Is Something Happening to Lakewood?

Growing up, I always want to live in Lakewood. I always saw it as a safe town, with interesting, old buildings, and amazing local businesses and restaurants. It was the kind of town that was close enough to the city, but completely contained in itself. It was the kind of place that you could find everything.

I'm beginning to feel like the Lakewood I thought I moved to is starting to disappear.

Yes, every city has it's issues. At first glance it seems like Lakewood's biggest issues are things like . Or breed-specific legislation against Pit Bulls.

Obviously these are issues that Lakewoodites have great passion for, but has anyone noticed the police blotters lately?

When I first moved to Lakewood, and started reading Patch, there was the occasional bar fight, a drug bust during a traffic stop, a DUI, or something silly like a report that someone's house had been covered in toilet paper.

While these are all reportable, they weren't exactly things that made me step back and think I didn't live in a safe neighborhood.

Now when I read the Police Blotter I see many more reports of robberies, burglaries, and let's not forget the , tying up the owner.

One thing I'm grateful for is that I know these things are occurring. Patch has done a great job of keeping us all up-to-date on police activity. My fear is for those who don't read or have access to Patch and may be unaware that crime is clearly coming to Lakewood in full force.

Obviously I haven't lived here for very long, so maybe Lakewood just sees criminal activity like this on occasion, but it just seems odd, especially since a in Lakewood for 2010. Lately, it just doesn't seem like it really is.

While Lakewood residents are clearly passionate about many issues effecting their city, I think it's time to add one more to the list: crime.

Regardless if you belong to an organized neighborhood watch or something, it's clear we all need to look out for one another.

Keep an eye on your neighbors and keep them up-to-date on what's happening in Lakewood. I don't care if they have a Pit Bull, hens, or a love for a on every corner, let's keep each other aware and safe.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, and what seems like an increase in crimes, is actually fairly normal activity, but I do think it's something everyone should pay attention to.

I know I try to keep this blog light-hearted and fun, and I'll continue to do that, but I just wanted to throw this out there.