APRIL CRIME WATCH

June, 2000 -- Crime continued to decline in our area this spring, as in other areas of the city.
The Metropolitan Police area that includes the Palisades (PSA 203), recorded 52% fewer crimes of all types last month as compared to April a year ago.
The largest decline was in car thefts (down from 21 in April 1999 to six this year).
In all, 26 crimes were reported, including eight burglaries, seven thefts, six thefts from cars, and five other minor crimes.
Within the Palisades neighborhood, there were 17 reported crimes.
Burglaries were reported at houses in the 4500 block of MacArthur Boulevard, the 2900 block of Chain Bridge Road, the 4800 block of Loughboro Road, the 4500 block of Salem Lane, and at two business in the 5100 block of MacArthur.
Thefts from cars occurred in the 3300 block of Maud Street, the 4400 block of MacArthur, and the 5000 block of Potomac Avenue, 4800 block of W Street (three incidences).
One theft and a simple assault were reported in the 4600 block of Kenmore Drive. Destruction of property worth more than $200 was reported in the 5000 block of Millwood Lane, destruction worth less than $200 in the 4400 block of Lingan Road and a threat was reported in a house in the 4500 block of MacArthur.
--Eliot Marshall

Thanks, Eliot, for volunteering to write the Crime Watch column. It's one that everyone reads faithfully. Police Commander Newsham reminds us that it's the time of year when the "property repair and lawn clean up scammers" return to the area. The police say that it is best to play it safe and not hire an unknown person who comes to your door, offering to do work.