Residents, Police Come Together to Fight Against Crime

Menifee residents at two locations mingled with members of the Menifee Police Department, Cal Fire and other public safety groups Saturday in recognizing National Night Out.

The annual event is observed in many cities across the country to unite residents and law enforcement to be more effective in preventing crime. Adults and children at La Ladera Park on the west edge of Menifee and Discovery Park in the Heritage Lakes community on the east side of town collected safety literature, learned about Neighborhood Watch opportunities, witnessed a police canine demonstration (below) and much more.

Children climbed into the cab of a firetruck. They exchanged hugs with McGruff the Crime Dog and Smokey the Bear. Hot dogs and hamburgers were served, courtesy of Target Stores. Yet this was much more than just a day at the park.

"Crime prevention begins at home," said Captain John Hill of the Menifee Police Department. "In taking a stand against crime, we're working with Neighborhood Watch groups in a partnership with the public. The more support we have from the public, the more people we have on alert for suspicious activity."

Menifee 24/7 receives many inquiries and reports from readers via email and Facebook regarding alleged crime and suspicious activity in the area. Some complain about insufficient police patrol. But others, like Mary Janich, do something more about it.

About five years ago, Janich and her husband created a Neighborhood Watch group for their Menifee Hills neighborhood around La Ladera Park. They knocked on doors, recruited members and contacted police for support. Since then, she said, police were able to shut down three drug houses in their neighborhood and made La Ladera Park a safer place.

"Now, the only crime we have is kids who are out walking around after 9 p.m., and we're working on that," Janich said.

Janich said their group has about 280 registered members who take turns patrolling the neighborhood. In a sense, they are the eyes and ears for police officers who can't be everywhere at once.

"We eradicated the drug houses by identifying them with surveillance, taking photos, just keeping track of what was going on," Janich said. "When we felt we had enough proof, we notified police. SWAT teams came in and shut them down."

Nina Zalunardo, community service officer for the Menifee Police Department, said events such as today's are helpful in letting residents know what they can do to help prevent crime. Once a Neighborhood Watch group is formed and a block captain chosen, the police and City of Menifee provide support and maintain the lines of communication.

"We're here to reach out to the community," Zalunardo said. "If people have been involved in some way with a crime, sometimes they're afraid of us being the bad guys. We want to build that trust so people feel they can tell us things when they're going on."

City Council Member John Denver said today that public safety is the No. 1 priority of the City Council.

"I'm so happy Captain Hill and the police have chosen to do this," Denver said. "It's an opportunity for people to connect with the police. In saying that public safety is our top priority, a large part of that is the police and fire departments. We want them to build relationships with the citizens."

Karen Meske of Menifee attended the event at La Ladera Park with her 3-year-old son, Nicholas (left).

"I saw a flier for this at Starbucks," she said. "I've been to these before. Most people are afraid of crime and the police, but this is a real good event because it shows how friendly the police can be and what they can do for us."

To reach the Menifee Police Department's main office or for questions about setting up a Neighborhood Watch program, call 951-210-1000.