LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB-TV) -- Tracking down criminals is now as simple as looking at your cell phone or e-mail. Metro Police are now sending out text messages and e-mails to keep people up to speed on what's going on in their neighborhoods.
Regency Woods off Taylorsville Road in southeast Jefferson County is one of those neighborhoods. It is usually quiet and peaceful there, but there is one problem. Recently, the neighborhood has seen an increase in car break-ins.
"It seems like you should be able to park your car in your driveway or your garage and feel safe about doing that, and not worry about what you have left in your car," says Maryrose Shackleford, from Regency Woods.
Shackleford started a neighborhood block watch several years ago, and now that Metro Police are also sending out text and e-mail alerts she says more ground is being covered. "With this program they can go to this site and see the surrounding areas and not just our district."
Sgt. Clayton Elliott with the Metro Police Department's 6th Division says, "We use it more for crime prevention and also the notification of what's going on in the area."
Right now, several divisions are using the crime notification system. Police say it is a good way to keep neighbors informed about what's going on in their community.
"We notify 'em on burglaries, thefts from autos, thefts, robberies," says Sgt. Elliott. Those e-mails and text alerts often include pictures and names of suspects. That helps both police and neighbors.
Elliott says, "If one of the neighbors happened to have seen that individual they can give information to the detectives."
And as a result, whether through email or text, the alerts are pretty popular with neighbors in Regency Woods.
"If it's not there on the day it's supposed to be I'll get calls or emails. 'Did they send that out or did you get it or did I miss it,'" says Shackleford.
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