As we progress into 2010 a number of issues should be considered by all of us as a community and society. First let me update you on a couple of pending issues that we don’t normally see in this area. During December and January we had two motor vehicles taken without authority. One has been recovered in the state of Florida and the person of interest in that matter charged. The second vehicle was recovered in Nashua, New Hampshire. There two youths who are persons of interest in this matter were taken into custody and charges may be pending in the City of Nashua.
During the past two months, a number of people have brought to our attention their concerns regarding things that have been tolerated in the past. One is leaving a motor vehicle running while the driver goes into a store or the school. In one case the concerned citizen expressed that he was concerned with all the kids running around at the school that one could jump into an unattended vehicle. You can see that this does raise real concern. RSA 265:72, I says “No person driving or in charge of a vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key and effectively setting the brake thereon…”
We have over the past few months expressed concern over the vehicles parking on the sidewalk along Main Street. We did begin to issue citations and I am happy to say that the number of violations is now non-existent.
We are hoping to present a short class on firearms and weapons safety geared to those people who wish to get permits to carry but also for anyone who may be interested. There have been a number of people who want permits but are concerned about their right, safety, storage and the laws covering this responsibility. Hopes are to be able to present this information sometime during late spring.
We are currently planning a bicycle safety and rodeo for this spring. During the session Outspokin Sports will be present to inspect the bicycles and we are seeking a grant so that we will have helmets for the attendees.
We asking everyone to start thinking about the ongoing and new concerns surrounding the internet. We all share the concern that some sexual predators will connect with our children on line. But, Law Enforcement is now seeing a new emergence of concern, and that is the growing use by not only foreign terrorists, preying on individuals but also the attraction to gang information and gang membership. These groups play on people looking for attention and re-enforcement. Because of the appeal that some of these groups have some of our children maybe be at serious risk. We will continue to follow this topic so that we can keep you informed.
We are asking anyone who knows of either senior residents or special needs residents to call us and we will add those citizens to our list of residents that we contact during periods of concern like the power outage of a week ago. During that period we were able to contact and check on 35 to 40 households. Thank you.