Category Archives: Keeping Our Communities Safe
Justice for Sarah Roberts
We wanted to revisit the story of Sarah Roberts, Sarah was a young mother from Kerman, CA and the victim of a random act of violence on New Year’s Eve 2011. Over six months have gone by without any arrests and leads are few and far between. Police believe she was the unintended victim, caught in the crossfire of a nearby shooting in Fresno, CA.
As with many other crimes this case remains unsolved due to of a lack of witnesses willing to come forward with information. Valley Crime Stoppers has issued a $2000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information is urged to call Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP (7867) or Detective Chris Serrano at 559-621-2452.
This crime is a reminder that anyone can be a target, there are far too many innocent victims to turn a blind eye. It is of the utmost importance to report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Many people these days allow apathy to take over and adopt the “I just don’t want to get involved” mentality. It is sad and dangerous, reporting a possible crime before it happens could mean the difference between life and death.
The habit of reporting crime and suspicious activity needs to be ingrained into the hearts and minds of our communities. Don’t ever hesitate to call police if you think someone needs help and make an effort to find out the non-emergency numbers for your local law enforcement officials as well. These elements are key in achieving peaceful communities
for you and your families.
Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Violence
These are crazy times that we live in, early releases have shown a marked increase in violent crime. Don’t put yourself in a situation that may result in you becoming a victim.
Here are some tips:
1) Don’t look like a victim. Walk tall with your head up. Project an air of confidence as you walk and speak to persons.
2) Trust your instincts. If something, or someone, makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or leave the area. Listening to “your gut instinct” can help you avoid becoming a victim of a violent crime.
3) Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages. Always park in a well lighted, heavily traveled area.
4) Don’t do things alone. Take a friend with you. It’s true there is safety in numbers and you’ll have more fun with a friend.
5) Don’t put yourself in a situation or location that is known to be less than safe.
(Information courtesy of Safety Officer Paul G. Corcoran, Lowell Police Department)
Officials: Fresno crime rates rising amid jail releases | abc30.com.
News Story Originally Aired on ABC30 KFSN-TV Fresno, CA
23 Ways To Stop Youth Violence
Here are some great tips for stopping youth violence. These points can serve many purposes from promoting self-reflection to building self-esteem. Don’t just read it, think about it, turn your thoughts and ideas into actions. Take this list and use it to lead you toward a positive outcome.
http://theronniebrownproject.org
Straight talk on how to stop youth violence. Courtesy of the Ronnie Brown Project.
- Walk away
- See the big picture
- Give respect to get respect
- Think before you act
- Learn to manage your anger
- Talk to someone you trust
- Listen & Understand
- What would your family say?
- Tell the truth
- Speak up
- Exhibit tolerance
- Speak with a professional
- Lead, don’t follow
- Adjust your attitude
- Remember your faith
- Think about your future
- Know the consequences
- Get involved at school, in your community
- Who you are really hurting?
- Stay in school
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Believe in yourself
- Negotiate
Together Against Violence 