Crime Prevention Tips from Inspector Waite:

• Reporting something on NextDoor is not the same thing as notifying the police. MPD does not have access to posts on Nextdoor so cannot track or act on activities posted there. Alerting your neighbors is good, but it’s also recommended that you notify the police. All 911 calls are recorded.
• If you hear an alarm, it’s a good idea to report it. Not all home and business alarms are automatically connected to MPD.
• Bars that hire private security help reduce alcohol-related crime late at night. Many bars take on the responsibility of doing this, but some don’t want to pay for the expense. If bar-related crime is something that concerns you, ask the bars you frequent or live nearby to hire private security.
• The bulk of all crime is property crime. Prevent crime by LOCKING YOUR DOORS – lock doors to your house, your garage, and make sure the doors close behind you at your apartment building. Also lock your bike. Help RECOVER your property by locating and storing all serial numbers of valuable items. Your bike has a serial number and it’s much easier to determine if one belongs to you by looking at that number rather than identifying by bike color, make, model, or the number of personalized stickers you have. Finally, keep an eye out for unusual behavior, such as pacing the street. Pay attention to behavior rather than appearance.

 
Recent Changes in the 5th District:

• There are 6 new officers. The officers will help staff MPD’s focus zones, which are areas that change week to week depending on crime stats. They will also help patrol the entertainment districts on Lyndale/Lake and Hennepin/Lagoon.
• A mental health co-responder program is starting. MPD is currently making informational interviews with homeless advocates and other specialists to help train police officers who will be pared with mental health providers from COPE.​ ​