Posted by Awareness, a resident of the Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks neighborhood, on Nov 6, 2012 at 11:10 am

I wish the MPD would check into the two individuals I constantly see hanging out in their vehicles near the ball park at Burgess. One in a sliver Mazda wagon w/ chrome wheels, usually early morning, getting high. Just walk by his car and you get the wiff, then he just drives off, kids/people all around in his path. The other (more disturbing), is the guy in his shinny white Ford (panel), van w/custom wheels. He is almost reliably there daily at about 2:30 in the afternoon (just before kids get out of school), with his back doors slightly open, generally playing pop music loud enough for everyone to hear, just "hanging out".

This will sound like paranoia to some, but what is a middle aged man, in a panel van, playing pop music with his doors slightly open, hanging out in a place with lots of kids around, doing there on such a regular basis? Really, these two are not difficult to find, you just have to look,and I hope someone in authority does before something potentially happens.

Posted by looking ahead, a resident of the Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks neighborhood, on Nov 6, 2012 at 11:57 am

Atleast after the city builds a homeless shelter in Burgess everyone will know better than to let their kids go near the place.

Posted by Annabelle, a resident of the Menlo Park: Sharon Heights neighborhood, on Nov 6, 2012 at 12:26 pm

If someone is "hanging around" an area like Burgess Park, why isn't it reported to the police rather than in this forum?

Posted by Replyannabell, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Nov 6, 2012 at 12:56 pm

It has been, but not sure anyone got the message, it will be again.

Posted by Charlie, a resident of the Menlo Park: other neighborhood, on Nov 6, 2012 at 1:12 pm

I am a dispatcher with the Menlo Park Police Department and I have read your concern. We have provided the information to the officers and requested that they patrol during the specified times for the described subjects. I encourage you to call dispatch in the future if you see them at the park so we can respond quickly to make contact with them. You can use 9-1-1 which will come directly into us or you can call our 7 digit phone number 650-325-4424. We are here 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. I appreciate you bringing this issue to our attention.

Posted by Michael G. Stogner, a resident of another community, on Nov 6, 2012 at 1:28 pm

This story is a good reminder for all of us to up our game. When you see something that looks out of the ordinary just call the Police Department. They will respond and it will be dealt with. Keep eyes open this is your village.

Good job Charlie, thanks for reading this blog.

Posted by Charlotte Willner, a resident of the Menlo Park: Downtown neighborhood, on Nov 7, 2012 at 8:38 am

Go Charlie!