3rd Division crime trends: Things are getting out of hand here

Ok, here are the most recent Crime Trends for the LMPD 3rd Division. Specific trends to be aware of are as follows:

- There were several thefts from autos and a home burglary reported along the Lower Hunters Trace corridor. ALL of these were the result of vehicles or homes being left unlocked and unattended. ALWAYS LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS WHILE AWAY.

- A silver Mazda 6 with KY license plate 672FET was reported stolen from a parking lot. Vehicle was left running, unlocked, with the keys inside. If you have any information for the police in reference to this crime, please call.

- The Smoke Shop on Terry Rd. was burglarized. Police are looking for a white male in his 20’s with a thin “chin strap” beard.

- There were 3 separate reports of car break-ins at Meadows South Nursing Home. In all thefts, the windows of the vehicles were broken out and valuables taken. Remember to hide all valuables or take them with you.

- Another theft report was taken by police where a man, dressed as a Louisville Water Co. employee, was let in to a home by the homeowner and proceeded to steal from them. If you have any information about this crime please call police.

- There were 2 reports of air conditioning units stolen from Hampton Place Ct. There were also 2 reports of MSD sewer grates taken from the area of Glimmer Way. Any info you may have, please don’t hesitate to call police.

- Again, there was a report of a home burglary and a theft from auto. Both the home and vehicle were UNLOCKED.

- A white male suspect was seen fleeing from a car break-in. The suspect vehicle police are looking for is a small tan or gold vehicle.

- There was a report of a home burglary off of Valley College Dr. The home was entered by force and many specific valuables were taken. Make sure to keep a good eye on any property where the occupants may be gone during normal, daytime working hours.

- Police are looking for a dark colored Chevy 4D occupied by a black male. The vehicle and suspect are wanted in reference to a home burglary.

- A Chevy pickup truck was observed taking wooden pallets from the 10000 block of Dixie Hwy. The license plate number of the wanted vehicle is KY tag 696LLV.

- A trailer was reported stolen with a 1999 Ford Ranger topper mounted to it. The suspect vehicle is reported as being a red or maroon older model Ford truck.

-2 separate thefts from autos were reported in Autumn Lake trailer park. In both thefts, force was used to enter the vehicles and take valuables. Remember to hide or remove all valuables from your car anytime you are away.

Authorites appreciate any help from the community to solve crime. Please talk to all of your friends, family members, social and professional organizations and make them aware of this new service the Louisville Metro Police Department is offering. The more the information gets out to the commmuntiy the better our chances of keeping Louisville safe.

SW news updates: Mobile dental unit & shopping locally

This is NOT what you want.

- Mobile Dental Unit: The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness Mobile Dental Unit is now accepting new patients! The Mobile Dental Unit will be available for appointments at the Southwest Government Center (7219 Dixie Highway) on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8:00am and 4:30pm. Emergency dental services for adults are provided. Patients pay $10 at the time of service and the remaining balance is based on a sliding income scale. Call (502) 574-6688 to schedule an appointment.

- Buy Local 

• Fairdale Florist: 30% off Christmas Décor and great stocking stuffers! Located at 10700 West Manslick Road.

• LeLe’s Boutique: Christmas Specials Galore! Located at 10624 West Manslick Road.

• Koch & Company Christmas Open House: December 10th from 5-10pm! Fine art, painted furniture, floral jewelry, pottery, wood, antiques, gifts, glass, Christmas items, and much more! Located at 10978 Dixie Highway (Gene Snyder and Dixie Highway Valley Station Shopping Center). Call 502-618-4069 for information.

Independent local businesses employ an array of supporting services, circulating money in and strengthening the local economy. Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a chain, $15 remains in the community while $45 remains when spent with home town businesses.

Valley Station pimped by dollar stores- residents flee

The latest edition of Councilman Bob Henderson's email newsletter arrived a few days ago and attached was an interesting story about economic development in the 14th District:

There will be an informational meeting on December 14th at 1pm concerning the property at 13313 Dixie Hwy (north east corner of Dixie and Pendleton Road) for a possible Family Dollar Store at that site. The meeting will be held at 514 West Liberty Street in downtown Louisville.

Case #16208

Let's talk about it.

What do you think about this development? Is it the right thing for SW Louisville? Is it the best we can get? Do you think it is a good thing? Is any business a good business? Is our area over-served by dollar stores?

The facts are clear. The area is already saturated with dollar stores, from the Dollar Tree to Dollar General and now Family Dollar.

But what I want to know is what YOU think of this new situation.

Blast away.....

Welch and Fairdale Community Club bring "Santa Land" to District 13

A holiday favorite returns to the Fairdale Playtorium on Thursday, December 15th when Santa Land brings fun for children in District 13 thanks to Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and the Fairdale Community Club.

“I am happy to support this wonderful Christmas time event once again,” says Welch. “This will be my 6th season to participate and I would like to thank the local business community for their support.”

The Fairdale Playtorium will be magically transformed into Santa Land on December 15th. The event will get underway from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The Playtorium is located at 10616 West Manslick Road.

The Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole will be on hand to talk to kids and entertainment will be provided by the Step N Out Dance Studio.

“A special appreciation goes to the wonderful work that the Fairdale Community Club provides our children and seniors throughout the year,” says Welch. “It is hard to imagine where our community would be without dedicated people who just want to make the holidays a little brighter for those who need some help.”

Welch provides funding for the event and partners with the Fairdale Community Club. The Community Club connects with many local businesses and area merchants to provide gifts to area children.

The event is free and open to children and their parents or guardians.

For more information about Santa Land, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.

VITA gearing up for 2012, seeking volunteers

It’s a program which has returned millions of tax dollars to low income families in Metro Louisville and organizers are getting ready for another year of assistance.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is asking for volunteers with a kick off set for Saturday, December 3rd at the Sun Valley Community Center.

“VITA is a wonderful program and the people who have helped us in the past will tell you, there is satisfaction when you take the time to help those who could use any extra financial help in this economy,” says Councilman Bob Henderson (D-14).

The VITA program is available to households that make at or less than $50,000 a year. Volunteers will prepare 2011 tax returns at no charge.

The kick off will help coordinate volunteers with training programs to help low income families file their income tax returns for the coming year. The program needs greeters, interviewers and tax preparers for 2012. Training will take place at the Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane.

Here are the training times at Sun Valley:

- Thursday, December 8th 9:00am to 5:00pm Part 1&2

- Friday, December 9th 9:00am to 1:00pm Part 1

- Thursday, December 15th 5:00pm to 9:00pm Part 2

- Saturday, December 17th 10:00am to 2:00pm testing

- Thursday, January 11th 9:00am to 1:00pm (if needed)

The kick off will provide lunch for those who come out to volunteer. Chili, Chicken Dumpling Soup, Dessert and drinks are on the menu.

“I have met many wonderful people over the years we have supported this program, “says Henderson. “I can tell you, when you take the time to help someone who needs the help it will not only enhance your holiday season but you will feel good the whole year.”

The Kick off will get underway from 10:30am to 12:30pm

For more information about the 2012 VITA Volunteers program, contact Councilman Henderson’s office at 574-1114

UPDATE: District 12 Police Chief meeting also for Districts 13, 14 and 25

Editor's Note: This is an updated version of Monday's news about the District 12 "Coffee with your Councilman" meeting this Saturday. In addition to District 12, representatives from council Districts 13, 14 and 25 will also be present. Please come out and share your thoughts on the next police chief.

District 12 Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 14 Councilman Bob Henderson, District 25 Councilman David Yates and District 13 Councilwoman Vicki Welch will be holding a “Coffee With Your Councilperson” on Saturday, December 3rd at 10:00am at the Southwest Government Center (7219 Dixie Highway).

Residents are invited to voice their thoughts on the police department and input from citizens will be used to formulate specific questions for the candidates applying for LMPD’s Chief of Police position. If you cannot attend but would like to add your input, please visit this site and complete the survey.