Fan of the Fan

Here’s the sector report for the Fan, Byrd Park and Randolph neighborhoods for the month of March.

Some highlights:

Since graffiti is such a hot topic around here, this info about some recent arrests (Joseph already left this in the comments, but I don’t know if everyone reads the comments):

Two graffiti “artists” pleaded guilty to a total of thirteen (13) counts of property damage in Richmond General District Court. The sentence for one suspect who was responsible for the graffiti tag of “PLAGE” included; three (3) days in jail, $800 in restitution to be paid for damages done to both private and public property and three-hundred (300) hours of community service. The sentence for the suspect who was responsible for the graffiti tag of “PANKO” included; ten (10) days in jail, over $3,000 in restitution to be paid for damages done to both private and public property and five-hundred (500) hours of community service. The community service hours for both suspects will include working with the Department of Public Works removing graffiti from property throughout the City.

And this about future strategies:

Future Focus/Strategies: Continue directed-patrol assignments. Maintain high visibility with bike and walking officers in and around the Fan, Randolph, Maymont and Byrd Park neighborhoods. Distribute crime-prevention literature and conduct surveys of lighting and other environmental conditions on blocks where burglaries have occurred.

The lighting part of that was interesting to me. How do you feel about the lighting around you when you’re walking home or to your car at night? It’s obviously better in some places than others and I’m probably not the only person to have figured this out. . .If you know of any especially dark spots, let the police know.

Recently, students who have been outside enjoying the fine Spring weather have had to be a bit more vigilant with their study breaks. There are three reports of laptops being stolen from VCU students while sitting outside. From the RTD:

Three Virginia Commonwealth University students had their laptop computers stolen in recent days as they sat outside in the late afternoon.

In two cases this week, the students were sitting near Monroe Park when their laptops were snatched by an assailant. A similar theft occurred last week outside the Shafer Court Dining Center.

No weapon was displayed and no injuries were reported in the thefts, wrote John M. Bennett, VCU’s senior vice president for finance and administration, in an e-mail alert to students.

This one took place in the 00 block of N. Mulberry street at 6:10pm(!) on Monday the 15th.

RPD is reporting an attempted robbery at 3:10 am, January 11th:

600 block of North Meadow Street (between Monument and Grace): a female reported she was assaulted by an unknown male who tried to rob her.

Since we’ve talked a lot about graffiti here I figured it might be worthwhile to see some tips from the cops (most notably environmental officer Claude Picard) who are fighting graffiti in the Fan.

1)  Spray Paint can rattles – It’s a very distinct metallic rattle sound that is created when a person shakes a spray paint can.  Small metal or plastic “peas” are added to spray paint cans to help mix the paint during the shaking process. If this sound is heard, especially in the alleys, please call us so we can investigate.  ”Taggers” are they are often called carry their cans in backpacks which you might be able to hear “clanking” as they are walking down the alley or street.

2)  If you see anyone stopping intermittently in the alleys for unknown reasons.  This may be a sign they are walking, stopping, spray painting, and then moving on to their next target.

3)  If you see anyone hiding/ducking from passing vehicles and then returning to a particular area this may be a sign they are tagging a building or vehicle (or breaking into vehicles).  A “tagger” may also have his face partially covered and using a second person as a lookout.

4)  It is believed that spray paint tags occur in the early morning hours.

The RPD is reporting the armed theft of a Porsche Boxster last night around 9 PM from Harvie Street (between Main and Cary, near Gold’s Gym).

[Capt. Harvey] Powers said two males, one wielding a knife, confronted the car’s driver and took the car by force. The driver was not injured, Powers said.

The much debated ‘offensive’ mural on the back of AlbTech has been replaced with this:

In related graffiti news, there has been an uptick in tags nearby in the Fan–along the Lombardy corridor. I can’t comment on the quality of graffiti, but some of these tags seem to offer a ironic self-referential commentary.

It appears to be the work of FHF, not quite as ubiqitous as BNE, but. . .

The RTD reported this morning that graffiti artists tagged the old Julian’s restaurant property on W. Broad Street (near the Boulevard). This building is owned by Sam Moore (of Velvet infamy), who is due in court today for alleged ABC violations. You may also recall that Moore and Velvet have been in the news lately for some other artwork involving the President.

Ross Catrow posted these photos of the graffiti earlier today.

Whoever did this ‘art’ isn’t shy, leaving this note on the front door:

“To Whom it may concern

- Graffiti is a beautiful art form which is unappreciated in today’s
society. We hope the work done here will intrigue and stimulate the
minds of many

-S.M.”

There are probably some parents who are a little upset and concerned about some recent events near Maggie Walker Governor’s School.  Here’s what Councilman Charles Samuels has to say about it:

“Recent events this week in the vicinity of Maggie Walker Governor’s School are of great concern to me. These events include: a suspicious package being found (empty tool box) in the school parking lot; a fire at a homeless encampment near School Street that the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services extinguished promptly; and, the discovery of a body in a ravine in the 1000 block of Lombardy Avenue.

The body has been identified by the Richmond Police Department as Joseph C. McCray, 54, of no fixed address, and is being investigated as a homicide due to death by blunt force trauma.

Each of these events is sufficient to cause great concern for those who attend Maggie Walker Governor’s School and the neighbors in the Newtowne West Community.  Should neighbors, families or community organizations wish to come together for solace and understanding of these events, I will support them in any way that I can.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. McCray and ask that anyone with any information regarding this incomprehensible act to call Richmond Crime Stoppers, at 804.780.1000.

Samuels also shares some resources in Richmond that help the homeless population:

·        Richmond Police Department Homeless Outreach Partnership Enforcement (HOPE) patrol (804.646.4395 tel)

·        Richmond Department of Social Services (804.646.7212 tel)

Provides child, family, adult, employment and financial assistance services.

·        Freedom House (804.233.4064 tel)

·        Community Shelter (804.232.1949 tel)

Providing a stable environment for residents to begin to address issues that led to their homelessness and set goals for a better future.

·        The Conrad Center – Conrad Center (804.225.1853 tel)

Serving breakfast and dinner to Richmond ’s homeless and working-class poor.

·        Daily Planet (804.783.0678 tel)

Operates free standing health care center in the area providing primary health care to the homeless, uninsured and underinsured regardless of their ability to pay.  Additionally, Daily Planet provides a 12-week job training and placement program to the unemployed homeless and offers at no charge to those in need:  eye care, dental care, mental health and psychiatric care, laundry and shower facilities, case management, mail and substance abuse services.”

Police are reporting that the 7-Eleven at 1101 W. Main St. was robbed by 3 males with a gun at 5am Sunday morning.