June 1, 2005

Neighbors gather to voice concerns about crime

By Carol Rosen
Editor

It was a quiet Tuesday night on Iris Court, when suddenly it seemed like the world descended on the Artman home.

The Artman house was crowded with neighbors on May 17 as people from Iris Court and Nevada met with police to determine how to prevent crimes in the area.

Neighbors and news people, including a reporter from NBC 11, gathered to hear how to protect themselves and to learn what was going on in the investigation of the murder of Jackson, the 4-year-old King Charles Cavalier spaniel poisoned in April.

Neighbors living on Iris Court and Nevada often get together for block parties and progressive dinners. But on this evening, everyone was meeting to discuss their concerns not just for their animals, but for their children.

Also present were police officers, including the detective investigating Jackson’s murder. He mentioned that as of mid May, the police continued to follow leads. Det. Troy Simons said they might be close to an arrest. The investigation was ongoing and no one had yet been arrested. He noted that residents on other streets had received notes and it was possible they were related to the person who poisoned Jackson.

The police, he said, have knocked on doors, but are focusing more on coming out at night. He cautioned pet owners to take animals’ food inside, even if they normally feed them outside. He also advocated checking out the backyard, and if something is found, immediately call 311, he said. He suggested that it would be OK to leave animals in the backyard, but to keep a close watch on them.

Ray Cedeno told the neighbors on Iris Court and Nevada to call 911 whenever they see anyone suspicious on the street.

He and the other officers indicated the importance of calling the police if someone suspicious is wandering the neighborhood or if any other notes were found. “Call the police whenever you see any suspicious activity, anything out of the ordinary. I’d rather get a call and stop someone before he committed a crime, than afterwards,” said Officer Ray Cedeno.

People should also get as much detail as possible, a description of the person or vehicle, a license plate, the car’s color, all of these are important. Once someone calls, it gives police the authority, reasonable suspicion, to stop someone. The officers suggested calling either 911, if it was happening at that moment, or 311 if it already had happened. Using a cell phone in San Jose—but not on a highway—will go right to the San Jose 911 dispatch. However, if you are on a freeway, it goes to Highway Patrol headquarters in Vallejo.

Other issues were discussed. The officers congratulated attendees for their open lines of communication. Those are helpful in minimizing crime in the neighborhood.

The officers also recommended alarm systems for homes, especially with summer and warm temperatures. Another idea is to purchase a sticker saying that the house is alarmed, which often will deter potential burglars.