Punched door lock and smashed windows:  According to Kent PD, these are two popular methods for thieves to use to gain access to your vehicle. To prevent this, always lock your car doors and remove valuables from your vehicle. These items are the most appealing to would-be thieves:  GPS units, tools, computers, spare change, sunglasses and cell phone charges.

Full-time DUI patrols are in force:  This summer special full-time DUI patrols are patrolling local streets and highways to keep drunk drivers off the road. Kent PD recommends that you be safe and be smart by finding alternative transportation if you’ve been drinking:  (1) take public transit; (2) designate a driver to remain sober; and (3) take a taxi.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle: Did you know that it is illegal to leave your vehicle running with a child in it? In addition, running cars with kids in them are easy targets to thieves, and it is unsafe to leave your child or pet in the car during the summer time. When outdoor temps are 80 or above, the inside temp of your vehicle can escalate to as high as 130 degrees in just an hour!

For more tips like these or to learn more about crime prevention, contact one of the Kent PD’s public education specials:

West Hill – Cesi Velez, 253-856-5884

East Hill – Stacy Judd, 253-856-5883

Valley – Sara Wood, 253-856-5851

Update, July 21, 2010, 3:16 PM: Kent Reporter offers a more in-depth update.

Update, July 21, 2010 from KING5.com: Investigators have identified a possible suspect in the death of Seth Frankel. Based on cell phone information, they believe a man from Portland, Oregon may be involved.

Update, June 18, 2010 from the Auburn Reporter: Detectives are still seeking leads in the murder of Seth Frankel. They are awaiting lab results from the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab.

Anyone with information relating to the murder are asked to contact Auburn PD at 253-931-3080.

June 21, 2010: According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Seth Frankel died May 21 of stab wounds to the arms and neck. He was found dead in his Auburn home on May 22. Frankel, 41, was employed as a video program coordinator for the City of Kent and known and loved by many. Auburn police detectives continue to seek leads and are still interviewing friends, family and colleagues about Frankel’s murder, while keeping mum about what little info. they do have.

If you know anything about Seth Frankel’s death, or any incidents or individuals that may have contributed to his death, please contact Auburn Police at 253-931-3080.

Additional information about Seth Frankel’s murder can be found on the Kent Reporter website.

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MISSING — REWARD for information Kelsey Ray from Western Montana, 16 years of age, 5’6” tall, approximately 115 pounds, last seen in the Seattle Area on May 31, 2010.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION Last seen with Mineral County Police Dept. Kegan Salter, (406) 822-3555, Age 18, 5’5” tall 911, local police or Her family (406) 544-3098.

The system was implemented in September 2009 and, since that time, residents and businesses have been encouraged to add their names and contact information to the City’s CodeRED website.

The Kent CodeRED test will coincide with similar tests in Auburn, Renton, Tukwila and King County.

CodeRED is a geographically-based notification system, which means street addresses are needed to select which phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls in a specific emergency.  An associated street address is needed for cell phone numbers.

Requested information includes first and last name, street address (physical address—no PO boxes), city, state, zip code, primary phone numbers and additional phone numbers and an email address (optional). Residents and businesses may also choose to receive text or email messages about emergencies, in addition to telephone calls.

CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for doing so, and the information will only be used for emergency notification purposes. Residents and businesses may also opt out of the system entirely if they so choose.

Those without Internet access may contact Kent Emergency Management at 253-856-4440, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request a registration form by mail.

For more information, read the full press release online or visit http://kentCodeRED.com.

• Last week’s crime stats
• Sex Offender Level III Notice
• Landlord/Property Management Training in Federal Way – May 12
• Hondas:  popular targets for vehicle theft - We are still seeing a steady trend of Hondas being targeted for vehicle thefts. If you haven’t already, consider purchasing The Club, an steering wheel locking device. They can be purchased through Kent PD for $15.00.

Thank you for being partners in crime prevention!

Economic Downturn Triggers More City Service Reductions
Annexation Staffing Plan to Cushion Layoffs

Kent, Wash. – April 6, 2010 – The economy continues to negatively impact the City of Kent’s revenues.  Despite spending cuts of over $6 million, including the layoff of 28 employees last year, Mayor Suzette Cooke recommended an additional $7 million in spending cuts and $100,000 in revenue increases to the Kent City Council on Tuesday.

“The recession is not easing its grip on Kent’s finances,” said Cooke.  “We projected flat revenues for 2010, but tax collections and fees continue to decline below 2009 levels.”

According to Kent’s Finance Director Bob Nachlinger, in closing the City’s books for last year, declining revenues in November and December, and other factors impacted the final 2009 fund balance.

“We can’t control the external environment,” said Nachlinger.  “It’s impossible to know exactly how we’ll finish the year until all the numbers come in.  We receive many of our revenues two months in arrears so I’m unable to close the prior year’s books until March.”

“Although we ended the year with a positive fund balance, it is not at the target both the Council and Mayor requested,” said Nachlinger.  “Besides reduced sales tax, we saw reduced income from revenue sources in many departments.  Utility tax revenues were also down due to our mild winter and people not using natural gas and electricity as they would normally.  The threat of flooding has further slowed commercial activity, and finally, an underpayment of $600,000 by the State’s Department of Revenue for Streamlined Sales Tax mitigation left a huge hole.”

According to John Hodgson, Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer, revenues for the first two months of this year are below last year’s levels and other fund sources are also trending downward, forcing the need to make adjustments now.

“Maintaining a strong fund balance is the goal of the Mayor and Council,” said Hodgson.  “It allows us to make our monthly obligations, which is critical given that revenues don’t come in at equal amounts during the year.”

36% of the City’s General Fund revenues come from property taxes paid in April and October.

Hodgson said he’s been working with department directors over the past two weeks to identify operational adjustments, new revenue ideas and cuts to address the budget situation.

“We reviewed services and looked at what was considered mandatory and required by City ordinance.  We looked at preserving our physical assets, what services were discretionary yet improved Kent’s quality of life, and we looked at levels of service delivery overall.  The fact is it’s very difficult after the elimination of programs and staff reductions we already made last year,” Hodgson said.

“We reviewed the staff reductions recommended by department directors in relation to our staffing needs for when the Panther Lake annexation is effective July 1,” said Hodgson.  “While trying to anticipate and plan services in the annexation area, we’re able to utilize many of those employees, yielding very good, high producing staff there.  Unfortunately, we aren’t able to place seven employees, forcing us to lay them off, or reduce their work hours, at the end of this month.”

Kent’s proposed annexation staffing levels have also been adjusted to reflect revenue shortfalls in the Panther Lake area.  Key annexation positions including police, street maintenance crews, land use experts, prosecutors and courts will continue to be filled.

“While police officers on streets and firefighters on engines will not be impacted, the proposed budget cuts will impact every department and level of service city-wide including the annexation area,” Hodgson said.

Some of the impacts of the proposed budget adjustment include:

• Lay off or reduce work hours of seven employees
• Require Spotlight Series performances to be self-supporting
• Transfer some police officers from special units, e.g. investigations, to patrol
• Transfer some fire fighters in special units to fire suppression
• Reduce development services staff due to continual decline in commercial development
• Eliminate the lunch program subsidy at the Kent Senior Activity Center
• Reduce financial support to the Kent Meridian Pool

Mayor Cooke also proposed doubling the fine for parking violations from $20 to $40 and adding a 5% admissions tax to green fees at the Riverbend Golf Complex.  Pending approval by the City Council, these fees would yield an additional $100,000 per year.

The City Council will review the Mayor’s proposed budget adjustments and will take action later this month or in early May.

The Kent Police Department is offering a Community Police Academy class on six Wednesdays, starting March 31st and ending May 5^th, 2010.   The Academy offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn more about the daily operations of the police department and its role in the community.

The classes will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an officer available for a question and answer session 30 minutes prior to the start of class. The academy will be held at the Police and Fire Training Center, 24611 116^th Ave SE in Kent. There is also a Saturday session, which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Facility and our dispatch operations at Valley Communications Center.

The 6-week curriculum includes topics such as officer recruitment and hiring, traffic enforcement, patrol functions, detectives and criminal investigations, SWAT, use of force policy, community education and the Neighborhood Response Team.  K-9 officers will demonstrate their K-9 partner’s abilities.  All questions will be answered.

Academy classes are taught by veteran police officers and supervisors. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns to police employees.

The academy is open to any adult (18+), living, working, or interested in the City of Kent and its police department.  There is no cost for attending.

Applications and information are available online at http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/police/ or call the Community Education Unit at 253-856-5838.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to gain insight into the day to day operations of the police department” said Sergeant Dina Paganucci. “We enjoy being able to interact with the community and answer any questions they have.”

Notice 1 – Jeremy Ross Baxley (Clark Avenue North)

Notice 2 – Brandon Cole Reed (Crest Avenue South)

In addition, they offered these educational and safety tips:

Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are posted on the state website at www.icrimewatch.net/washington.php

Level 1 offenders (least likely to reoffend) that are Homeless/Transient are also posted on the website.

YOU can search, register to receive email alerts etc. on this public website. It does NOT give the exact address of the offender, but you can search a radius area near your home, a school, work etc.

NOTE:  This information is a matter of public record.

• GPS units and holders
• Laptops, iPods, cell phones and other electronics
• Sports equipment and shopping bags
• Mail and money

Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.

If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com

City of Kent Police Department reported crime stats for the week of February 2 – 8, 2010.  Included in the stats are vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, residential burglaries and commercial burglaries.

The report also includes crime prevention tips. In this week’s stats, readers are reminded how to identify a suspect:

“A key element to crime prevention is identifying a suspect. Here are some items the police department would utilize if you are witness to criminal activity: Male/Female, Height, Weight, Distinguishing features, Eye color, Skin color, Clothing, Birth marks, Accent in voice, Direction of individual, and any other details you can remember.”