SAN ANTONIO -- Randolph Tharpe has lived in the same home since 1997. He's seen crime increase in the area and now hopes more people will get involved with neighborhood crime prevention efforts in his West Side subdivision.
Neighbors say thieves cruise through the area looking to see what's new. The thieves attempted to steal trucks on both sides of the street, in someone's driveway and in broad daylight. The windows were smashed on both trucks, but they were not stolen.
Last week, someone attempted to break into a home at 11:40 in the morning just around the corner. That shocked and frightened one woman who overnight and sleeps during the day.
A day later, Tharpe said a 17-year-old was shot and killed in front of his home. Investigators say Roger Rodriguez was trying to protect his sister from a boyfriend the family suspected was abusive. Police arrested that boyfriend, 21-year-old Franco Summers. He's been charged in connection with the fatal shooting.
"I watch WOAI news everyday," Tharpe told us. "When you see it on the news, it's like a reminder."
Tharpe believes seeing crime reports should remind people to get active in protecting themselves and their property.
"You feel safe when you're in your home, but you're not," stressed Tharpe. "People are breaking into homes with people there."
Tharpe thinks the best thing anyone can do is let criminals know someone is always watching. He volunteered for Cellular On Patrol, or COPS, and urges more people to consider joining a community crime watch.
"They don't recommend you try to apprehend anyone," Tharpe explained. "Just stay in your car and make a phone call."
Every section of the city has officers involved with SAFFE(San Antonio Fear FREE Environment). They can walk you through the COPS program. Tharpe believes volunteering just an hour, once a month, can help keep your family safe.
For more information about the San Antonio Police Department's SAFFE officers, here is a contact list.
* Central: 207-7413
* East: 207-7566
* North: 207-8350
* Prue(NW): 207-7169
* West: 207-0810
* South: 207-8964
