I enjoy “scooping” the local papers, in part because I love local news. I believe competition from “citizen journalist” will make our local print media strive to be more local and more timely. I also believe I am bringing a benefit to our readers by keeping you informed of local goings on. However, I do not find posting this story satisfying because it has taken so long (3 or 4 days) to reach the public.
I was away for a few days. While away I received on Wednesday two emails, one originated by a local realtor and the other by a local neighborhood association. The emails said:
“Dear Neighbors,
“I learned from a police officer last night that there have been 3 thefts in the neighborhood this week. A car was stolen on Halsey, a home was burglarized on Halsey on Tuesday, another home was burglarized on Arnold yesterday. The burglaries happened during the late afternoon – the houses were entered through an unlocked door or open window. They seem to be looking for small electronics such as cameras, laptops, x-boxes, etc. No one was at home during either event.
“He asked that if anyone sees anything suspicious, kids playing in the neighborhood who don’t belong there, people/kids ringing doorbells to see if someone is home, or cars circling the streets, to call the non-emergency number - 622-8000. They will have extra patrols in the area until this is resolved.
“Please pass this on to your neighbors so that we can all watch out for each other. That’s all the information I have.”
I spoke with the police, and this is not a false rumor.
The burglaries are news, in and of themselves. But the real news is that the local daily doesn’t seem to have reported it yet. I was convinced I would arrive from from my trip and read a detailed report on the crimes by one of the competent local reporteat our Greenwich There was news from Stamford and Bridgeport and much good Greenwich news, some political, some criminal and some “life-style” but nothing about the burglaries and the police asking the neighbors to be alert.
Perhaps with emails from neighbors and blog posts, local papers are becoming irrelevant. But they are not helping there case by neglecting to cover stories people need to know. I sincerely hope they do better.
on Jul 18th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I, too was away and heard about it from friends on the 10th. I looked thru all my copies of the Greenwich Time, and found nothing either. Very disappointed.
The ‘TIME’ has turned into a regional paper. I’ve read it since I was a kid, and now am very disappointed in its coverage. Thanks for this blog. We’ve added our names to your mailing list.
on Jul 19th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Another car was stolen from a Nimitz Pl. residence this past Thursday. Did not see that in the paper either.
on Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thankfully the Greenwich Police have responded with stepped up patrols in this area.