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April 11, 2006
Criminal activity sprouts in Midway
Warm weather equals weirdos. Around this time each year in the Twin Cities, the snow melts and the temperature becomes just warm enough for people to wake up from their winter hibernation and once again venture outdoors.
While the increase in temperature may be welcomed, the increase in crime it is not.
According to the St. Paul Police Department’s weekly crime report, 95 percent of the recorded crimes committed in District 11 over the last two weeks occurred in the Midway. The report included offenses regarding theft, robbery, narcotic drugs, aggravated assault, burglary, property damage, and discharging a firearm in the city limits.
The Trend Bar, located at the corner of Asbury and University Ave., has experienced a rough couple of weeks.
“I have noticed an increase in crime,” said John Chapman, a bartender at the Trend Bar in the Midway neighborhood. “It’s nice outside. In the spring you start to notice a lot more jerks out.”
The shooting in front of the building last month, which left one man paralyzed, was followed up by a stabbing the week of March 20 and shots fired the week of March 27. None of the incidences occurred in the bar, but some included patrons.
“Right now there’s this jerk out there riding his bike around,” said Chapman.
“They just circle on their bikes looking for trouble.” Crime isn’t reserved for after dark either. Chapman said that the afternoons are just as bad as at night. “The crackheads wake up in the afternoon and they walk to the bar because they want a drink,” said Chapman.
Not every part of town experiences such extremes as this, but incidences of crime do increase when the grass turns green.
“We do see an increase in crime in the spring,” said Pete Crum, the Public Information Coordinator for the St. Paul Police Department (SPPD). “We are definitely busier in the spring and summer.”
A study done by psychologists Craig A. Anderson of Rice University in Houston found that aggressive crimes increased as the temperature rose and were most likely to occur on Sunday and Monday.
To be safe, the SPPD website suggests a variety of ways to protect yourself.
People should be aware of their surroundings, make sure entrances, garages, grounds and hallways are well lit. Know your neighbors and learn who can be called for assistance when needed.
Don’t leave objects of value in plain view, consider covering open windows in garages, place valuables in the car trunk before you reach your destination (as thieves may be watching). Residents should alert police to suspicious people loitering in alleys, near cars or garages. If someone bumps or jostles you or attempts to engage you in a conversation, keep in mind that someone may be trying to take something from you.
Posted by dwright at April 11, 2006 01:01 PM
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