Bothell neighbors fighting crime with high-tech tools
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BOTHELL, Wash. -- Surveillance video featured on KOMO News has inspired some neighbors to take steps to make their homes safer.
One Bothell neighborhood is taking crime-fighting to a whole new level with non-violent weapons, including surveillance cameras, the Internet and face-to-face meetings.
One homeowner, who only wished to be identified as Parl, invited some of his neighbors to his home on Thursday to explain the new blockwatch system.
Area residents were inspired to work more closely with one another after seeing a surveillance video on KOMO. Police arrested two suspects last week after a Woodinville burglary victim shared his home-security video with officers. The case demonstrated the power of pictures and collaboration.
While Parl is a big advocate of security cameras, his neighbor Matt decided to focus on low-tech options, researching the most affordable door that's almost impossible to kick in.
"It's bolted so far into the door frame that it's extremely sturdy," he said.
With one email, any neighbor can instantly share info with as many as 50 others under the new system. They can now easily circulate a photo of a suspicious vehicle or address other safety concerns.
"It's one of the core things of life food, shelter a roof over your head," said Parl. "Well, I want that roof over me and my family's head to be a safe roof."
The neighbors agreed to talk publicly about their collaboration in hope of inspiring other communities to try the same thing.
One Bothell neighborhood is taking crime-fighting to a whole new level with non-violent weapons, including surveillance cameras, the Internet and face-to-face meetings.
One homeowner, who only wished to be identified as Parl, invited some of his neighbors to his home on Thursday to explain the new blockwatch system.
Area residents were inspired to work more closely with one another after seeing a surveillance video on KOMO. Police arrested two suspects last week after a Woodinville burglary victim shared his home-security video with officers. The case demonstrated the power of pictures and collaboration.
While Parl is a big advocate of security cameras, his neighbor Matt decided to focus on low-tech options, researching the most affordable door that's almost impossible to kick in.
"It's bolted so far into the door frame that it's extremely sturdy," he said.
With one email, any neighbor can instantly share info with as many as 50 others under the new system. They can now easily circulate a photo of a suspicious vehicle or address other safety concerns.
"It's one of the core things of life food, shelter a roof over your head," said Parl. "Well, I want that roof over me and my family's head to be a safe roof."
The neighbors agreed to talk publicly about their collaboration in hope of inspiring other communities to try the same thing.
Punji sticks and bear traps would be just as effective and probably much cheaper...
Excellent work. The neighborhood gets it - cops are minutes way you need help NOW. (not bashing police - it's jsut how it is)!
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And remember for about $250 an inexpensive home security type shotgun is a good second defense if they ignore cameras and other security systems. (these thugs are getting more brazen it seems)
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- That "Cha-ching" sound when pumping the action sends a strong audible message and even more so if the situation is such they see this home deterrent system in your hands.
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- If you have to use it...a shotgun in most home burglary situations is a very efficient close range tool requiring minimal dead on accuracy when hands are shaking and heart is racing. Plus it's simple, sort of the "Polaroid camera " of guns - point and shoot.
@Truth Percolates Couldn't agree more, if enough of these home invasions end with the perp. taking a shotgun blast to the chest, the others will get the message.
 @This_again?  @Truth Nah, the others won't get the message because they are always smarter than the guy that got shot. What WILL happen is that one more perp will have an "occupational accident" and that might cause them to change careers.
I think these people have done great work and should set an example for all neighbourhoods....the HOAs should invest in this rather than annoy their neighbours into leaving.
yep i used camera's to clear the crack heads from my area lol worked great and cheap