A better show of police. I walked my dog for about 45 minutes between Ferry Street and Eastern Ave. last night around 9:30. Considering there have been shootings in that area I would have thought I would see at least one police car or patrol. Not one.

Community Events for teenagers. Keep them out of trouble. Make a curfew. Hold parents responsible for young teenagers out at 1 am.

Cameras and lights in public places.

And RoboCop!

I do not want to debate. I just want to give my input. My opinion.

1) Who remembers getting out of class early for an assembly? I use to be so happy when the MPD would come in and talk to us. They talk about everything. I think more of this should happen. The crime issue is not about right now, it is also about the future. Many kids that go to the schools are just as fed up with the crime as we are. And are filled with info.

2) You have a certain amount of people that do not pay attention to politics but focus more on the church. The city needs to really focus on all houses of worship. Strong ties with them can be very helpful.

3) The city needs to hold an open forum summit in council chambers. You bring in community leaders, priest, ministers, pastors, shop owners, teachers, community groups, crossing guards, police, fire, EMT's, the Teen Center and Y's, mental health councilors and so on. Not just to get ideas, but to also educate. Many cities do this and it helps to some degree, but it brings people closer. A close community is a strong one.

Yes, Lighting. I have been very vocal on better lighting. From MHS to Salemwood is very dark. This is a hot spot as it is. Trim the trees and replace the bulbs. Light that area up nice not just for foot traffic, but for cars also.

I think a big part of fighting or detering crime is for people to get to know their neighbors and people in the community. Sure, more police officers would be great, but that doesn't mean that one is going to be right where you need them to be at the exact time you need them to be there. After my condo was broken into last week on Medford St. I went door to door up and down my street and the side street next to my house asking neighbors if they noticed anything strange at that time. I honestly only knew 2 of my neighbors at the time I did this on Thursday and I have lived there for about 3 years. I came to find out that some really nice people live all around me. People were obviously very concerned about themselves now that they were aware of what happened on the street. But many of the neighbors also seemed truly concerned and sympathetic to me. Over the past 5 days, I have seen more of my neighbors outside walking around or in the front yard and many of us wave and acknowledge each other and I think that is a huge thing. It's a community and we should all have each others backs. Whether it's a car getting broken into or a shooting, neighbors need to be aware of what's going on around them and know that people do care. The more we get to know each other, the more we can help and learn.

I know Malden isn't exactly Mayberry, but we all need to help each other out and have each others backs. Since my condo was broken into on Thursday I have had 2 different neighbors who are home most of the day tell me they were keeping an eye out the window for me throughout the day. (I have also since installed many new security devices throughout the house for that added protection) But, It's those little things, like neighbors helping neighbors that can make a huge difference in a community. Get to know each other!

Mike G: Why does Beacon Hill go unmentioned in your posts? They are more the fault than this mayor. The bulk of the legislators are made up of criminal rights advocates and ambulance chasing lawyers.
This culture of corruption allows for the perfect climate so the criminal minded can thrive!

I am going to re-post what I thought I'd posted earlier since it seems that it disappeared into the ether:

1) Park and walk police patrols in all neighborhoods, not just the hotspots.
2) Better use of existing police resources. Ever walked down Exchange St in the early morning? More often than not, you'll see two or three cruisers sitting in a parking lot while the policemen chat. Not an expert, but seems inefficient to me.
3) More transparency at all times. Cambridge has a fantastic crime report website. That city's crime rate is a bit lower than Malden's, and it's arguably a more densely populated, urban environment.
4) More community engagement at all levels, and not just when there's a crisis. A campaign to get people out meeting neighbors. Community meetings that draw in all sectors of the community, not just the police and the pols. Include clergy from all of the houses of worship, teachers, young professionals, youth, parents, the elderly, etc. Genuine outreach is key, block-by-block, ward-by-ward, etc.
5) People won't mind paying for all of this if there's transparency and trust (see #3 and #4) Raise the property tax a bit to reflect the improvement in services. An infusion of more concerned, involved citizens who care about community rather than sketchy tenants in derelict properties owned by absentee landlords could really help to turn the tide.

Police should pay attention when Malden residents call in about suspicious activity like parked cars that have not moved in days. When my wife calls in to report them she gets the third degree from the police. If you expect the citizens to report you have to take action not give the reporters a hard time.

The Mayor has the new problem property task force (forget the name), why not set up a problem area task force?

Let's say for example a lot of calls have been called in around Green Street Park. That area is then put on the list. Right away the team moves in and talks to residents in the area (some are afraid to talk in meeting), put up a WiFi camera, step up patrols, start a clean up project to bring people together and let the cops do what they do to watch the area.

It is swift action. Now I know these criminals will just head to another spot, but if heat is put on them right away they might just stop doing it in the city.

Just an idea.

Uniformed beat cops who made comtacts in neighborhoods and LISTEN to concerns. Make records of complaints not matter what they think are trivial.

Just put more police on patrol...ALL THE TIME. Not just after an incident happens. That's the only time I have seen an increase in patrolling. Only after a shooting/stabbing, and that only keeps up for a few days. I also agree on the lighting. I live along Salem St and it doesn't really bother me. I'm not worried of getting assaulted or mugged walking at night. But others do. Some spots are in complete darkness.

But there is no need for cameras. On intersections or in public places. That's where you open up the door for the govt to take the first step towards watching your every move. Save the money and pay the police for doing police work in the streets.

As a new homeowner, and single mom, I have to say I have been very frightened to hear of all the events happening lately. I felt a bit safer in my apartment, but now I plan on getting a security system and quick. I have a young daughter and my mom lives with me. My daughter is now old enough to be out by herself and I have to say I am terrified to let her leave the house. I do have great neighbors and everyone seems to look out for one other. This is a great thing. We all need to do this. I think it would also be great to have a way to call in suspicious activity anonymously as I believe people are just scared. I know I am. Calling attention to yourself can be a scary thing. So, to have that option would be helpful. I do believe we should all get involved and go to meetings. Stand together as a city….strength in numbers. It would make sense to have the police patrolling the city at all different hours. Maybe they do, but I don’t see it. I know I would feel better if I saw a stronger police presence.

Improved lighting is correlated with a definite decrease in crime during both night *and* day, someone mentioned bringing in LED lighting, too. I think that's a great idea, reduce energy bills for the city and help deter crime by improved lighting.

Also I wonder if it is beneficial to bring more daytime foot traffic to an area where there is higher night time crime. I'm not sure, but it's just a thought. If there are people coming to an area already, businesses will follow. If there's business, they have a vested interest in keeping the surrounding area nice, and they'll have security systems and cameras, etc.

Also, keeping areas clean and well maintained. Motivating citizens to get involved and having service days for local youth groups to keep vegetation looking good, clean up trash, maybe fix up fences/city buildings/etc that are looking less than excellent. If an area doesn't look neglected the subconscious assumption is that it isn't a place "safe" to commit crime.

I also don't know if there's a way to know, but if a property owner is elderly or disabled and can't upkeep as much as before, volunteer groups to help them keep their yards looking good, and areas around them free of trash, especially in areas of high crime. Again, to help reduce the cues that allow people to think an area is safe to commit crime in.

Bike patrols, silent, healthy, green and visible

So I guess the question is...is the mayor reading all of this and taking it in? I know he's no magician, but he seems quite motivated and earnest. Let's keep the positive momentum going, Mr. Mayor!

Eric, thanks for the tip about the MPD website. I might be scared, but I would never hesitate to call in what I see. I just know that there are probably plenty who are just afraid, not necessarily those thinking it doesn't concern them. Sorry to read about your break in. Back in 1995 when I lived on Mountain Ave. I came home around 6 in the evening after work to find a man in my apartment robbing me. He pulled a knife on me and ran. So, there you go...I just contradicted my own earlier ideas of being safe in my apartment...lol! All kidding aside, it is such an invasion! You mentioned security systems...would love to know what you went with, because I will definitely be getting one. Peace of mind helps. :)

I would love to see more police hired in Malden.
LED lighting was a great idea all around
Citizen patrols are done across the country and would be something to look into here.

Keep a close eye and have some sort of evaluations for new businesses to ensure the new business is in the best interest of Malden

incentives for owner occupied homes and landlords who keep up their properties.

We need more firetrucks! What about our fire station. I think if we added brand new fire trucks and increased the number of firemen then our bad guys would take notice. Lets add firemen and build them a new station.

I think the city should start a serious real CRIME WATCH, as in start it, run it, do background checks on the people that want to be part of it, basically, a reserve police force like the fire has a reserve, i havent lived in malden in some time, But i would surely volunteer, as Im sure alot of Malden Residents would, just my opinion.

I see lots of great ideas and suggestions here. One problem I've seen is the increase of absentee landlord properties who will rent to just about anyone because of the guarantee vouchers they are receiving. You can always tell the absentee landlord properties by seeing the neglect around them. They don't care about the neighborhood, just about getting their checks. The tennants aren't screened and they move in, next thing you know another few friends move in. Then the problems start to happen. I see this in my neighborhood and then their friends visit and raise hell in the area because they don't live there. How can we control this? I know malden property owners receve an abatement for property taxes. How about we increase the abatement for Malden residents who reside in their house and increase the tax on absentee landlords. Also how do we really know if these absentee landlords are claiming they live out of the city? Is there a cross reference with the DMV to confirm this?

I like the LED light idea. But while at a city council meeting, a National Grid rep said they have no set rate. They would need to work on a rate on the usage with national grid. But I like the idea and I know the Mayor wants them in the city.

I think when you have ward meetings, bring the police officers that patrol that ward. Let the people build a relationship with him/her.

Since car patrol rarely exist, I suppose foot patrol has past tense. Question. How many half way/rehab houses does Malden have and where are they located? Are they being monitored? Are they rehab or just housing? There is a connection.

1. Build a city-wide neighborhood watch program that uses multiple platforms (facebook, twitter, e-mail) to have thousands of connected eyes watching the streets. People are more likely to post pictures/tips on criminal activity through frequently-used smartphone and social media platforms than through an official police app that requires separate app boot-up. Support the neighborhood watch program during already scheduled safety meetings – MPD can give tips on what people should look out for and the social media linked watch program will keep 1,000s of eyes alert. Post tips from safety meetings on the platforms for those that cannot attend.
2. Michael G had a great idea with the “Problem Area Unit”. Have the unit focused on organically improving the neighborhood – connect neighbors (into the watch program!), have homeowners clean-up their front lawn/sidewalks, make sure all areas are properly lit.
3. Start a curfew for minors and parks at 11:00pm - ticket the offenders, even if minors. New York City did this and it, among other things, has helped turn the city into a safer place.

I've seen the curfew brought up a few times and I've said it before, but no one ever really answered me. The crimes we're witnessing appear to be committed by adults in our community. How is enforcing a curfew against teenagers going to reduce violent crime when all of the reported offenders right now are at or over the age of 18?

Tony, you have great ideas. I really hope city hall read this all. You all have great ideas. Chris you should print this and give it all to the mayor.

ALL nice warm and fuzzy idea's more cops. more camera's, lights etc, etc. Only Paul Surette and Broadway Jay hit the nail on the head. You can do all of the above and CATCH or deter for a while the scumbags responsible, only to have them BACK out doing the same crap over and over. The same people who have compassion for giving criminals breaks, sit and wonder why crime is so bad..
I agree with all the above idea's, but they are worthless if NOT backed by KEEPING scumbags off the streets.

Don't all of the parks already have curfews a/k/a hours of operation? Isn't that one of those SOP type deals?

Problem is - unless the city invests in some serious lighting infrastructure, there are plenty of places for sketchballs to hide out of view.

I would love to know who has the contract for tree planting in this city. Jeff Manship once said it cost $2000-$5000 per tree including planting. No one is in charge of maintaining those trees once they are planted, though. Who decided to plant them directly under power lines? Or within 20 feet of each other? Or in front of traffic signs? Or worst of all, blocking the street lights that are actually there and working. How many poles were replaced and the light fixture was not re-attached? Plenty. That's how our city saves a buck? How about stop planting trees and put that money towards hiring first responders? Just asking...

I'm reminded of an old adage where the townsfolk thought it easier to place an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff versus the cost of putting up a fence at the top. Prevention eventually overcomes reaction. The society we live in has all types and unfortunately breeds a lot of malcontents. Its startes in the high chair my friends. Parents involved and setting good example. But I have to admit it is easy to make good moral choices when you can. Sad to say many have fallen under the demon that drugs and alcohol abuse bring with it. - and the despair of looking for work. ..and not to mention the musical culture of hip hop - but now I sound like my parents when they cursed rock and roll.
Heads up - drop a dime - get involved.

Just curious , Phe....do you also suffer from 'selective reading skills'? Did you even comprehend ANYTHING that I wrote. When you get a chance, can you get your head out of the sand? It's impairing your vision :)

Let's all grab hands with Phe, and sing Kumbaya together!

Diana, what a model citizen YOU are. Most keyboard commandos like yourself are brave....behind a keyboard. I bet you don't really care about crime, unless it affected you personally, like say, the crime involved your cup of Venti Reserve blend from Starbucks!

Diana, yesterday regarding Rep Akins heinous comments you were a victims rights advocate. Today regarding the crime fighting topic you are suddenly a criminal rights advocate.
Essentially in this warped world of political spin the liberals would consider your views evolving as any conservative with germain intent would be immediately labeled a flip-flopper.

This is from an earlier post, not the above, Diana.

Diana, everyone that is born in this world has a RIGHT to a healthy, enjoyable and fun life. That is my belief. Unfortunately that is always not the case. Anyone inflicting misery or hindering that human right should be punished harshly.

You pounce on anyone with a conservative "point of view", in tandem with that bald dude!
Last night a female poster refered to you as a "lonely cat women", remember ?

Paul: Duh, how do you think we should PAY for additional police or programs without taxing the citizens more? Maybe looking into some of the wasteful spending this city loves so much? Are you on the city payroll or is it one of your family or friends? Why do all the department heads need an SUV??? Where did all the money go that was spent on soap and hand towels for the schools the kids don't seem to have? Why is someone from the Water Dept. picking up the recyclables after 4pm on Pleasant St. in a DPW truck? Don't you think the Mayor wants to tell us he's going to raise the cost of the bag to pay for our security? Hello? How long have you been around here? Puh-leeze! I am way more focused than you are any day, any year, my friend. Have you been attending the safety meetings since 2009? Council meetings? Knocking on doors? Collecting signatures? Talking to the citizens from all wards in the city?

Deleted a comment for some more token immigrant-bashing. Thanks for that, guy.

Diana, start keeping up with your community, rather than "Keeping up with the Kardashians"! Intellectual poverty is #sonottrending !! Goodnight!! @broadwayjay_d on Twitter folks

My belief that your posts are nothing more than "intellectual poverty" are by no means a character assault or insult, as you put it. Will you follow me on Twitter ?

Anyone have more ideas?

Comprehensive or cognitive ? I'm enamored by your intellect!

Diane, I was sad to learn of your intellectual poverty.Are you ok? I'm sure Obama has some sort of program to deal with that :)

I don't really get the point of blaming minorities... Malden is over 60% white and the last guy they just arrested for shooting someone was white. We need preventative programs that target everyone.

Jesus Meggle, I didn't say minorities were to blame for all of this. It seems you also suffer from selective reading skills. People earlier on this blog were discussing getting involved. MY point was that we shouldn't expect a lot of people to CARE enough about THEIR neighborhoods enough to get INVOLVED. And Malden is 60% white? I'm sorry, but I just don't think so. Maybe 20 years ago, I would agree with that, but not now!

Chris turn on the Ted Coates spot light. Hopefully wherever Ted is he will see the TC in the sky and get back here to Malden and clean this city of the crime we are facing here. Ted where are you??????

Chris, it seems you also suffer from selective reading skills. And if it's so 'offensive' as you put it, why are my comments still posted? Are you afraid the ones who do 'get it' are going label this site as Censorship Central?

I was convinced that my home was going to be robbed this Summer. I took precautions.
We booked a trip to Disney. The travel documents arrived in the mail. The travel documents had been opened with a letter opener or some other sharp instrument. None of the other mail in my mailbox had been tampered with. Disney wrote "Travel Documents" all over the outside of the envelope. They claimed they had never heard of the mail being tampered with when I called to complain.
I went ballistic and arranged for relatives and friends to stay at my home day and night. I even had some Malden neighbors do random drive-bys at night to check my house.
If the robbery and break in issue wasn't such a big deal in Malden, I wouldn't have had to go to such extreme's to protect my home.

Answer: Start at the top. Reduce the financial waste and theft at city hall; use savings to help "move" city hall; concentrate on public safety programs; enforce the laws; stop the bonding and pay off our debts; somehow do more to encourage patriotism. I may sound vague to some. But I believe others will get it. A stand has to be taken and this isn't going to get any clear resolution from the bottom up. Some manner of top down approach may work, in my opinion. Taking a stand is what we are all talking "around" in different ways and to different degrees. Malden is eroding as a coherent community and the effects are showing.

List of why Malden is circling the drain:
MBTA - Instead of bringing desirability to the city, like in European cities, just gave the lowest of the low an easy way to get here.
Half-Way Houses - should be under MBTA...gives the degenerates a way to get to their low wage jobs or methadone clinics and back. Also gives their friends from the shelters in Boston and various other half-way houses an easy way to get here and to do break ins.
Absentee Landords - As said in earlier posts, do not care what they do to a neighborhood, because they don't live in Malden. All they care about is their guaranteed rent from Section 8 or their illegal rooming houses.
Sex Offenders - Why do we have more than any other bordering city? Again, because of absentee landlords.
City of Malden and Combined Properties=Concrete Jungle-Have you seen the Yuppies the previous and current admin promised would live in Malden Gardens, 160 Pleasant, etc., because I have not.

Well, we have quite a conundrum here in Malden. We are a small urban city with big city issues. Unfortunately, complain as we may, the problems are not going to be curbed unless some real solutions are put into action.

The least expensive and most effective include
1. Cutting back trees so streets are brighter.
2. Encouraging all properties to be lit well at night. Break down the actual cost of keeping a light on at night for security. It's well worth it to most people and very inexpensive.
3. Community police in our middle schools during lunch periods to build a friendly and trusting relationship between police and our students.

The reality is we have a large transient population in Malden due to the large number of apartment complexes and absentee landlords.

Malden is not the same place it was 25 plus years ago.

Malden continues to be a community of immigrants which is truly a benefit in a global world. We welcome new immigrants and the majority of us are the descendants of immigrants. We have much to offer because we are a rich community.
Until we are also known as a "safe" community it makes it hard to move forward.

How about more plain clothes (undercover) officers? Do we still have a gang task force in Malden?

Yeah, the MBTA is killing Malden. Oak Grove is really a human cesspool.

*eyeroll*

People we will need ideas. Fighting will not help right now. Just because they caught this one kid does not mean it is all over. We need to keep coming up with ideas.

Hey Surette - post something bashing immigrants again and you'll be banned from the site. It's that simple!

More cops, better lights/camera, teenage curfew, neighborhood watch may be be the solution to to the symptoms but won't solve the disease itself which is a deeper social problem.

Why are these people committing crime in Malden? Were they taught to do it by they parents from an early age or is there something in the water in Malden that makes them to commit crime? I just don't think that is the case.
You walk by City Hall and you see these people loitering in both the front entrance and back entrance, you see the clothes they are wearing, the tattoos they have, the stench of cigarettes. I'm sure a lot of them are law abiding citizen and just like to 'hang' around.
You drive up to Walgreens on Center Street at night and people are panhandling. You go to stop and shop and I am no expert but they do appear to be drug addicts sitting in the corner, always. You walk by Salemwood or the neighborhood around salemwood the scene is the same. I guess the people at Club 24 doing, waiting for a second chance at life?
And all those eight people living in a one bedroom absentee landlord apartment are contributing so much to malden. Gimme a break,

Unless you saddle up and use common sense and judgement & shove the political correctness up where it belongs, I am afraid there is a long way to go. But then again Malden is most welcome to invite these degenerates and make it home of low rentals with open arms and hope to live happily ever after.

I think the top three ideas would be the 'shot spotter' (thanks Michael G) in key locations, maintenance/beautification, and LED lighting for street lights.

The shot spotter is simple enough, it detects gun shots and police are immediately notified and respond. Way quicker than not knowing until someone dials 911, and without all the privacy/big brother concerns of cameras.

Maintaining public areas can be huge. A study was once done in Lowell, I think it was, where simply picking up trash reduced crime by 25% or so! Has anyone seen some of the sidewalks? Overgrown with weeds between the curb and cement or between sections of sidewalk. On top of that, trash gets caught up in the weeds. Maybe scrub out graffiti (properly, not by painting over it). Trimming unruly vegetation counts, as well. I also wouldn't be surprised if reconstructing streets gave people more sense of city pride with their improved infrastructure, keeping them more vigilant and more respectful of the city. It may also encourage people to walk, putting more eyes out there.

Going along with that is LED lighting, which does wonders for brightening up dark streets and neighborhoods. Again, this will encourage more "good" people outside and discourage criminals. It's so simple and saves energy. Upfront cost may be steep, though.

Boston, I'm sorry I have to respond here...I do not have a reply function on the site from my phone.

By going to the houses of worship you have connection to the followers that really do not pay attention to politics or crime trends. Last year a church was seeing women's purses being stolen from the pews. It was new to them. Crime in the city is new to them. Education to those people could be beneficial to the police and bridge a gap.

Bringing in the leaders of the church is a bit different. Some people might go to a minister or priest with a complaint and not the police do to fear of retaliation. A leader can be the middle man and also express concerns of the church members.

As far as the Shot Spotter it is like the one in Boston. It is a wild idea I know at this time we cannot afford. We need to focus on realistic ideas on a city level with the budget we have. That was in a group of ideas I wish we had. Like a wish list. My thing is, yes we had a few shootings, but nothing we have to pay millions on like Boston. The residents can be a better service by being aware and vigilant while staying safe.

I guess what I'm getting at is everyone needs to be involved. The city can easily go from church to church like my group has done in the past and pass on even better info then what we did. Empower the people to speak up. And this element of people are afraid to do that at times.

I heard (somewhere) that trimming the grass on sidewalks, even though on city property, is the responsibility of the owner of the house -- but I don't think a lot of people know this -- the city should let people know and/or could impose fines if not done -- and although I don't have tattoos or smoke, those two things aren't going to be the criteria on how productive a person is to me or how much they care about the city. When you say "degenerate" the main thing that comes to mind for me is someone on drugs -- literally physically obviously on drugs, or high, or drunk. These people pose a threat to the community because they are not in their right minds and therefore pose a safety issue, they make poor judgments, and they bring in drug dealers, prostitution, etc. However, just being a rebellious teen, honestly, if you're not being loud and obnoxious, just go be a teen. A lot of the crime is 20 and 30 somethings and a lot is drug related. I do agree with policing the train stations more, if you make it uncomfortable for them to be there, they will leave -- also post "no loitering" signs and actually enforce them. Also, the parks should close at dusk not 10:00 pm like I think some parks are posted.

As for the beautification / improvement plans being suggested, how about a "Malden Shines" community clean-up day? Boston does this, and it involves all sectors of the community, from youth on up. In some parts of Boston, the young people actually built raised beds and planted flowers around the street trees. It looks great!

Pablo: I tried to encapsulate the overall theme of everything that everyone was tossing out for ideas and toss up broad ideas, that would hopefully achieve everything being discussed. There isn't always a direct cause and effect to these ideas. Some need a theme to hopefully pull people in, like maybe patriotism(City, state, country, whatever). You can't pull the city together with appeals to religion.
Look at all the posts above. They mainly boil down to ideas about what the mayor and city councilors can "do" to improve services, safety and encourage the citizens to maintain a cleaner city. For example, I get out with a trimmer occasionally and scour the weeds off of the sidewalk in front my home. Many in town don't. I'd get doors slammed in my face if I went around town and asked/demanded people clean around their home. But that is something City Officials can ask residents to do with impunity. Let me know if I've missed the mark.

I do not mind the idea if more cameras. After going to many meetings and seeing they black out houses makes me feel comfortable.

I think they can help in many ways.

Joe: If only it were that easy...I think what you are suggesting would require the hiring of more "compliance officers" which we sure don't need.

In 2009 I had a meeting with former Mayor Howard (at his request) after the very well attended safety meeting at the Salemwood (after a shooting!) and we discussed the overgrown weed issue in the city. One of the most disturbing (to me) locations was the plaza in front of the PD. It certainly did not give the appearance to anyone we gave a crap about anything here if the PD was that much of a mess with knee high weeds! He said-get ready for this-the city did not have a licensed person to defoliate weeds! Really? Is there a landscaping company out there who can't spray stuff down to get rid of weeds? We have a roughly $160mil budget and no one can spray some Round Up?? Yes, I realize the environmental concerns but do not even try to get me to believe we are helpless against weeds as well as the criminal element here in this city! How about taking a number of the 350 kids we hire for the summer and send them out with to clean the weeds then send another team to spray to stop further growth? Those people who take care of their properties would enable these crews to do the job much quicker-thank you very much!

One thing my kids got out of the charter school was their sense of giving back because they were required to do community service. Why can't we require the other schools to do the same? Just saying...

My wish isn't for compliance officers and I'm sorry if anyone got that impression. My "wish" is that more of us were inspired to clean in front of their homes and businesses. I'm also imagining that our city councilors and mayor would directly appeal to the city residents and "ask" us to help clean up the city. They have the pulpit and the media exposure to start getting a message out there. And keep repeating the message in different ways. We need a theme. We need leadership.

Dear Mr. Caesar, ever hear of the First Amendment? It's NOT a list of 'suggestions'. Whether or not you like what I say, doesn't give you carte blanche to censor what I say. Last I checked, AOL owns Patch.com, not you! When I moderated blogs, whether or not I liked or agreed with what bloggers said, I didn't edit them, or censor them, ever! I always tell people, if you don't like the answers, don't ask the questions! If you insist on continuously censoring or deleting my comments because YOU don't agree, I may have to make it my mission to take YOUR place as moderator on this site. If you forgot what the First Amendment says, here's a refresher for you: The First Amendment allows an individual to express themselves through publication and dissemination. It is part of the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. It does not afford members of the media any special rights or privileges not afforded to citizens in general. Obviously, Mr. Caesar, the concept of blogging has been lost on you! Be Smarter in your editing ways!

Paul: We don't need jerks like yourself who in your "freedom of speech" can pop off and personally insult those of us who post in a respectful manner. I don't need a mooseknuckle like yourself to tell me to "focus". And I don't appreciate blaming those hard working immigrants who are just trying to make a better life for their families. Maybe they are ignorant of the ways of this country but you may need to remember those of your own family who made their way here and were disrespected before they acclimated.

You never answered my question about what job you or your family or friends have in the city? I can just see you on a stool at one of the social clubs in the city flapping your jaw with your fellow townies blaming all the newcomers for the problems here instead of jumping in and doing something about it.

Oh, and BTW, if you don't like the rules of commenting here you are free to go elsewhere and spew your close minded views. I don't always agree with Chris but I admire his attempts at keeping the haters on a short leash. Maybe Kinnon has a muzzle for you??

You agree to terms and conditions when you comment. Patch can remove any comment it wants, tough guy. Deal with it

I think part of the problem going on is that there is a small presence, and the presence that's there is largely ignored by most of the city. Think about the demographics of the city and think about the voting results from previous elections. Malden is suffering from low community turnout at just about anything and everything.

We're down to one city-wide little league from what used to be four with eight teams apiece. The kids aren't being put into community activities, and the parents don't care anymore. They don't vote, they don't ask questions, and the teachers are hard pressed to even get them in for parent-teacher conferences. On top of it all, the adults are committing violence. How can we expect kids to act any differently when nothing is being done about the adults?

Is there anything we even can do about the adults? When there's violence in the streets, is there anything we can do to get these people to listen when they dont' want to be lectured. They just want to live their lives and do everything the way they want to in a state of lawlessness. There is no sense of community, and I'm not sure that there's a way to foster that.

You can sit back and say, 'Well let's have programs,' and 'Let's have events to bring people in." But people aren't attending them now. That's almost all the problem. There's no sense of community in this city like there was 20 years ago.

Annie, you,like some of the others, also suffer from selective reading skills. If you had bothered to read the whole post, and not bits of it, you would have understood that I didn't blame the minorities solely for the crime problem. People like you are also to blame for getting angry, yet doing nothing! That's the prototypical model of the liberal-left! Unlike YOU, Annie, whether or not I like what you say, I support YOUR RIGHT to say it. Amazing how the liberal-left like you, have to resort to name-calling when someone doesn't agree with you. As far as my job information, and status in the city, I'll tell you when you tell me your credit card number. Translation: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

To Dan, you're absolutely right...it is wily-nily....my friends and I call it 'hypocrisy'

Thank you Diane, for making my point, aka the name-calling :) Anyway, when everyone is done with the name calling, and the secret handshakes in this 'club' , let me know, ok? My bet is Mr. Caesar won't remove the name-calling remarks in here, just a hunch :) And from this point forward, Diane dear, you will get no more attention from me! :)

Annie has made attempts to fix things in this city and so have I. We don't always agree, but unlike many, we got off our rear ends and tried something. I've had many doors slammed in my face from residents not interested in change or doing anything. I've had many residents smile at me and thank me for trying to do "something". It never seems to be enough, when the overwhelming attitude is apathy of some sort.
Annie gets angry a lot. Get used to it. But at least she actually stands up and does something.
This isn't a left-right/Democrat-Republican issue. It's a people being assaulted, robbed and dying issue. If we can't work together, we're sunk.

Ive allways liked Annie O's Posts have been reading them for a long time. She's not afraid to tell the truth and like it is.

If I walk out my front door Im in seven different countries on my own street. I love all my neighbors no matter what nationallity they are. They say hello,smile, and wave. I have to admitt that they bring their old style traditions with them but the same as they used to be here. We all came from imigrants somewhere. Im not a liberal or conservative. Some people think they just dropped out of the sky last night. Theve been here in Malden for years. They are all hard workers doing the jobs WE spoiled Americans wont do.

Removing trees from the city/neighborhood streets is a bad idea in my opinion. Doing that will make things worse. We need to keep the trees we have and try to make things better.
I disagree with the statement that Americans are too spoiled to do jobs. Americans are mostly immigrants and their descendants, who always do anything. The "Americans are too spoiled" mantra is misleading in my opinion. When push comes to shove, Americans will roll up their sleeves and get dirty to get the job done, just ask your local cops, firefighters, soldiers, sewer pipe layers, etc. They and others will tell you.
I'm trying real hard to put a positive spin and not talk down Malden or America. But it's tough with the things going on around us and still be realistic.

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okay while everyone has their own opinions it is important to note things like five police officers at dunkins at once thats B.S. and yes these guys deserve a break and a snack or coffee but at the same time? I see it everyday and I know them all by name..my old neighborhood is changing so fast because everyone wants out they are selling their houses getting half what they are worth and selling them to whoever....the houses have al been broken into the cars have all been broken into it is pathetic.....junkies and pill heads are living in the halfway houses and casing these neighborhoods all around Malden station......public safety is at its worst police presence is a joke they get you for traffic violations yet I was at a red light watching four adults three male one female pass a cd cover around a car doing lines of drugs at the red light next to the police station....they saw me staring and ask me what the f am i looking at that theyd stab me! awesome too bad I laughed at them cause I am prepared for that....people need to stand up and take your streets back

You had the chance to take the street back and missed it. What happened?

to David: You should like your neighbors, after all, you live next door to them. BACK TO THE CRIME ISSUE (as some of you got lost in the name-calling) Someone sees a crime being committed, and reports it to the police. More than likely, the officers on the scene have seen that same perpetrator time and time again. Imagine their joy when they know they have to go BACK to court repeatedly to tesitfy to what they saw. Then, let's say, the citizen who reported the crime wastes time in court to give testimony as to what they saw, and the judge says "released on your own recognizance. Pre-trial in 60 days!" This happens EVERY day in court. This was my original point, but it seems like only The Old Malden Is Gone was smart enough to see my point. The Malden Police, just like the surrounding towns, are overwhelmed and underfunded, and the municipal judges DON'T make the police's job any easier. All too often, posers cry for more jails to be built, yet they don't want it in their back yard. It wouldn't look good with my Rhododendrons. Until we start electing judges, or giving them term limits, they same criminal offenders will continuously be turned back on the streets, to being a repeat offender. Get involved? Absolutely! Give the police more information? Absolutely. Just don't expect the judges to help you out. Does that sound cynical? Maybe....but no one has been able to prove me wrong!

In Saugus and Lynn every night they do a check on all the parks a couple times. They have something like a checklist. I do not think anyone should be in a park after 10pm unless you have an event. Some might get mad at this idea, but you do have kids hanging out late that might be up to no good, or good kids hanging out that might become a target by those looking to start trouble.

Another idea I have, and I know this might cost money...police call boxes. You see them at campuses and areas around them. Those phones with a blue light. Set them up with a camera nearby on streets like Salem or in Newland. It might encourage people to call if they see something and more important it is ready for an emergency.

Paul: Clearly you know nothing about me and what I'm all about similar to your not having a grasp on the issues you rant about. If I am to understand your answer to me regarding your close connection to the city, you must be closer than I thought to have the response you did. Sometimes it's what people don't or won't say. You spoke volumes and convince me I am right about you and who you are.

I understand your frustration with the Court system and somewhat agree. It is time to change the system as it is broken. I am not in agreement to build more prisons as I sometimes think it makes a petty criminal into a hardened criminal. Those with drug problems should be treated and a monumental effort needs to prevent the younger kids from getting themselves into drugs. Rep. Donato was involved in a new bill that puts those kids who have CHINS orders into a multilevel services approach vs. the Court system. If kids get comfortable in a court setting from an early age, it doesn't make them respectful or fearful of it which is kinda the way it should be--you don't want to have to go before a judge as a result of your actions. The aim is to get at the root of the problem at the earlier ages to hopefully fix a small problem before it gets to be a big problem.

I don't care if you agree with me or not. What I do care about is respect being given to me. So, if you don't show respect, you certainly don't deserve it in return.

Well this post isn't goin anywhere nothin but another P & Bash. We should all keep the posts shorter when they are long with links no one really reads all of what you said. Gets Old and Boring. Keep it simple this is a blog site not a mashing of brains.

Residency for all city employees. If this city is good enough to draw a nice paycheck and benefits from, It should be good enough to live in. Having "skin in the game" makes you care about it a little more.

Most of the Police dont live in the city. Years ago that was the rule if you were to be an officer in a certain city. Same with the fire department. But listening to the scanner they are doin one hell of a job straight out.

Congrats to Annie...she is now a self-proclaimed expert on me. How exciting for you. You know NOTHING of me, and that's the laugher. You are truly ridiculous. In Malden, I've had 4 cars stolen, a picture window smashed, one bike stolen, my pool vandalized, and two tires slashed....yeah, good times in Malden. An overwhelming majority of these punks do these things, WITHOUT regard for others, and yet, you want to go get them a coffee and talk it out? Are you high? I cannot in good conscience respond to your ridiculous and out-of-touch remarks. This is my last response to you. Have a good evening!

Paul: Hopefully you will stop responding to all of us. First Diana and now me. What's the matter? Can't debate with an intelligent woman so you have to take your ball and go home? See ya...LOL Hmmm....it doesn't sound random when you put out what has happened to you. Maybe it could be people don't like you and are doing this on purpose. I may not know you personally but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to pick out the know-it-all inflated egotistical blow hards.

At no time did I suggest hugging it out with these young kids. Do you have a clue what some of these kids have to deal with? Those 30somethings who are the druggies and boozebags have kids. Got a clue what their life is like? Maybe they need to see there is a different path out there and would never see it unless there was some kind of intervention.

I consider myself blessed my life is as good as it is and have never had a problem sharing my life with the friends of my kids who I know have little or no direction. My motto is: "Saving the world one boy at a time" and have walked the walk when it comes to that. How about you?

Here's a perfect example, full metal jacket with the tough guy user name sees a major crime occurring and chooses not to act, rather complain and complain. This is the problem exactly. People complain but don't want to get involved. Nice job taking your streets back.

Mr Dave Mokal, not to contradict but where you refering to Columbia Point rather than City Point? Because City Point is nothing more than an MBTA bus terminating yard which is adjacent to the Connolly Freight Terminal just shy of Castle Island.
At one point in time Columbia Point was as dangerous as it gets, only one way in/out!

I also feel the city needs to "Target Harden" areas. If a police offer in his car cannot see an area because of high brush or weeds, that area should be taken care of ASAP. I am not talking about hedges around houses, that is another topic, but parks and other known spots people hang out in. This provides hiding spots. I would not want to be a cop pushing through brush to find a punk with a weapon of any kind.

Also, we talk about citizen patrols. I think the councillors should start them, not the police. Walk around with all the residents and take notes of all safety concerns. Take note, prioritize them and go to work. Go to the areas you get the most complaints. And do not take just your friends, get input from everyone. It builds community pride and sends out a message. Do it at all hours. I am sure a police officer will come along. Everett still does this. We should also.

Michael G: good luck trying to get city councilors to start citizens' patrols. Ward 7 councilor Neal Anderson is not particularly responsive to constituents' concerns. I've contacted him a number of times in the past: I heard back from him the first couple of times, but he hasn't responded to me since, so what does that tell you?

David: I just don't believe that about Americans not "willing" to do the work. In a lot of instances, we've been priced out of the market on civil and private contracts. I recall either last year or the year before that a contract was awarded to build a Martin Luther King statue in Washington DC. Local labor unions protested the contract being awarded to an overseas Asian company. A U.S. investigative reporter found out that the workers were imported for that one project and were not getting paid "at all". They were given bowls of rice/noodles, an Xbox and mats to sleep on. U.S. contractors couldn't compete against free labor.
When that persists over a period of years/decades, an attitude is going to grow that Americans won't do the work, because that's what we are growing up seeing. In places where a vacuum exists, either businesses go out of business or they start finding ways to hire Americans. Plenty of Americans are sitting on the sidelines, who will do those undesirable jobs, if given a fair chance and a swift kick.
If the attitude continues to grow that we can't stop the crime or fix this town, it will get harder and harder to fix in the long run.
I have to keep trying to think positive if we're to believe this can be fixed. But I try to be realistic at the same time.

First of all Can't is not in the dictionary. Anything can be fixed as long as you get the co-operation. Because of the fear of retaliation people are afraid. They report something or be a witness to the crime the perpetrator is out in the street. Such as a case in my street that a couple of we neighbors reported a drug house on the street. We told a Detective J who later was arrested himself in 2001 for 30,000 deal in drugs the BST'd told on who told him. This ended with me with a dead dog that was poisened and vandalism to my neighbors cars. Ive heard of No Snitch But this was No Snitch in reverse. So who do you trust? Ive lost interest but still will report but not to MPD unless its happening now.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%27t
Merriam Webster has it. Don't know why you can't find it. :-)
I'm in Sponge Bob mode. I trust my neighbors until they prove otherwise. I trust MPD until they slap on the handcuffs. Our whole society and banking systems are built on trust. I trust that you wouldn't shove me overboard into shark infested waters. I trust until the first bullet goes whizzing by my head, then all bets are off.

To Phe: I was well aware of this 'private' website on day one. Obviously, you, like some of the others, can not read what 's in front of you, or read between the lines. I made a comment on here (THAT'S WHAT YOU DO ON A BLOG). Just because someone doesn't like what I said, doesn't give them (Chris Caesar) the right to deliberately expunge it. Everyone has opinions, and is entitled to make them. You clearly didn't get the spirit of the statement of what I wrote. Next time, I will right it on the chalk board in bigger letters so that you may understand it. So if Mr. Caesar is just going to delete things HE doesn't like, then maybe we should just call it chriscaesarspatch.com. If you invite people to comment on a blog, at least respect the opinions of the ones you invite. Having said this, if you choose to partake in the name-calling with the likes of Danny Boy and AnnieOMalden, whose only way of articulating their point is with name-calling, then you'll be treated like a petulant child.

And to Danny Boy: "Maybe some folks will start to like you better"? Really? I hate to be the one to tell you, but I don't come here for the popularity contest, and I certainly don't need vindication from you. I say what I want, when I see fit, and not looking for anyone's approval for it :)

Sez the biggest baby on the board! LOL

In regards to the Gang Task force there was supposed to be a couple of years ago but they were imaginary like imaginary ary freinds. They were concerned about the M13 Gang here in Malden. Then again Def Ears and wearing Blinders they latter said there weren't any..HEE...Anyway if there was they never bothered anyone here that I know of. Theres nothing more Dangerous than a paronoid..Skitzo..Junkie.

GEEESH Time to stop bellyachin good greif just put up the dam camera's. Too many Professor McNutly's here. GEESH Over n over n over...spell check..bashing...same ol chit..Hey julius Ceaser put up another topic will ya. Love ya neighbor...Hate your neighbor..screw your neighbor...Cut down the trees ..NO! plant the trees...haaaaaaa! Kill the weeds...No P on the weeds...Good greif ! Cut down you beautiful shrubs so now you can see the bad guy...Just put the dam cams up and that will be half the problem and dont let anyone know where there at.

Yup people do not trust and they are scared. Cams are the way to go. At least start there. But they should be hidden out of site out of mind. You do not want the m to know where they are.

When I see someone even suggesting curfews on the kids who are the victims her it just P's me off. Back in 1964 there was a stabbing at the railroad tracks in back of the Malden High School. It was during the weekly Saturday nite Dances where all the kids would go to have fun. Just because of that one incident that had nothing to do with the Malden High Dance the great Cahoona's in City hall closed the dances down. Who suffered we kids at the time. We were all inocent teenagers then the YMCA dances ended and the Cheverus school Dances ended. Again the innocents have to suffer for one bad dude. Thats why I commend Mr Mayor for the youth center. The kids have nothing to look foward too. "An Idle Mind Is The Devil's Workshop" so stick the curfew where the sun dont shine its not the youths here in Malden.

How about this; have a weekly teen night at a local school in the gym. Charge a couple of bucks each kid to offset a union janitor etc. Have music. let them run around or shoot hoops while the school cops are there mingling with the kids. Sell pizza, raffle off a small prize each week, maybe innovative prizes to meet the mayor one week or be the fire/police Chief for the day etc.

They have free teen nights for all students.

I know I have made some crazy posts in the past. But this is getting nuts. From racial rants, to freedom of speech rights now taking peoples jobs. If everyone put that passion into coming up with ideas, we would have no crime in this city at all!

Let's focus on the topic. I'm learning how to do that myself.

Yeah, let's focus on the teen centers....day care for teenagers...please! "If we give the teenagers something to do, they won't commit crimes" Talk about pandering. When I was a teenager, if my friends and I were bored, we didn't say "let's go rob a store, or vandalize something". We FOUND something constructive to do. And when did teen centers become wards of teenagers? Where are the parents? When I grew up, we didn't have these teen centers. If you want to affect change in the criminal sector in Malden, make yourself noticed in the neighborhoods, like the other BLOGGERS. If all you get is a dial tone from your local ward counselor, then give him a reason to warm up his resume come the next election. Your police will be more effective if they know you back them, and give them useful information. If you choose to do none of these things, then it's all on YOU! Now, can we move onto another subject, like coffee houses and wi-fi please?

To J. Longbow: I submit to you....it's the judges that DON'T work with the police, aka, letting the repeat offenders back out on the streets. Ask ANY cop in Malden what his biggest frustration is, and he or she will tell you that going to court is a complete waste of time, when judges have sympathy for these dopes.Start there!

I think teen center are great for teens, especially high risk teens. In your day things might have been different (smacking a wheel with a stick, or roller skate scooters), but in this day and age I would rather have kids in a place learning, playing, doing activities then on the street. It keeps the mind growing. Have you seen the Teen Center videos? Some of the kids are from broken homes and go to the center to interact with positive people.

I agree the legal system fails the community a lot. At times I hear the same three people in Malden committing crimes. That is frustrating to me, I can just imagine the police. But until the state wakes up, I'm not sure if anything can be done on a city level.

I like the idea of coffee houses with WiFi. Sprint is updating the towers and I have no connection most if the time. When that happens it makes me want to commit a crime I get so angry. But if we had a WiFi coffee house I would have a connection and also have a rush from all the coffee. That's a "Hat Trick" in my book.

To Meggle, regarding my 'identity', I don't know what it is you think you know, but I have it on good authority that you're wrong. And I post my name, because I don't hide from anyone, And for that fact, when did my name or identity become equated with the original topic, which was 'what is Malden doing about the present crime"? Let's stay focused, ok?

http://malden.advocatenews.net/getting-to-know-you-mhs-teen-night-a-success/

Sorry Chris, its from another paper. But a great example of how the teen center works. It's a slap shot to Victory.

Paul, I for one respect where you are coming from. Malden will never be the same.

What city will ever be the same...as what? 40 years ago? We all evolve as time goes on. Society does also. But if people just throw their hat on the ice and give up, what hope is left? By just sitting back and watching bad things happen is the same reason we are in the mess we are in now. We can all do more! The people giving up now should not complain in five years when their property value goes down because you allowed crime to over run your neighbourhood. "Spot it, Call it." No matter how little you should call.

I watched the Malden Zone the other night and was shocked to hear one guest say he sees drug deals all the time walking home. Are calls being made to the MPD when this is seen?

If you keep the heat on, they will move on.

Meggie this is not school time..you are no one to judge by the way they present themselves. Your links and stats are getting sickening. Its like your mourth is moving and your saying nothing. For all I know your probably sitting on a rental computer on a section 8 free housing. Stop being the "Word Nerd" will ya. Stay to the point stats no mean a thing.

Welcome to my world, folks.....someone who 'runs' this site, didn't like what I said, so HE removed it. Wouldn't life be grand if we all could just remove what was said in our lives? I belong to numerous sites, but I have to tell you, I haven't experienced a bias against conservative views like this site. The Annie O's and Diana's of the world are a classic example of liberalism at it worst! He we are trying to discuss how to deal with a crime issue that has potential to elevate to scary, and all these folks can do is resort to name calling when your views don't agree with theirs. This was my original point about how people who don't invest or acclimate in a community, won't help solve a problem in their newfound backyard, yet Mr. Editor and friends weren't smart enough to understand the point!

No one really liked what you said.

Just fact lady

Diana: He won't talk TO us but continues to talk ABOUT us...I guess he can't get us out of his calcified mind. I didn't know I was a liberal. He says that like it's a bad thing. I consider myself modern and forward thinking as well as passionate and compassionate. If that's Liberal, I can live with that! I'll bet he's enjoying many of those "liberal" programs we are in danger of losing with the conservatives ready to swoop in and cut Nana and Papa's long worked for retirement benefits. FTR: I am listed as an Independant or Unenrolled.

Sorry to go on so long sometimes, David, but that passion and compassion keeps coming out my fingertips onto the keyboard! LOL

"He's no racist," but believes 90% of government welfare goes to minorities. Congratulations, your comment has also violated our terms of service.

Chris
40% of population is non-white. out of that 40%, i estimated 90% were recieving some form of entitlement. food stamps, welfare, phone, ssi, heat assistence, housing. you liberals like to twist the facts.

Paul, I guess i will be trolling with you.lol

Racism is a violation of Free Republics rules along with obscenities and personal attacks. All of which are the hallmark of Democratic Underground.

Paul Surette, fred: I don't need to be "educated" by your warped views regarding minorities. May I suggest the The Herald and Boston Globe's websites would be more accomodating venues to spew your opinions, and leave the Patch to the rest of us.

So what do you all think about signs at all the borders of the city warning people that we have cameras and watch for crime? Might cost $2000 max.

What the duck is wrong with people! Is this going to help reduce crime? Crime doesn't care what race you are or what party you are in. Paul and Fred are you happy that you high jacked a thread where people from both sides were coming together and giving ideas to keep your ass safe? This is just unreal.

This was supposed to be about how to solve our crime problem. The back and forth fighting takes away any credibility posting here has.To cut crime Malden needs more police officers. It needs an involved community which reports problems to the police and holds the courts accountable when the police arrest the people ruining our community.It needs property owners to take care of their property and not allow tenants to turn a neighborhood into their own personal playground. There is no reason for those of us who worked very hard to buy our homes to have to tolerate what has happened to Malden. I for one am tired of looking to blame anyone for the problem. The problem is here and now we have to deal with it. Please hire the appropriate number of police officers for a city not only this size but population density.Speak with the police officers you might come into contact with and tell them your concerns. They can't fix something they don't know is broken.

Nice Mike :)

Meggie your stats dont mean anything and you have done more than your share of insults. Every topic you come across no mater who or what it is. Goes on and on. Like Mike says get to the point what the city needs. Hey I got a good one for ya! Look up the Lynn Fells Daycare and see how witnesses where cohersed because the detectives had something on each and every one. An open Daycare you could walk in anytime...kids brought in filthy by their low life moms. Check that one out you'll be amazed. Dirty Deeds done Dirt Cheap. Been here 66 years and forgotten what you will ever know. Look up stats on Murders in Malden there's another all free.