Houston Police Department officers, under contract with the Westchase District, patrol our area after hours in specially-marked police vehicles.   Safety Tips: Click here for tips on preventing auto thefts and break-ins

DEPENDABLE SECURITY FOR BUSINESS TENANTS AND RESIDENTS

Everyone in Westchase District enjoys a high level of security. We are a low-crime area, and committed to remaining so.

The Westchase District has a multi-pronged  approach to public safety.   We are successful at what we do because of this wide range of Public Safety programs.  The Westchase District's Public Safety program includes:

Westchase District Patrol -- Our Patrol is staffed by off-duty Houston Police Department (HPD) officers providing 230 hours of coverage each week.  They patrol the District in marked vehicles bearing the Westchase District logo.  These Ford Expeditions are fully loaded police vehicles, complete with radios, lights, cages, and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) which allow the officers to interact with their on-duty colleagues and know of any pending calls by Westchase District businesses.  Our officers render a valuable service to the community.  In addition to law enforcement, they provide an extra level of customer service to the District's property owners, managers and residents.

Camera Surveillance -- More than 30 mobile surveillance cameras have been installed at 20 high profile locations throughout Westchase District.  These cameras are installed at the Carillon Center (10001 Westheimer), Houston Marriott Westchase (2900 Briarpark Dr.), Westchase Hilton (9999 Westheimer Rd.), and Walnut Bend Shopping Center (2901 Walnut Bend Lane.) 

Shopping centers and restaurants tend to be high target areas for criminals.  "Before the cameras were installed, some of these locations had seven or eight BMVs (burglary of a motor vehicle) a month.  Since the cameras have been installed, these motor vehicle crimes have been greatly reduced," according to Westchase District Public Safety Director Mark Hubenak.  

What started out as a pilot program has proven to be so effective that new camera units are constantly be added.  Another 17 apartment and condominium communities throughout the District also host mobile surveillance cameras to deter crime.

Our surveillance cameras have even been featured on Channel 11 - KHOU.  Click here to watch the story.

Bicycle Patrols -- The Westchase District utilizes bicycle patrols in dense areas where criminals can strike -- often without being seen.  These officers -- all bike-certified by the Houston Police Department -- are patrolling in pairs through apartment community parking lots and retail parking lots.  They can maneuver their bikes into smaller areas and chase criminals into locations where a police vehicle cannot respond.

Blue Star -- Twenty eight  Westchase District apartment communities have achieved the Blue Star certification.  This distinction, which can only be granted by the Houston Police Department, shows that the community management takes its responsibilities seriously and has gone the extra mile to ensure the safety of their residents and guests.  The Westchase District is committed to this program and is working to encourage all 50 apartment communities in our area to become Blue Star Certified.

Trespass Affidavits -- You can help our Public Safety officers protect your property by completing a Trespass Affidavit. The affidavit allows our officers to arrest anyone they find trespassing on your property, without having to contact a representative of the property owner. Apartment managers should access the Residential Trespass Affidavit. Owners of retail or commercial property should access the Business Trespass Affidavit.

Special Watch/Hot Spot Request -- Property owners and managers may request that our patrol officers keep a special watch on their property.  This can be requested in advance of a special event or when a crime trend or suspect has been identified.  Complete the special watch form online.  Our Public Safety Director Mark Hubenak will follow up.

Lock, Take, Hide signs -- These signs -- reminding motorists to lock their car, take their keys and hide their valuables -- are posted throughout Westchase District.  Click here to inquire about placing one your property.

Lock, Take, Hide Hotel Inserts -- These specially-designed inserts for hotel key card folios remind hotel guests to secure their vehicles before parking them at the hotel.  Hotel managers may download large or small versions, depending on folio size.

Public Safety Alert Network (PSAN) notifies area property owners, as needed, of any pattern crimes or suspicious activities in our area. PSAN notices are distributed via email to area property owners, retailers and security personnel.

Public Safety Alliance -- These meetings are specifically targeted to individuals in Westchase District who have responsibility for maintaining a safe environment at their business or building.  Invitations are emailed for these quarterly events.

BMV Theft Reduction Report Card -- BMV (burglary of a motor vehicle) crimes are down in Westchase because of the proactive work of the Westchase District Patrol and area property owners and managers.  Many property managers download our BMV Theft Reduction Report Card and have their security personnel walk through their parking lots, issuing "tickets" to cars where the driver has left the vehicle vulnerable to a criminal.  Motorists will return to their vehicle to find a helpful notice advising them that they shouldn't leave valuables visible in the car, shouldn't leave the window rolled down, etc.  

Several new programs have been added as well, including:

     * Crime Awareness Training -- Learn how to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid becoming a victim.  This training is available for residents and employees.
     * Security Site Surveys  -- An HPD officer will walk your property looking for security weaknesses and advise you of his/her findings.
     * Apartment Crime Prevention Initiative -- This "knock and talk" effort features HPD officers going door to door throughout apartment communities.  They distribute information on how to make sure your apartment residence is not vulnerable to burglaries.
     * Special Operations -- Our Westchase District Patrol force will perform sting operations and other crime prevention initiatives, as warranted, based on area crime trends.

Positive Interaction Program -- The Houston Police Department's Westside Civic PIP is held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at HPD's Westside Command Station, 3203 S. Dairy Ashford.  HPD invites a different speaker each month to discuss issues related to crime and public safety.  

ALWAYS CALL 9-1-1 TO REPORT ANY CRIME IN PROGRESS
To speak to Westchase District staff or the on-duty patrol officer regarding any ongoing criminal activity on your property (vagrants, for example), call 713-780-9434. If your call is after 5:00 pm, you will be connected to our after-hours answering service.

OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS
You can report street light outages to CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222. Please note the 6-digit number on the pole before calling. Please report broken traffic signals, potholes, broken curbs or water leaks to the City of Houston by dialing 3-1-1.

We focus on security so you don’t have to.