If you happen to see some police officers having coffee with residents this week, it is likely part of the local police department's Coffee with the Cop program, a new program that seeks to foster engagement with the community. Engagement with residents is a primary goal of Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Matt Frisby.
Frisby, who replaced retired police chief Scott Seaman in August, and Captain Michael D'Antonio, spoke to local Realtors early in the month about developments in the department, new programs to improve public safety in the community, and crime trends. Both Frisby and D'Antonio are longtime members of the department.
Frisby said the department has increased its force and instituted a number of new programs to improve public safety and community outreach. Especially helpful to them is the Los Gatos Neighborhood Watch Program. The department is currently compiling a list of privately owned surveillance cameras to enhance crime prevention. Residents and businesses who have a video surveillance camera for their home or business are urged to register their system at www.JoinOnWatch.com. Frisby said the equipment can provide valuable information to police in solving crimes.
The officers recommend visiting www.crimereports.com for information on crimes committed in the area. The website allows citizens to access and browse crime information as shown on a map from any computer or mobile device. They can also submit anonymous tips through the platform.
Frisby announced sometime in June the department is coming out with a mobile app, another tool to engage with the community. Engagement, noted Frisby, is a powerful tool that can help local police prevent and combat crime.
"You are our eyes and our ears. The best way to help us in our work is when you are actively involved with us," the local police chief told Realtors.
To help with that, Frisby invites residents to Coffee with the Cop, so residents can meet the local patrol staff. Residents may contact the police department for more information on dates and times for these gatherings.
When compared with other communities in the Bay Area, Los Gatos is very safe, but still has criminal activity, mostly from outsiders, said the officers. A hand-out from the department shows crime trends in the past six months. Leading crimes include theft (includes mail), residential burglary, auto theft/auto burglary, and vandalism.
Frisby warned of criminals posing as service workers, tree trimmers, or event PG&E workers, who will knock on doors during the day to see if anyone is home. He said the best way to prevent a crime is to let them know someone is home; otherwise, they may try to break into the home.
The officers noted crimes involving staged homes and open houses have occurred in the past. They urged REALTORS® to always be aware and to be careful when they are showing homes.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.