more difficult for burglars to sell and easier for the police to identify.
An electric etching tool is available for use by individuals at the Model City Precinct, 2639 Nicollet. The etchers are loaned free of charge at the precinct desk and can be used to mark either metal or wood.
A suggestion the officers made to make identification of burglars easier is to keep a glass candy bowl or vase on top of such valuables as stereos or TV sets. Burglars will move the dish to get the valuable item, thus leaving their fingerprints on the dish. This makes it easier for the police to identify the burglar.
Officers Jones and De Concini also emphasized the importance of neighborhood concern in preventing burglaries. Areas where people watch out for their neighbors are avoided by burglars. They urged people to be suspicious of strangers and unusual activities in the neighborhood and report them immediately to the police. Quick action may mean the apprehension of a criminal.”
Minneapolis Police Officers continue to this day to visit neighborhood association meetings and share advice. Their practical and easily-implemented recommendations for better safety are appreciated by residents across the city.
The Wedge of February 1, 1972 courtesy of Hennepin County Library
Photograph of the Model City Precinct from the “Minneapolis Police 150th Anniversary” book published by Acclaim Press (currently out of print)