Jewett Crime Watch offers signs and alarms for citizens

Police Chief Marty Navarro, Heather Wheeler with the Sexual Assault Resource Center and Chairperson Maida Simpson led the Jewett Community Citizens Watch meeting. On December 3, 2009 the newly formed Jewett Community Citizens Watch group held its 3rd meeting at the Jewett City Hall with 14 citizens in attendance. The meeting was directed by Chairperson Maida Simpson and Police Chief Marty Navarro.

One of the goals of the Crime Watch group is to patrol the community and be the ears of eyes for the police department. Navarro stressed that the intent of the program is to observe and report suspicious activities to the police department. No one should attempt to stop or apprehend anyone.

Simpson announced that magnetic signs were being purchased for the patrol vehicles for two primary reasons: the signs will let criminals and potential crimi- nals know that they are being watched and they will let citizens know who is driving the streets during all times of the day or night. Each sign costs $14.00 and Simpson and others are in the process of raising funds to pay for them.

The Crime Watch group is also suggesting that each patrol person be equipped with a flash light and binoculars. Patrol routes should be random so criminals cannot predict when or where a watch person might be.

Simpson and Navarro encourages citizens of the Jewett community to become involved in the patrolling of the city. Those interested in signing up for patrol duty should contact Chief Navarro through the City Hall.

The group has also purchased 169 door and window alarms and these may be picked up at the Jewett City Hall for a cost of $1.00 each.

Heather Wheeler, with Sexual Assault Resource Center in Bryan, announced a meeting to be held on January 9, 20010 to discuss offering a self defense course to the citizens of Leon County. The course will focus on “prevention and awareness” and will be open to anyone. Wheeler encourages leaders of each Crime Watch group in the county to attend.

The Sexual Assault Resource Center opened in 1983 and all services are free and confidential to anyone who is affected by sexual violence.

The need for the Community Watch Groups arose following a rash of assaults on elderly women in Leon and surrounding counties. An ongoing investigation is underway which includes all branches of the most elite groups such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Rangers.

In a conversation with Leon County Sheriff Jerry Wakefield concerning the investigation he said “We are going to Bell County next week to meet with a Task Force. We are doing everything we can to catch this guy. I am very thankful that the Commissioners’ Court gave approval for two more officers. This allows better coverage throughout the county.”