Security

Grove crime update: Positive change, but there is still room for improvement

Residents, police officers and community volunteers all strive for Coconut Grove to be a safe and thriving neighborhood; however, crime in the Grove is as various and divided as the neighborhood itself.

“The biggest concern in all City of Miami NET areas is minimizing person crimes, such as battery and assault,” said Coconut Grove NET Area Commander Jorge Colina.

Overall crime percentages have decreased in the Grove. Assault and battery crimes had a 21 percent decrease with 37 taking place in 2009 and only 29 so far this year. Burglaries have also decreased 32 percent with 135 burglaries last year compared to 91 as of June 21.

In terms of crime, Coconut Grove also compares favorably to neighboring South Miami. According to the South Miami Police Department 2009 Annual Report, the city had four homicides and two rapes. For the same year, Coconut Grove had one homicide and two rapes. In the robberies category, South Miami experienced 42 robberies compared to 38 in Coconut Grove.

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Upcoming meeting: All-Grove Crime Watch

The next All-Grove Crime Watch meeting will be held at St. Stephen’s Church on Wednesday, April 14, at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Great Room near the back of the church, 2750 McFarlane Rd.

Sponsored in part by the Thelma Gibson Health Initiative, the meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month.

Residents, business owners and law enforcement officials meet to discuss recent crimes and to find ways to prevent future crimes. 

“It’s more of a comprehensive approach to reducing crime in our neighborhood. Nothing slips through the cracks,” said Robert Loupo, the co-chair of the monthly meeting.

To receive more information about crime in the area,  go to www. grovecrimewatch.org and sign up for email updates or contact Loupo at  305-310-8769.

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Recent robberies plague West Grove

Four robberies have occurred recently in the West Grove, members of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association learned recently.

“These aren’t visitors who are being targeted,” said Neighborhood Resource Officer Jorge Colina. “They are residents of the West Grove. It appears the offenders are from the West Grove as well.”

The news of the robberies comes at a time when crime overall in Coconut Grove is in decline, Colina said.

But he urged West Grove residents who do not have alarms in their homes to keep their car keys by their bedsides at night. If they hear or see something suspicious, pressing the panic button could scare away potential thieves. It also will help prevent cars from being stolen if homes are broken into.

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Coconut Grove rape update

In less than a month, two women have been robbed and raped by a masked gunman in the Coconut Grove and community officials want residents to voice their concerns and ask questions.

Miami police and Commissioner Marc Sarnoff are holding a community meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Coconut Grove Elementary School cafeteria at 3351 Matilda St.

“There is no higher priority than the safety and security of our citizens,” Sarnoff said in statement.

For more information, please call David Karsh at 786-299-0597.

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