Fairgreen residents seek more help from home invasions, crime

FAIRGREEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RESIDENTS packed the board room of the East Aldine District last Tuesday night


NORTHEAST HOUSTON – Frightened residents of the Fairgreen neighborhood, off Lauder and JFK Blvd., attended the regular board meeting of the East Aldine District last Tuesday night, to plea for more police protection against a string of home invasions that have terrorized their neighborhood in recent weeks.

Members of the group told personal stories, of a group of conmen that have systematically terrorized the neighborhood, with armed robberies and home invasions.

Ironically, the complaints came after “Police Week.” a national event to honor the work of law enforcement agencies.

Speaking for the East Aldine District, Executive Director David Hawes reminded the audience that the District does not have police powers, even though they pay the Sheriff’s department for special contract deputies. The only way residents can get protection is to report incidents to the Sheriff’s office, at 713-221-6000, or 9-1-1 if it is a life threatening emergency. Hawes agreed that an armed home invasion was such an emergency, and expressed concern for the residents. He indicated that the District would make certain their deputies investigated and helped with the problem.

The stories covered recent break-ins, within the week, and older incidents going back a year or two, with no results or police action. They indicated the problems were getting worse.

One woman told of three men with guns that broke into her house. Another told of a similar group that broke in a year ago, and stole guns that later showed up for sale in the neighborhood. Reports to the Sheriff’s office did not result in help, or arrests, they said.

Another told of a personal assault. One resident said that he was prepared to defend himself, no matter the consequences, because the Deputies were not helping. He said “A meeting is only a meeting, not help in the community. Talk about money doesn’t help. I will shoot somebody if I have to.”

However, some other residents said that when they call 9-1-1 that Deputies respond quickly, usually within 2 to 3 minutes.

The Fairgreen Community Association will hold its next meeting at the Lauder Road Fire Station, Tuesday, June 9th at 7 p.m. and these problems will be discussed further, they said.