10/31/09: BPD & SUNY Buffalo Police Increase Halloween Weekend Patrols

BY NICKI MAYO Buffalo’s Daniel Sondel goes all out decorating for Halloween, but he says tomb raiders took one of his lawn decorations from his University Heights front yard.
“I used to live in Cheektowaga and you could put anything out. But now we’re afraid to put anything out,” said Sondel pointing to his yard.
“I mean it’s a tombstone. It’s only a couple dollars but it’s ridiculous to have it stolen,” he added.
Last year Sondel’s display attracted a couple of inebriated UB students who posed for pictures with the scary characters. Still, Sondel says it’s not the students, but the criminals who threaten people that have residents on Heath Street worried. They say now, more than ever it’s important to have an active neighborhood watch.
“The college kids have all the new electronics,” said Sondel. “Laptops, phones and IPods… that’s what they’re [thieves] after,”
“The residents of the University Heights have wanted extra patrols in their area,” said Lt. Mark Gates with UB’s State University Police force.
Lt. Gates said residents requested higher security after the shooting death of 23-year-old Javon Jackson at Main in Lisbon, just hours after graduating from UB back in May. Police are currently investigating a fatal stabbing on Lisbon Saturday morning.
“The whole month of October we’ve had more patrols in that area,” Lt. Gates added.
State University Police are teaming up with Buffalo Police to combat crime around Main, Winspear and Bailey streets.
“You’ll see more officers out, more officers on foot patrols in the street and in cars. It will be a combination,” said Buffalo Police Department spokesman Mike DeGeorge.
Buffalo Police increased the number of officers patrolling heavy bar and house party areas.
“We expect bigger crowds in the Chippewa entertainment district area and the University Heights district area. Because of that patrols will be stepped up in those two areas,” DeGeorge added. It’s an effort to make the streets safer for residents and candy craving visitors.
“Trick or Treat!” yelled the McDade children walking down Heath Street. The McDade family always “trick or treats” in a pack. Their parents advise the children to always put safety first.
“Kids do need parents to supervise them as they trick or treat. Because it’s so crazy today and you never know what to expect,” said their father Derek McDade leading the group to the next house.
“I always keep a device on me so that I can call somebody. Or make sure I’m around a group of people in public not in private,” added 12-year-old Kayla McDade.