'We need to make crime illegal again': Park reiterates safety pledge at Brentwood meeting after home burglaries | News

BRENTWOOD — Amid a spike in home burglaries, community leaders held a meeting Wednesday to reaffirm their commitment to public safety. Brentwood Community Council President Carolyn Jordan opened Wednesday's meeting with a stark acknowledgment of the community's fear: “Many of us don't feel safe in our homes. That's why we've put together a group of neighbors and our HOA members to share with you various strategies, tips and tactics you can use to make your streets, homes and neighborhoods safer.”

The virtual meeting, prompted by a series of recent home burglaries, was attended by hundreds of concerned citizens, including key figures such as District Attorney candidate Nathan Hochman and City Councilwoman Traci Park, both of whom emphasized their commitment to strengthening public safety.

In her address to the crowd, Councilwoman Park emphasized that she focuses on crime prevention and public safety every day, which she said takes up 90% of her workday. “We need to make crime illegal again.” Park advocated for stronger public-private partnerships and more effective legislative measures to combat rising crime rates in Brentwood. She also told the community that her office is looking for concrete ways to keep communities safe.

District Attorney candidate Nathan Hochman echoed Park's sentiments and criticized the current administration's approach to law enforcement. “We need a district attorney who will enforce laws that deter, not encourage, criminal activity,” Hochman said. He emphasized the district attorney's critical role in shaping public safety and urged citizens to consider the impact of the upcoming election on the safety of their community.

Carolyn Jordan also emphasized that a collaborative effort is needed to keep the community safe. She encouraged all attendees to actively participate in technological and traditional neighborhood protection strategies to keep their community safe. “This meeting is just the beginning,” Jordan explained. “We all need to come together, stay vigilant and take proactive measures to keep our homes and neighborhoods safe.”

Jordan shared strategies for securing your home, such as installing alarm systems, locking your safe, putting security film on windows, and using cleverly disguised Apple AirTags to prevent burglars from finding valuable items.

Kathy Morgan, representative of the Neighborhood Watch program, explained how modern technologies, including WhatsApp for real-time alerts, have changed the community's vigilance and responsiveness.

Andy, a leading resident on Homewood Street, explained the proactive measures he has taken on his street over the past seven years to combat the rise in local crime. “We started with a simple neighbourhood watch and have now deployed two dedicated patrol cars that monitor our area 24/7,” Andy said. Flock security cameras have also been installed on his street, which track every vehicle entering or leaving the area and capture license plates to help identify suspicious activity.

Andy emphasized the importance of community vigilance and shared how Homewood residents have successfully used technology and private security to increase their safety. “It's about making our neighborhood a fortress in practical terms, not just in feelings,” he explained.

The meeting ended with a call for solidarity, urging all Brentwood residents to actively participate in the community's safety efforts. “It takes a village to maintain safety, and each and every one of us is part of that village.”