Above / During a walk through Sindt Woods on New Year’s Day, when the large waterfowl in the treetop looked left, then right, then left again, we couldn’t help but think how important it is to be observant.
On New Year’s Day 2017, we spotted this Great Blue Heron high in the treetops in Sindt Woods at the west end of the Riverwalk. While we watched, the big bird demonstrated the familiar advice adults often give to kids when they first learn how to cross the street safely. “Look left, then right, then left again before crossing.” After we snapped a few photos, the large heron flew straight over the brick path and directly over our head.
Mindful that youngsters are taught the basics to look left, right and left again in America, we also know recent world events are reminders that the beginning of another year presents an opportunity to alert readers about the Crime Stoppers motto, “Keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.”
Keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility.
“If you see something, say something,” is a national campaign, aimed to heighten public awareness about the signs of terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting all suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
Good advice for residents: Never be afraid to provide information about something suspicious or any incident that has occurred in Naperville.
Contact the Police Department non-emergency line at (630) 420-6666, walk into the station at 1350 Aurora Avenue or submit a report online by visiting www.naperville.il.us/npdonlinereporting.
Anonymous tips also may be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling (630) 420-6006 or via www.napervillecrimestoppers.com.
Most certainly, if you have an emergency, call 911.
Start the New Year with an eagle eye out for public safety.
Thanks to all first responders!
Thanks also to contributing columnists Julie Smith for Focus on Safety and  Soraya McLaughlin for Fire Prevention 911.
Sometime when you have time on your hands, visit their bodies of work on this website that include advice-laden stories, sure to enlighten all ages and even the most-knowledgeable residents about public safety. Look for their columns in print every month.
Community policing counts on feedback for success
This past year, the Naperville Police Department began quarterly coffees called “Chat with the Chief” to promote dialogue and the value of community policing. Watch for announcements of the public events seeking feedback about public safety in local neighborhoods and beyond, likely scheduled next in March/April 2017.
In addition, the Naperville Public Safety Incident Map is up and running.  Launched in late November, the map can be accessed at www.naperville.il.us/PublicSafetyIncidentMap.  Updated throughout the day, the map is a tool provided by the Naperville Police Department to inform the public of police activity in the City of Naperville. Currently, for privacy reasons, calls relating to domestic violence, mental health, and offenses involving children (such as runaways) are excluded from the map.
