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After you unwrap them, put them together and plug them in—write down those serial numbers! Keeping a list of serial numbers for your new electronics, bikes, scooters, tools and other gadgets could help you get them back if stolen. While you’re at it, take photos, too
For items without a serial number, note the brand, make, model, size, color and identifying features such as markings, stickers, etc. Store the information and photos in a safe place. If something is stolen, call the non-emergency police number 817-392-4222 or go online to file a police report. Provide as many details as possible to increase the chances of items being returned to you if they’re recovered by police.
More tips for protecting your stuff:
- Consider purchasing an inexpensive etching tool to mark all valuables with your Texas driver's license number. Or email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent and arrange to borrow ours.
- Putting product boxes on the curb advertises to thieves. Instead, break down large boxes and place them inside the recycling cart, or take them to a free city drop-off station.
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License Plate Thefts Rise
Northwest Division has seen an uptick in stolen license plates, often from the front of vehicles only. Sometimes those plates end up on stolen cars or the car of someone planning to commit a crime. If your license plate is stolen in Fort Worth:
- File a police report and request a copy, in case of legal or identity theft issues.
- Contact your county motor vehicle section to apply for a replacement license plate. Here’s the Tarrant County link.
- Check for unauthorized charges on your Toll Tag account.
- Inform your auto insurer and ask if you need to file a claim or take other action.
- Monitor your financial accounts and personal information because stolen license plates may be used in fraudulent activities.
Prevent license plate theft by getting in the habit of checking your plates every time you drive. (You can check for low tires and other safety issues at the same time.) Other options: add a few drops of solder on the bolts, blur the screw threads or purchase inexpensive “anti-theft” security screws at a hardware store.
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After observing operations and understanding the strengths of the department, Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia has made several organizational changes. “These leadership changes will position us for great success moving forward and prepare us for upcoming operational demands across the department,” Chief Garcia said in a statement announcing the changes.
Assistant Chief David Carabajal was promoted to Executive Assistant Chief and will continue command over the Support Bureau.
Assistant Chief Robert Alldredge has assumed command of the Patrol Bureau, which includes North Command, South Command and Traffic Division.
Assistant Chief Julie Swearingin has assumed command of the Finance & Personnel Bureau, which consists of the Training Division, Professional Standards Division, Program Support Division, Communications Division and Quality Assurance.
You can learn more by clicking on the individual names above or read about the entire executive team here.
Police Chief Eddie Garcia has announced the creation of a Constitutional Policing Unit (CPU), a strategic initiative to improve legality, accountability, transparency and continuous learning across regulations, procedures, training and operations. Hiring for a CPU director is expected in January.
The new unit will work in addition to the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM). “We need oversight, and OPOM is doing a great job,” Garcia said. “But they are reactive, looking at issues after they happen.” Garcia added, “I want to find out about issues before there’s a problem.” To that end, CPU will look proactively at all department regulations, including use of force, racial profiling and others. “We want to make sure what we do is right and just,” Garcia said. The unit will consist of a civilian director, a FWPD lieutenant and a part-time criminologist.
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We’re sad to report that Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteer Frank Diaz passed away Dec. 30. He was Northwest Division’s longest serving COP Captain, faithfully covering the Crestwood area for 36 years.
Frank was a dedicated and kind soul whose commitment and leadership left a lasting impact on the COP program and our community. Funeral or memorial service details are not yet available.
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The Giving...
Your generosity filled our collection boxes with toys last month, including donations from individuals who wished to remain anonymous and the neighborhoods of Far Greater Northside Historical, Lake Country POA, Lakeview Apartments, North Beverly Hills and North Side, as well as Mattel and Walmart. Thank you all!
And the Receiving...
Your donations went to children of working families who participate in after-school programs at three city community centers as well as a nursery school, an apartment complex and numerous families in need, identified by officers on their beats. We could not have done it without you!
Northside Community Center
Some children had a hard time choosing; others went straight for the toy they’d had their eye on! It was almost like Christmas morning, watching them tear into the packaging. Thank goodness for NPO Stevan Velasquez, who was able to put together two scooters, then head to the gym to test out a new basketball.
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North Tri-Ethnic Community Center
After-school and holiday campers enjoyed pizza lunch and a visit from Santa. Northwest Police Commander Randy Molina drew names to let children pick out their toys. Officers helped open stubborn packaging, assemble toys, install batteries and just chat. Everyone got a photo with Santa! Our thanks to Marco’s Pizza, 4504 Boat Club Rd, for donating pizzas for the kids.
Diamond Hill Community Center
The city’s Rising Stars Youth Leadership Academy is for teens 13 to 17 who want to succeed! NPO Jennifer Starratt worked to fill a special request for teen gifts for this group. Diamond Hill recreation programmer Rachel Martinez said, “Many of them expressed gratitude and showed off their gifts to everyone else, leaving others asking how they can join the program.”
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A Northwest Division Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) had a feeling about the 13-year-old boy asking neighbors if he could do odd jobs for money. A casual conversation revealed the boy lived in a duplex nearby. Single mom and seven children, ages four to 16, had no furniture, were clearly in need, and certainly had no hope of toys arriving in time for Christmas. It’s a long story, most of which we won’t share to protect their privacy, but that’s when the magic started…
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Our NPO told our Northwest staff, who reached out to the Cops for Kids program for funds. The NPO and staff shopped, wrapped and delivered air mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets, shoes and socks, underwear, warm coats, soap—and yes, a few toys. At the duplex, staff opened the refrigerator to find it empty, except for a bottle of ranch dressing. They went back to the store, this time with their own money, and shopped for milk, eggs, meat, canned goods and other household items. Meantime, the Police and Clergy Coalition put out the word and rounded up furniture, food, household essentials and plenty of volunteers to help unload. We’re so proud to live and work in a community that could make all this happen in just two days before Christmas.
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Moms, dads, grandparents and kids enjoyed Shop-with-a-Cop at Walmart, 2245 Jacksboro Hwy. But nobody enjoyed it as much as we did! Thanks to generous donations from QuikTrip and Walmart, each child received a $200 gift card. There were toys and stuffed animals, of course, but many also chose a new coat, shoes or cozy sweater, cereal and other pantry items. Some kids even bought gifts for others. Fort Worth Police officers helped keep the tally, QuikTrip employees pushed loaded carts and Walmart staff made checkout easy. We also thank FWISD counselors for helping us find families who truly needed a little help this year.
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North Main Corridor
NPO Sgt. Sandra Baldivia shared safety updates at last month’s meeting of the Historic Northside District. The group met at The Mercado Building, 1500 N. Main St., to learn about renovations coming to the property. New owner CHC Development shared plans for improved exterior and interior lighting, updated restrooms and extending a grease trap line to allow for a café or restaurant at street level. The next Historic Northside District monthly meeting will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 at the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1327 N Main St.
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Safety Social
NPO Robert Herrera shared holiday and everyday safety tips with residents at Alta Marine Creek apartments on Huffines Boulevard. The number one reminder: remove valuables from vehicles and lock them every time! If you’d like a safety visit at your apartment complex, contact your NPO or crime prevention specialist Dot Kent.
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Celebración Navideña
Artes de la Rosa’s Christmas market was at neighboring Mercado Plaza, 1432 N. Main St. near Rose Marine Theater. There were handmade crafts and unique gifts by local vendors, live dance and music performances, face painting, pictures with Santa and more! We enjoyed meeting everyone and handing out holiday safety tips and goodies.
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Teddy Bears
Northwest Division Commander Randy Molina and North Division Commander Sean Kenjura proved they’re just a couple of softies when it comes to participating in the Cops for Kids project that delivered hundreds of teddy bears to Cook Children’s Medical Center.
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Chick-fil-A Christmas
Officers were invited to hand out hot chocolate and goodies at Chick-fil-A Saginaw, which created a winter wonderland complete with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and a real reindeer.
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Senior Share
NPO Briseño helped seniors bag fresh cabbage and other produce at Northside Community Center, while NPO Massey loaded bags into seniors’ cars. The program is a lifesaver for older residents living on fixed incomes.
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Northill Manor Apartments
Officer Lamb (back row left, with Officer Garza) made a return appearance at Northill Manor Apartments for an after-school holiday party. We got hugs and high-fives from children who remembered us from programs there last summer. We shared lollipops and toys. NPO Lamb also reached out to nearby St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, who provided clothing and food for families at the complex.
Grinchfest!
Children at the Residences of Diamond Hill holiday party visited treat stations around the community room, received free books from the library and had their pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Grinch. Former Dallas Cowboys player Reggie Barnes also signed some of the mini footballs that NPOs Jennifer Starratt and Kirk Massey handed out.
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Career Day Lessons
Officers Cooper and Starratt let students feel the weight of their protective gear, during career day at Cesar Chavez Elementary. Pre-K through 5th graders also learned the importance of knowing their complete home address, in case of an emergency.
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Story Time
Police officers don’t just patrol in their cars. They also read and write reports. To stress the importance of reading, NPO Oscar Moncada read from Clifford the Big Red Dog to students at Mendoza Elementary School.
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New Police Building Goes Vertical
The foundation has been poured, and framing has begun on our new Northwest Police Division Patrol Headquarters at 3900 Angle Ave. At nearly 32,000 square feet, the building will house patrol officers, NPOs, detectives, the Bike Unit and division administration all in one place. Stay tuned for monthly construction updates!
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Stockyards VIP Security
Northwest Division officers showed state law enforcement around the Stockyards and Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant, helping secure the area for a visit by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Among other events, the governor was in town to announce that Ariat International will expand its regional headquarters in Fort Worth, creating 150 new jobs and more than $8.9 million in capital investment.
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Holiday Dinner
Many officers had to work the Christmas holiday, so we’re glad they could at least enjoy a holiday meal together. Sgt. Bonnie Kenjura organized noon and evening meals to make sure officers working all three shifts were served. NPO Stevan Velasquez grilled the meat, and there were plenty of sides. Santa (retired Officer Spakes) made an appearance so officers and their families could take photos with his sleigh. Ho, ho, ho!
Citizens on Patrol
Volunteers with Northwest Citizens on Patrol (COP) enjoyed a holiday dinner and games of bingo to round out a successful 2025. Their next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 6. If you’re interested in finding out more about how COPs help the police department, contact volunteer coordinator Jessica Vazquez.
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Nominate an Outstanding NPO
The deadline is Jan. 16 to submit nominations for the Fort Worth Neighborhood Awards. The awards recognize neighborhood projects that help neighborhoods revitalize, connect socially and engage in their community. Individual awards will recognize a 2025 Neighborhood Patrol Officer of the Year and Code Officer of the Year. We hope you’ll consider nominating any NPOs who have addressed concerns, solved problems and served your neighborhood well. Finalists will be announced in early 2026.
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If you don’t know your Neighborhood Patrol Officer’s name, visit OneAddress. Type in your street address, click search, then click the "+" sign in front of the word “Neighborhoods.” Your NPO’s name and number are listed.
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This newsletter was published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
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