Safety And Security Update

Safety and Security Update
 

    Overall crime levels are down, but there have been a couple of crime trends that residents need to be aware of. First, we want Detroiters to pay attention to who is towing their cars.  It has been reported that criminals have been using legitimate looking tow- trucks to steal vehicles. All tow-trucks should have a visible United States Department of Transportation Number (DOT). Generally, a company must wait 48 hours before towing a car. If you see a truck without a DOT number or if you think a car is being towed illegally inform your local police immediately and contact us- amusprogram@gmail.com. Please provide any information that would help police (truck description, license plate number, phone number on truck, DOT number, ect.).

    Bicycling is a convenient way to travel quickly.  Biking’s obvious appeal makes bike theft a problem in any urban environment. There has been an upswing in bike thefts in Detroit, especially around the Midtown area in recent months. Online Detroit Transit Magazine, Mode Shift, recently published an article on the trend (http://wearemodeshift.org/bike-theft-common-wayne-states-campus).
 
    A bike with an inadequate lock is much more likely to be stolen.  Cable locks can be cut through very easily. Thieves tend to steal the easiest target. U-locks are a much better choice, offering superior security- they cannot be easily cut.  The Wayne State Police Department (6050 Cass Avenue) sells discounted U-locks for $10 to those with Wayne State One cards. U-Locks typically cost around $30 and are available at all local bike shops.

Local Bike Shops:

The Hub of Detroit
3611 Cass
(313) 833-0813
http://thehubofdetroit.org/

G&R Bike Shop
21706 Grand River
(313) 531-1146

Downtown Detroit Bike Shop
1420 Fisher Fwy
(248) 238-4604
http://downtown-bikeshop.com/locations.html

Wheelhouse Detroit
1340 Atwater St

(313) 656-2453 http://www.wheelhousedetroit.com/ Remember, the DPD and WSUPD are here to help. Please report any suspicious activity. Their non-emergency numbers are: DPD (313) 267-4600 WSUPD (313) 577-2222

Singnature Service Project and Moter City Makeover

Last weekend was another magnificent and mentionable one for the AmUS Project. On May 16, all thirty-three of us traveled to Lansing MI to participate in the Russ Mawby Signature Service Project. Over the next two days, in collaboration with MCSC Lansing Community Schools, Habitat for Humanity, Thinkbox Creative and other nonprofits in the greater Lansing Area, we joined over 300 AmeriCorps members from all over Michigan in an effort to illustrate the difference that willing hands and hearts can make for one community.

Some of us planted trees. Others built flower-beds that would allow patrons with disabilities to enjoy their community’s garden. We even painted murals and built benches that will be part of Lansing’s make-up forever. This was not only a way to help out those in need, but also a great bonding experience for our team and a wonderful way to network with other AmeriCorps Members. Many of us left amazed by the number of compassionate, dedicated, diligent people they met, and two days of hard work definitely left made us appreciate those qualities in each other.

Check out a slide show from our time spent there:

On Sunday, May 18, members joined in the efforts of the Motor City Makeover and assisted in three different neighborhood clean-ups. Six members and forty volunteers did a wonderful job beautifying Young Manor. Four members and fifteen volunteers worked together to clean twelve lots, and worked in community gardens on Detroit’s North end.  Events like are a perfect example of how community togetherness gets things done, and make us proud to be part of this project.

Here are a few pictures from the 18^th: