Wash West launches anti-crime initiative

A new town-watch program is getting off the ground to help curb crime in the Sixth District, which encompasses the Gayborhood. The Washington Square West Civic Association introduced its new Town Watch program at its Jan. 16 meeting. Association board member Karen Adams said she and other members decided to pursue the idea of a town watch after they noticed an uptick in crime in the area. “We decided we needed this program, especially along the 12th and 13th Street blocks. We saw crimes happening, and we talked to police officers at Public Safety Committee meetings,” she said. According to Adams, the district’s biggest problems are prostitution and drugs. “We would like to get them off the streets, especially the smaller streets in the area.” About 20 people attended the first meeting, representing a variety of organizations and businesses in the area. Adams said organizers teamed up with Philly Pride Presents president and Spruce Street Video owner Franny Price, who heads the Philadelphia Police LGBT Liaison Committee, to move the group forward. “She really helped me in establishing the program and offered ideas. She was a wealth of knowledge for me,” Adams said. Individuals interested in participating will act as “watch dogs” for the district. They can volunteer for two to three hours a month and will be trained by the city. “They will come in and train us in the next couple of weeks,” she said. “We are always looking for more people. It is an ongoing watch, so individuals can come in and get trained.” Patrols will be informal: Participants could walk their dogs, take a walk with their partners or start a walking club to keep an eye on the neighborhood. They could also survey the area on bikes or in cars. Town Watch members must be over 18. Adams said the group is particularly interested in garnering participation from the local restaurants and bars. The group’s mission is straightforward, she added. “Our ultimate goal is to have individuals who are involved with drugs or are prostitutes or anyone who performs a crime in the neighborhood to not take part in the Washington Square West area,” she said. For more information on Town Watch, email Adams at [email protected] or call 215-346-6411.

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