Take Back Your Neighborhood last week welcomed newly appointed 2nd Police District Lt. Marc Rutizer.
Rutizer has more than 28 years with the department. He previously served as a sergeant in the 2nd district. Most recently, he worked in South Philadelphia’s 1st district.
Lt. John Craig, who usually attended the Take Back Your Neighborhood meetings, was transferred to Northeast Detectives.
Rutizer passed on some anti-crime tips he has heard are effective. To prevent overnight car thefts, he recommended putting the keys in an empty coffee can so thieves cannot activate the fob signal.
Also, anyone looking to scare away someone from breaking into a home can put a large dog bowl or large boots outside the house.
Rutizer encouraged residents to email the 2nd district’s Police Service Area 1 unit at PPD.02_psa1@phila.gov
In other news from the Dec. 17 meeting, state Rep. Jared Solomon said the Philadelphia Parking Authority has written about 3,000 tickets for illegal truck parking in a six-month period in the 2nd and 15th police districts. Police officers used to handle those tickets. Solomon helped the PPA get involved after Capt. Thomas McLean, commander of the 2nd district, told him officers could spend an entire shift writing tickets.
Solomon invited complaints that can be handled by the city Department of Licenses and Inspections. When he hears of an issue, he contacts L&I Commissioner David Perri.
Marlene Chait, outreach and volunteer coordinator at Northeast Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC), invited people to a crime safety event on Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Northeast Older Adult Center, Bustleton and Solly avenues. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at 12:15 p.m.
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet again on Monday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at Max Myers, 1601 Hellerman St. The group will consider a request by a grocery store at 1601 E. Cheltenham Ave. to be able to serve hot food. ••
