Under Siege!

Some two weeks ago, 10 year old Adam, who lives a few doors away, asked Uncle Raymond what happened to our neighbourhood watch. Sadly, I didn't have any answer for him as he went on to tell me how his friends were accosted and robbed in the playground nearby. This happened in broad daylight.

I could only shake my head in embarrassment. Embarrassed not because of what happened to his friends. But to know that even 10 year olds are no longer safe in our own neighbourhood is shocking, to say the least!

I was embarrassed because I am still in the committee of the administration that is responsible for dump we are in now. Meetings are no longer held. In fact, I cannot remember when the last one was held. It is as though USJ 18 Neighbourhood Watch has lesap-ed from existence!

To all concerned residents who have been calling me, I really do not have any answer for you. I would strongly suggest that all communications be made directly to the Chairman himself.

In the meantime, please learn to be street smart because this neighbourhood is getting scarier by the day, if the recent cases below are of any indications.

• Just a few hours ago, at about 11pm, a resident of USJ 18/2A was robbed of his Toyota Altis right outside his house by two robbers (believed to be Malays). The robbers arrived in a silver or bright coloured Camry bearing registration plate number W-- 6638.
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• On 26 May 2006, at about 9.30pm, a resident of USJ 18/2A was also robbed of his Toyota Altis by two robbers who came in a Mercedes Kompressor! The resident lost his wallet as well.
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• On 29 May 2006, a house in USJ 18/2B was broken into. Strangely and fortunately, nothing was reported stolen although the owner was out the whole day.
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• On 1 May 2006, a man climbed over the gate of a house in USJ 18/4A. No adults were in and the man asked for the car keys from the young son who was inside the house. When the maid came out to check, the man fled.

I am not faulting anyone for the sad state of affairs we are in now. As a matter of fact, I still hold the strong opinion that the residents and committee members share a joint responsibility to keep our neighbourhood safe. Something has to be done fast. The committee has to take the lead but how do we do that without followers?

I invite all residents to re-visit our past events like the 2004 Annual Potluck Dinner and our the others, here and here. We can do it again if we want to.

Mr. Chairman, if you are reading this, please know that you are holding a postion of great responsibility.