What A Dump...

[neveragain]

I moved to CT from out of state in January of 2000. For the last 1 1/2 years I lived on Lockwood Street in Meriden. It wasn't the cleanest street and had some undesireable foot traffic that should have been a red flag right away. However, I the place was decent and I was getting a fair deal so I took it to save some money not realizing what I was getting into.

NEVER AGAIN...

On or about March 27th I came home from work at 3PM on a nice bright sunny day to find my back door broken down and my 42 inch HD T.V. missing.

I have since moved from this residence and would stress to anyone thinking about moving to Meriden to stay far far away.

The property crime is some of the highest in the state and the local youth has little to no regard for common decency or respect for personal property.

I can honestly say this was one of the dirtiest, sketchiest, places I've ever spent time in my entire life.

In talking to the neighbors after the break in, it seems this is common place for the city of Meriden.

My advice to anyone looking to move there is to stay away and anyone living there to move out ASAP.

[leherissierm]

I am sympathetic to your material loss, but I think your anger should be directed differently. One person stole your tv - not the entire "local youth" or the citizens of Meriden. You are "dumping" on a town in which many people take pride in. Of course there is crime - name one city where there is not. And of course some parts of the town are nicer than others, but you get what you pay for. You should visit other parts of the city and you will find that not all of Meriden is "dirty" or "sketchy". Don't throw away the barrel because of one bad apple...

[Chriss P]

I agree. I had an aquaitance out on Pomeroy Ave (out in the boondocks). No sooner had he bought a stolen DVD and TV from work did someone actually break into his place and steal the TV and new computer. They even came back for the mouse mat. Ide definitly get some sort of security anyplace these days.

How did they know you had a HDTV ? Could people see it from the street or side walk. Im amazed at how many people advertise they have a nice flat screen monitor or HDTV.

[neveragain]

I am sympathetic to your material loss, but I think your anger should be directed differently. One person stole your tv - not the entire "local youth" or the citizens of Meriden. You are "dumping" on a town in which many people take pride in. Of course there is crime - name one city where there is not. And of course some parts of the town are nicer than others, but you get what you pay for. You should visit other parts of the city and you will find that not all of Meriden is "dirty" or "sketchy". Don't throw away the barrel because of one bad apple...

There is crime everywhere..but Meriden rates as one of the worst in the country.

Check out this link...http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL0946450.html

To see our T.V. you didn't have to out of your way to look for it, if you were prowling places out it was. I mean, we had curtains over a window that also has a constant awning covering it. You definitely had to have the mind of a thief in order to want to take it and investigate exactly how to go about it.

Being robbed is one thing, the feeling that I was watched for at least a day to get my schedule down is another.

"advertising" that I had a nice T.V. is not something I want to worry about in my day to day life. When something is dead-bolted in your home when you leave for work in the morning. It should be there when you return in the afternoon.

Society blaming people for 'advertising" their own personal belongings instead of coming down on thieves not an area I want to be a part of.

Are woman advertising themselves by going outside. Lets' get real here.

[Chriss P]

"Society blaming people for 'advertising" their own personal belongings instead of coming down on thieves not an area I want to be a part of.

You caused a young man with no criminal record to take your HDTV by wheeling it in front of your picture window and turning up the brightness while playing American Idol to the whole neighborhood at night. The temptation was too much. This man now has the potential for a criminal record and should consult an attorney.


No actually I didn't mean to blame you and I cant agree more, it shouldnt be that way. There are too many out there waiting for an opportunity to take whats not thiers. I live on the 1st floor in my apartment and hate not being able to open the curtains or have to keep my blinds at an angle.

But I know what happens when people without see what someone with has. We have had a case here in Middletown where they actually broke into an unoccupied apartment and then broke thru the wall into the occupied apartment.

There are some desperate people out there. And our economy and rise in prices is making matters worse. Shoplifting, bank robbing, scandlals, home invasions, and many other economic crimes are on the rise and may be on the basis of: "heck if I get caught, I get free room and board and 3 meals a day" if I get away, I get the goods.

Have you thought of places out there like Berlin, Chester, Old Lyme, Hamburg, Farmington, Colebrook, New Hartford, Haddam, Higganum etc to live. I find rural CT much nicer and less caustic than inner city CT give or take a few people. Don't just judge CT by the inner city. Its been a long time since a riot has broken out in Meriden (literally) (hint:has more than one meaning).

But let me also say I sympatise with your loss and should have stated that a bit more.

Let me also say welcome to the boards I just noticed today was your first posts.

[jma]

For those of you constantly bashing Meriden, you should get your statistics straight. For the last 8 years, Meriden's crime stats have been consistantly BELOW the national average. So much for being one of the "worst in the country".

[eds]

There are some seedy parts in Meriden; true for any town. But there are some rather nice areas like S. Meriden and Brookside I believe its called near Wilcox. That might also be S.Meriden. I don't remember where the old boundaries lie.

Sure, some parts of West Main St., downtown, some parts of the east side can be seedy. But on the whole Meriden really is not that bad. In reality, you're not safe even in the best of neighborhoods. I think its more an indication of the times we live in, rather than the place we live in.

Sorry about your TV. Perhaps an investment with a security company or a better door and lock set would be a better choice next time.

[neveragain]

There are some seedy parts in Meriden; true for any town. But there are some rather nice areas like S. Meriden and Brookside I believe its called near Wilcox. That might also be S.Meriden. I don't remember where the old boundaries lie.

Sure, some parts of West Main St., downtown, some parts of the east side can be seedy. But on the whole Meriden really is not that bad. In reality, you're not safe even in the best of neighborhoods. I think its more an indication of the times we live in, rather than the place we live in.

Sorry about your TV. Perhaps an investment with a security company or a better door and lock set would be a better choice next time.

This was a solid wood door with a dead-bolt in place...these "people" literally broke it off the frame. Someone desperate like that, would have broken a window if they coulden't get the door down. Once they've made up their mind, you can have a hundred locks and a hundred security company's. It doesn't matter.

[neveragain]

For those of you constantly bashing Meriden, you should get your statistics straight. For the last 8 years, Meriden's crime stats have been consistantly BELOW the national average. So much for being one of the "worst in the country".

Okay, I posted a link from a respected organization that says different. Show me your stats to back it up these below national rates and I'll gladly take a look. And I'm specifically talking about property crimes..vandalism, burglary, etc.. etc.. Although the violent crime rate is climbeing as well.

Look this data up...you might not like what you see.

The fact is, I didn't wake up and decide to hate Meriden, I liked my place...A LOT.

The area, wasn't great, but I didn't think it was "that bad". People get robbed, it happens...

It was after I started talking with the neighrbors and some colleagues in which I was educated on the city of Meriden. I wish I'd known first but I didn't. When 2 of my closest neighbors point out 4 homes that have been "hit" on a single block, that's not a good community.

There are places in the country where you don't have to worry about ending up in the "bad side of town"...many places you need to go out of your way to cross into the badlands. These central CT cities are so small that the lines have become to blurry.

I don't mean to offend people by coming off as an out of towner coming down on your town. BUT...many people who I've talked to, some born and raised in Meriden, share my same view on the area.

I'm sure none of you are unsavory characters...BUT we tend to have affections for our hometowns and see them through our fond childhood memories rather than what they really are.

I'm guilty of it myself...but the facts are, Meriden as it stands now...is not a welcoming, safe place to live. PERIOD

[RC12L4]

Okay, I posted a link from a respected organization that says different. Show me your stats to back it up these below national rates and I'll gladly take a look. And I'm specifically talking about property crimes..vandalism, burglary, etc.. etc.. Although the violent crime rate is climbeing as well.

Look this data up...you might not like what you see.


While I didn't have time to crunch all the numbers and come up with a national average I did pull some data from cities in the US with relatively the same population as Meriden and here is what I found.


City Population Violent crime Murder Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Property crime Burglary Larceny-theft Motor vehicle theft Arson1
Yuba City 59,156 250 2 21 50 177 2,029 459 1,326 244 22
West Allis 59,014 242 0 0 106 136 2,682 462 2,005 215 26
Warner Robins 59,767 310 3 15 127 165 3,058 661 2,237 160 11
Waltham 59,914 98 0 8 20 70 690 113 528 49 1
Utica 59,495 425 3 20 138 264 2,799 763 1,889 147 6
Taylorsville City 59,899 141 1 22 34 84 2,576 344 1,908 324 7
North Little Rock 59,474 866 13 64 240 549 5,621 1,263 3,814 544 23
Meriden 59,560 222 3 11 135 73 2,111 433 1,463 215 28
La Habra 59,860 182 2 5 51 124 1,694 317 1,097 280 3
Johnson City 59,465 329 6 19 63 241 3,397 701 2,493 203 14
Galveston 59,094 593 4 120 166 303 3,239 657 2,278 304 7
Fort Myers 59,413 937 15 38 327 557 2,910 561 1,691 658 22
Flagstaff 59,585 428 3 46 89 290 4,024 497 3,340 187 59
Council Bluffs 59,884 539 2 68 72 397 4,648 878 3,137 633 39
Carmel 59,635 26 0 6 13 7 1,016 130 833 53 5
Burnsville 59,554 1 35 62 2,164 297 1,742 125 16
Bayonne 60,033 193 1 4 86 102 860 188 573 99 9



What city/state were you living in before Meriden and what city/state are you living in now after Meriden? I wonder what those numbers look like compared to Meridens.

BTW these numbers were pulled from fbi.gov and the numbers are from 2006 as the 2007 numbers are still preliminary and don't offer full city break down for each state.

[neveragain]

While I didn't have time to crunch all the numbers and come up with a national average I did pull some data from cities in the US with relatively the same population as Meriden and here is what I found.


City Population Violent crime Murder Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Property crime Burglary Larceny-theft Motor vehicle theft Arson1
Yuba City 59,156 250 2 21 50 177 2,029 459 1,326 244 22
West Allis 59,014 242 0 0 106 136 2,682 462 2,005 215 26
Warner Robins 59,767 310 3 15 127 165 3,058 661 2,237 160 11
Waltham 59,914 98 0 8 20 70 690 113 528 49 1
Utica 59,495 425 3 20 138 264 2,799 763 1,889 147 6
Taylorsville City 59,899 141 1 22 34 84 2,576 344 1,908 324 7
North Little Rock 59,474 866 13 64 240 549 5,621 1,263 3,814 544 23
Meriden 59,560 222 3 11 135 73 2,111 433 1,463 215 28
La Habra 59,860 182 2 5 51 124 1,694 317 1,097 280 3
Johnson City 59,465 329 6 19 63 241 3,397 701 2,493 203 14
Galveston 59,094 593 4 120 166 303 3,239 657 2,278 304 7
Fort Myers 59,413 937 15 38 327 557 2,910 561 1,691 658 22
Flagstaff 59,585 428 3 46 89 290 4,024 497 3,340 187 59
Council Bluffs 59,884 539 2 68 72 397 4,648 878 3,137 633 39
Carmel 59,635 26 0 6 13 7 1,016 130 833 53 5
Burnsville 59,554 1 35 62 2,164 297 1,742 125 16
Bayonne 60,033 193 1 4 86 102 860 188 573 99 9



What city/state were you living in before Meriden and what city/state are you living in now after Meriden? I wonder what those numbers look like compared to Meridens.

BTW these numbers were pulled from fbi.gov and the numbers are from 2006 as the 2007 seven numbers are still preliminary and don't offer full city break down for each state.

Interesting...

Here is some info I found as well as a link to a pretty informative site.

Crime
Meriden, CT, violent crime, on a scale from 1 (low crime) to 10, is 3. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The US average is 3.

Meriden, CT, property crime, on a scale from 1 (low) to 10, is 6. Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The US average is 3.
http://www.bestplaces.net/city/Meriden-Connecticut.aspx#5

For 25 years I lived in Scranton, PA...before moving to CT for a job opportunity. I lived in Bristol for a time period, before moving to Meriden.

I currently still reside in CT.

[collie]

Interesting, Scranton is a 3 for violent crimes, 3 for burglaries and 92% white.
Bristol is also a 3 for violent crimes and a 5 for burglaries and 90% white.
We are much move diverse in Meriden in terms of race and ethnicity. Bristol is perceived to be a racist community by some. The perception is one that Bristol harbors KKK activity. That would scare me more than a higher burglary rate but many perceive me to be an oddball.

[neveragain]

Interesting, Scranton is a 3 for violent crimes, 3 for burglaries and 92% white.
Bristol is also a 3 for violent crimes and a 5 for burglaries and 90% white.
We are much move diverse in Meriden in terms of race and ethnicity. Bristol is perceived to be a racist community by some. The perception is one that Bristol harbors KKK activity. That would scare me more than a higher burglary rate but many perceive me to be an oddball.

I don't want to do this..but since you went this route. In your assumption any place that's 90% white is high in KKK activity, should I then just assume diverse people of color means I should expect to be robbed?

Also, in my years here in CT I've NEVER heard Bristol to be a racist or KKK town...I can't say the same about Wallingford.
KKK, Crips, Bloods, are all trash that one shouldn't live near.

Face the facts that both Scranton and Bristol have lower crime rates.

Whatever the reason, those are the numbers. Percieved racism and harboring KKK activity are not tangible or measured.

Have fun with your diverse high crime rate, I'll deal with perceptions.

Perceptions don't rob your house....criminals do.

[eds]

Ok we get it...Meriden is a 6 for property crime and Bristol is not. I don't think that makes Meriden high crime for some theft of property. Those numbers include shoplifting (a.k.a. larceny). We have a mall here which skews the numbers a bit. Install a security system next time. Murder rates and violent crime are more important considerations. And both towns come in at a 3 for that.

We get it. You don't like Meriden. You've got that point across. Since you don't live here anymore, or like the town, why are you still so interested in it?

This type of rhetoric does nothing but stir the pot. It adds nothing of value.

[RC12L4]

Interesting...

Here is some info I found as well as a link to a pretty informative site.

Crime
Meriden, CT, violent crime, on a scale from 1 (low crime) to 10, is 3. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The US average is 3.

Meriden, CT, property crime, on a scale from 1 (low) to 10, is 6. Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The US average is 3.
http://www.bestplaces.net/city/Meriden-Connecticut.aspx#5

For 25 years I lived in Scranton, PA...before moving to CT for a job opportunity. I lived in Bristol for a time period, before moving to Meriden.

I currently still reside in CT.

What city? We could look at those numbers too and make sure you're living somewhere safer.

[collie]

Thanks, eds for thinking of the larcency at the Meriden Square; that would explain the one point increase Meriden has over Bristol. Also looking at the Scranton facts; I believe the average job there pays ten an hour and the income level is less than Meriden.
Personally, should I ever decide to leave my home town Meriden (I doubt it), I would be checking those kinds of facts but I would probably be looking for a town that had similar demographics to Meriden.
My mother once told me she put aside a lifelong fantasy of moving to the seashore when she was well past fifty - it shocked me at the time, but she said "your father and I will be going out of this house feet first!" I guess that describes the way I feel about Meriden.
Too bad when people leave Meriden they don't just go away, they go away mad and post all kinds of negative comments about Meriden on lots of blogs. I look at the bright side - perhaps negative people will read the comments and stay away.

[eds]

It's funny. Wealthy communities have their share of issues to get feathers ruffled over. They tend to be very restrictive with exactly what you can do with your property right on down to putting up a play set. People scoff at you behind you're back. They tend to be too cliquey. I've hung around in that crowd and I have to say, no matter where you live, there will be no shortage of discrimination. There's white. And then there's proper white. Family background. Pedigrees. Look up Jupiter Island some time. Very cliquey. I used to hang with some friends who lived out in the Hamptons. Friends in Greenwich. Wilton. Redding. Ridgefield. Been there. Done that. Face it. People will pick on just about anything to make themselves feel better than everyone else. I could live anywhere I want to in CT. Thing is I honestly would not have picked Meriden but for my wife's sake. And I have to say. I've grown quite accustomed to this town, esp. S.Meriden. I love the holidays and the festivals. Occasional car shows. Quiet neighborhood. It's no cul-de-sac, mind you, but its nice and quiet. And I know all my neighbors.

[eds]

There's that insurance thing again. Chris Rock calls it a "in case sh!t happens" policy. You're 100% correct. Renters or homeowners insurance. From the sounds of it, he was a renter, if he could move out that quickly.

[jma]

The stats I checked were from city-data.com. The U.S. average crime index is 323.2. The stats show that Meriden is consistantly below the state average. In 2000, Bristol had a higher crime index than Meriden did, and has been very close to Meriden in other years. (they only show stats from 99-06). I'm not a big fan of statistics, since they can be interpreted any way you want. I am, however, a big fan of Meriden. It ain't perfect, but it's home!

[eds]

True! It's our home. And people who don't live here anymore, really have no meaningful say in the matter.

[collie]

Yes, renter's insurance is a great idea. And thank you, EDS for your kind words. Perhaps if I knew how to quote other's words before I started writing I could make my case better. But Never again did seem to me to be making pokes at diversity, with a particular jab at those who do not speak English. He or she does not have to believe me re the perceptions some have of Bristol being friendly shall we say, to racists. However, as a person who went out of my way to attend fledgling NAACP meetings in Bristol, I can attest to some feeling uncomfortable in Bristol in terms of diversity being welcome. And as a member of Wallingford's Coalition for Unity (need to renew) I have tried to help that organization, whose mission statement is:
"a non-profit group of concerned citizens who came together in 2002 in response to media attention portraying our town as racist. Our vision is to promote acceptance and respect for all in our community, through diverse celebrations, educational programs, and gatherings of different types."
All you did, never mind, is run away. Maybe you should be looking at the crime rate in CT, overall. Crooks do have cars. Maybe CT isn't the place for you.
We should all, as citizens of CT, be doing what we can to support our larger cities, where there are far more violent crimes. I do as much clinic work as a nurse as I can in Hartford's inner city area for that reason. People don't seem to care about the almost daily shootings - as long as it's not in their town, I guess. Common sense would tell you we live in the same state and we all face the same problems.
I resent it when whites tell me they are afraid to go into the inner city in Meriden. It is absolutely ridiculous. The crime rate is the lowest in the city and we should be proud of that.

[Chriss P]

If its that bad, maybe it was motivation for the PD to go digital on thier communications as it was a costly switch-over.

The cheapest digital scanner is about $400 and out of reach of many.

[eds]

Let me check those occurrences cherrybarbs. From the sounds of what you are saying, it seems worse than what we are being told. Let me make some calls...it might take some time. I know a drug problem exists. I had to take care of some low lifes dealing on a property I was watching. Couple days later police raided the place. Problem solved.

[Chriss P]

Well thats good news then. Im assuming you're tunning into
855.51250. Time to take my scanner on my next trek up Lementation.

Thanks

[Chriss P]

Well I was out checking streams today, saw my first school of herrings at the Steube fishway in Old Lyme and was also at Joshua Pond down in Brockway-Hamburg working on a fishway with 4 locks made of hardwood boards (those pesky paranoid beavers messed the place up and I had lots of sticks and twigs and muck to pull out of the fishway).

I didn't know beavers build dams when they sense the water level is dropping.

I ran out of time for my hike or bike to Guiffrida. These GPS's are the hottest thing around for thefts. I believe it was a crime of opportunity but also concerns me as I see quite a bit of hang out activity now. Don't really feel safe there anymore. I'de rather stick to my secluded valleys into the CT River.

There ya go Cherry; Meriden's main frequencies

http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=308

46.38000 KNFC835
BM 77.0 PL Fire Dispatch FM

154.13000 KNFC835
RM 74.4 PL Fire Dispatch/Primary FM

153.89000 KNFC835
M 94.8 PL Fireground FM

463.75000 468.75000 RM

156.7 PL EMS Dispatch - Hunter's Ambulance FM

453.32500 WNKM705
RM 192.8 PL EMS FM

852.78750 807.78750 WNNM914
RM 123.0 PL 1 Police Main FM

854.28750 809.28750 WNNM914
RM 123.0 PL 2 Police FM

866.01250 WNNM914
M 123.0 PL Police Car-to-Car FM

855.51250 810.51250 WNNM914
RM 123.0 PL Police FM

151.01000 KDA436
BM 127.3 PL Highway Department FM

453.60000 458.60000 WPUT953
RM 245 DPL Civil Prepardness Operations FM

[tjohnl]

a little off topic, but it fits in this thread:

if you were of a ciminal mind, how and where would be the best way to find out who has what and if its worth stealing?
drive through any neighborhood on garbage pick up day and see who is throwing out the big boxes all these nice toys come in.

[Man in the Middle]

a little off topic, but it fits in this thread:

if you were of a criminal mind...

So what does this imply about you? Just kidding...:D

[Chriss P]

Its a good question if its not a troll post.

Yea; huge Dell boxes on the curb for days.

Large flat screen monitor glaring thru the picture wiindow.

Wearing fancy watches and jewelry.

Bank statements miss-mailed or not shredded.

A local criminal notices you at the ATM or using debit cards elseware.

Some of the criminals work at restaurants, banks, you name it were they know your purchasing history.

That phone solicitor wasn't a solicitor but was just trying to extract info form you.

People you let into your residence for various reasons.

Talking about ones posessions and having someone over hear it.

Lots of other ways. Inflation is rising and its getting harder to live off the cheap turning some none history criminals into criminals to survive. People are getting desparate out there.

I say try and keep your valuables discrete.

My used Trek Mountain Bike has black electrical tape wrapped around it to hide the Trek logos. A stranger in my hallway asked to come in and use my phone " I said no!!!"

[RC12L4]

How'd they know he had a 42" tv? That's easy, they're the ones who delivered it, delivered something else or was in their house for repairs to something.

[brunet]

One of the ideas I brought forward in my last election was the police log, a tool that was in the R-J about 25 years ago and is published in many papers across the country. It simply lists police calls in the community, you will then know if there are a rash of vandalism, car or home breakins or any other activity in your area. How else would you know and able yourself to prepare for potential problems, that makes you aware of possible dangers?
It is public record and other newspapers acutally publish divorces and bankruptcies of which I am not in favor of.
This is a free and easy tool to help ensure public safety.
Why is this thought not discussed?

[collie]

I think it would be a good idea. I think the paper used to do that years ago. We've been lucky in Meriden, I think, in terms of crime. Strong neighborhoods not tolerating crime would keep it that way.

[factsonly06450]

[QUOTE=neveragain]There is crime everywhere..but Meriden rates as one of the worst in the country.

Check out this link...http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL0946450.html

I checked the link- it shows that crime in Meriden is LESS than the national average- the link says that the average is 100 and that personal crime risk in Meriden is 42, property crime risk is 96, with both less in better areas of town.

I'm afraid that you proved the opposite of the point you were trying to make.

[RC12L4]

It seems that our friend "neveragain" has up and disappeared like a fart in the wind.

[Golden Gooch]

I moved to CT from out of state in January of 2000. For the last 1 1/2 years I lived on Lockwood Street in Meriden. It wasn't the cleanest street and had some undesireable foot traffic that should have been a red flag right away. However, I the place was decent and I was getting a fair deal so I took it to save some money not realizing what I was getting into.

NEVER AGAIN...

On or about March 27th I came home from work at 3PM on a nice bright sunny day to find my back door broken down and my 42 inch HD T.V. missing.

I have since moved from this residence and would stress to anyone thinking about moving to Meriden to stay far far away.

The property crime is some of the highest in the state and the local youth has little to no regard for common decency or respect for personal property.

I can honestly say this was one of the dirtiest, sketchiest, places I've ever spent time in my entire life.

In talking to the neighbors after the break in, it seems this is common place for the city of Meriden.

My advice to anyone looking to move there is to stay away and anyone living there to move out ASAP.
It sounds good to me . So , it makes me glad that over time I will save up to buy a condo in West Hartford .

[Golden Gooch]

[QUOTE=neveragain]There is crime everywhere..but Meriden rates as one of the worst in the country.

Check out this link...http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL0946450.html

I checked the link- it shows that crime in Meriden is LESS than the national average- the link says that the average is 100 and that personal crime risk in Meriden is 42, property crime risk is 96, with both less in better areas of town.

I'm afraid that you proved the opposite of the point you were trying to make.

With all of the bad , thanks to people as a law unto themselves , there is good . Starting with the bad, walking to the health department one day for the Movers program , I saw junk all over the place on Miller Street from the library all the way to Center Street . Seeing it made me feel like the people , rationalizing that they have a smorgasboard of healt issues , cannot / will not clean up at least their part of the street . So , they must do it . Off of the track , they depend too much on the government at all levels to meet their needs . Back on , they must look good themselves when out in public . Looking good must be important at all times ,even when working . Even God says so . It is true in other poor parts of town .
Now the good , There are good parts of town such as Preston Drive , Thorrot Drive , and on the other side of the tracks , Brownstone Ridge , and Allen Avenue . So this is what Meriden is like . Thank you for your time .

[Golden Gooch]

While I didn't have time to crunch all the numbers and come up with a national average I did pull some data from cities in the US with relatively the same population as Meriden and here is what I found.


City Population Violent crime Murder Forcible rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Property crime Burglary Larceny-theft Motor vehicle theft Arson1
Yuba City 59,156 250 2 21 50 177 2,029 459 1,326 244 22
West Allis 59,014 242 0 0 106 136 2,682 462 2,005 215 26
Warner Robins 59,767 310 3 15 127 165 3,058 661 2,237 160 11
Waltham 59,914 98 0 8 20 70 690 113 528 49 1
Utica 59,495 425 3 20 138 264 2,799 763 1,889 147 6
Taylorsville City 59,899 141 1 22 34 84 2,576 344 1,908 324 7
North Little Rock 59,474 866 13 64 240 549 5,621 1,263 3,814 544 23
Meriden 59,560 222 3 11 135 73 2,111 433 1,463 215 28
La Habra 59,860 182 2 5 51 124 1,694 317 1,097 280 3
Johnson City 59,465 329 6 19 63 241 3,397 701 2,493 203 14
Galveston 59,094 593 4 120 166 303 3,239 657 2,278 304 7
Fort Myers 59,413 937 15 38 327 557 2,910 561 1,691 658 22
Flagstaff 59,585 428 3 46 89 290 4,024 497 3,340 187 59
Council Bluffs 59,884 539 2 68 72 397 4,648 878 3,137 633 39
Carmel 59,635 26 0 6 13 7 1,016 130 833 53 5
Burnsville 59,554 1 35 62 2,164 297 1,742 125 16
Bayonne 60,033 193 1 4 86 102 860 188 573 99 9



What city/state were you living in before Meriden and what city/state are you living in now after Meriden? I wonder what those numbers look like compared to Meridens.

BTW these numbers were pulled from fbi.gov and the numbers are from 2006 as the 2007 numbers are still preliminary and don't offer full city break down for each state.
[Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 11:04:11 PM] resigned when a junior that I am not cool . My 'tude is ; why should I care ?
Swearing , and using sub-standard and Illiterate English is stupid; more stupid than a rock .
Hip-Hop shows no regard for anything; even what belongs near and dear to my heart .

[Golden Gooch]

It's funny. Wealthy communities have their share of issues to get feathers ruffled over. They tend to be very restrictive with exactly what you can do with your property right on down to putting up a play set. People scoff at you behind you're back. They tend to be too cliquey. I've hung around in that crowd and I have to say, no matter where you live, there will be no shortage of discrimination. There's white. And then there's proper white. Family background. Pedigrees. Look up Jupiter Island some time. Very cliquey. I used to hang with some friends who lived out in the Hamptons. Friends in Greenwich. Wilton. Redding. Ridgefield. Been there. Done that. Face it. People will pick on just about anything to make themselves feel better than everyone else. I could live anywhere I want to in CT. Thing is I honestly would not have picked Meriden but for my wife's sake. And I have to say. I've grown quite accustomed to this town, esp. S.Meriden. I love the holidays and the festivals. Occasional car shows. Quiet neighborhood. It's no cul-de-sac, mind you, but its nice and quiet. And I know all my neighbors.

[Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 11:33:19 PM] This is the way I see it ; I know all of my Neighbors , including the scumbags not good enough to live here . In more detail , my next-door neighbor dug out a large area possibly to be a driveway , but has not finished it . Overall , the yard is full of incomplete projects . A waisted life ended in November when Mark V went to the great beyond never to be seen again ; thank God . College boy , on the other side , thinks even in his 20-something years that he is fly . In contrast he is not . Even with more degrees than a thermometer , he will not get a high-paying job whend he graduates . So much for my neighbors .

[jma]

[Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 11:04:11 PM] resigned when a junior that I am not cool . My 'tude is ; why should I care ?
Swearing , and using sub-standard and Illiterate English is stupid; more stupid than a rock .
Hip-Hop shows no regard for anything; even what belongs near and dear to my heart .


If you knew the history of hip hop & rap, you'd know that many of the songs were political and inspirational songs. I'm a fan of hip hop, so should I move out of Meriden? If I listen to country music, will I become a better citizen?

[RC12L4]

Who's the biggest consumers of hip hop/rap music? White male middle class Americans, I think that fact scares quite a few people. I listen to rap/hip hop and I'm a well employed white collar professional who's held a job since the age of 13, I'm now 35 years old.

[RC12L4]

I think we need to look at the facts of rap music’ I don’t care what people listen too. It’s the lack of respect and the health well being to our fellow men?, that I m interested in. And so does this type of music promote more [crime] because of its loud sounds, or it's disrespect to the human race with its lyrics. Let’s look at some facts. Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Although there are many kinds of sounds, there are some types that are especially dangerous to the health and welfare of the public.
Boom cars emit high-intensity/low frequency sound (excessive amounts of bass). This type of sound is dangerous to health, reduces property values and highway safety, and forces law-abiding citizens to seek quieter locales.
Boom cars have been closely linked to murder, aggression, gangs, drugs, speeding, reckless driving, DUI, underage drinking, and other crimes. Something to look at next time people drive though our cities streets, blasting loud music.;)

Saying rap music causes crime is like saying ants cause garbage, it just doesn't work that way.

Go through your post and replace the words rap music with rock and roll and you sound like my grandmother talking to my mother in the 50s and 60s.

[RC12L4]

I think we need to look at the facts of rap music’ I don’t care what people listen too. It’s the lack of respect and the health well being to our fellow men?, that I m interested in. And so does this type of music promote more [crime] because of its loud sounds, or it's disrespect to the human race with its lyrics. Let’s look at some facts. Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Although there are many kinds of sounds, there are some types that are especially dangerous to the health and welfare of the public.
Boom cars emit high-intensity/low frequency sound (excessive amounts of bass). This type of sound is dangerous to health, reduces property values and highway safety, and forces law-abiding citizens to seek quieter locales.
Boom cars have been closely linked to murder, aggression, gangs, drugs, speeding, reckless driving, DUI, underage drinking, and other crimes. Something to look at next time people drive though our cities streets, blasting loud music.;)

Rap causes crime like ants cause garbage, it just doesn't work that way.

Go through your post and replace the words rap music with rock and roll and you sound like my grandmother talking to my mother in the 50s and 60s.

[RC12L4]

I’m not saying that rap music is root of all evil, but it does play a big part of our society wows today. The same thing can be said about rock& roll and heavy metal, with one difference. We didn’t drive with ghetto cars racing up and down neighborhoods and disturbing the peace. As I check the facts about this issue, I’m convinced this generation is worst then anything that we could have come up with. This is a problem not just here, but across the globe. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/archive/2635959.stm or http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/loud_music_leads_to_burglary_a.html and this one is the best http://www.lowertheboom.org/stacks.htm This issue accounts for about 60 to 70 % of all crimes in America. I saw somewhere that Cities and Towns that crack down heavy on this problem, saw there crime rate go down 25% to as much as 58%, wouldn’t that be nice for us here.


Loud music in cars accounts for 60% to 70% of all crime in America? What?

[RC12L4]

Yes ,if add everything thats comes along with it.

You're serious? So you believe listening to loud music causes people to commit crimes? You're confusing a symptom with the actual problem.

Can you explain to me why I'm not a criminal?

[jma]

"Boom cars have been closely linked to murder, aggression, gangs, drugs, etc, etc, etc," Give me a specific example of the so-called "close link", and where you got your information. That statement is ridiculous!!

[jma]

You're serious? So you believe listening to loud music causes people to commit crimes? You're confusing a symptom with the actual problem.

Can you explain to me why I'm not a criminal?


Should we start our own gang of middle-aged white folks with good taste in music!!:D

[jma]

Cherrybarbs, for the 2nd time, give me examples, and where you're getting your information from. If you're going to throw out comments like you have, back it up with facts.

[RC12L4]

Gangster Rap Music accounts for 60% to 70% of all crimes in America that should have been the quote and why you’re not a criminal, I don’t know, maybe you good parents. I think you need to look at all facts, you can also check with your local Police, D.C.F. and D.O.C. And I listen to my music loud sometimes, but I make sure its not disturbing my neighbors and I don’t go around town blasting it, to show off. I think it pretty sad when I see people driving around with little kids and infants in the car, blearing their music. That should be a felony for sure, its called risk of injury to a minor.

You honestly think that there would be 60-70% less crime if there was no rap? Using your thought process, from the time rap has gone mainstream, approximately 15-20 years there has a been a 60-70% increase in crime in the US?

Surely you could provide stats making your case, I mean a 70% increase in crime in a 15-20 year period would have to make a pie chart or bar graph somewhere.

[jma]

EARTH CALLING CHERRYBARBS!!! This rap lover is still waiting to hear where you came up with your rap/crime connection. Since reading your last post, my listening to rap music is comparing me to a heroine addict? Explain that brilliant observation, too!

[RC12L4]

I just can't believe that crime has increased in the US by 70% in the last 20 years all due to rap music.

[jma]

I must not be listening to it right!

[Golden Gooch]

If you knew the history of hip hop & rap, you'd know that many of the songs were political and inspirational songs. I'm a fan of hip hop, so should I move out of Meriden? If I listen to country music, will I become a better citizen?
Stay here in the Silver City . While here , listen to other genres as well . When you do , do no play it so loud that you make it heard from Three blocks away , but in your own spaces such as your crib , your ride , and any other isolated area .
About Rap : the lyrics have bad swear words in them . In more detail , this is the language that I had to stay after school for . So , enjoy with some standards .

[jma]

I agree that NO music should be played loud enough to annoy anyone else. It would drive me nuts if my neighbor decided to enrich our neighborhood with showtunes.

My problem with Cherrybarbs is his/her claim that one particular genre of music is the root of all evil. I have repeatedly asked that the claim that crime has increased as a [U]direct[U] result of rap/hip hop music be backed up by statistics.

A few years ago, there was a downtown diner owner who was allowed to play country music outside his diner. It could be heard several buildings away. I always wondered how long that privilege would last if he played rap or hip-hop.

Let's not kid ourselves about the real issues here. Is it the volume of the music played, or the type of music? Is it the people who listen to it, or our stereotype of those people?

[collie]

Actually, I think that diner owner got in lots of trouble with the city over the noise level.

[RC12L4]

Keep in mind, that I don’t have access to the Department Of Justice or the F.B.I. 2007 report, yet. I’ll be glad to put out those statistics, on gangster rap and crime, once I receive it. Golden Cooch very well put and Collie.Yes, Steve got into a lot of trouble for playing is country music loud. But here are some facts or comments, about the gangster rap issue. http://www.noisefree.org/boomcars/boomlawsuit. html http://writing.colostate.edu/gallery/talkingback/v3.1/whaley.htm http://www.streetgangs.com/aboutsg.html http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20070926/NEWS/709260440/1004/
It’s hard to believe that this one issue trumps BOE, Politics ,even the Pope.?
If thats the case, we need to start looking for solutions on this crime wave. ;)

Where's the statistics showing that there's been a 60%-70% increase in crime since rap/hip hop have become mainstream?

[jma]

Cherrybarbs, all you gave us were articles by different writers. Give me FACTS and STATISTICS, not opinions.

[RC12L4]

Cherrybarbs, all you gave us were articles by different writers. Give me FACTS and STATISTICS, not opinions.

Did you read any of the articles? One of them talks about "boom" cars causing sleep deprivation then the article goes on to talk about people falling asleep at the wheel as being a contributor of car accidents. So, you guessed it, naturally boom cars playing rap music are directly responsible for people falling asleep behind the wheel of a car and causing accidents.

So far we've determined:

1) Rap/hip hop music is responsible for 60%-70% of all crime in the US

2) "Boom" cars playing rap/hip hop music are responsible for people falling asleep while driving and causing accidents.

I'll update this list as cherrybarbs provides for "facts".

[Golden Gooch]

To begin let it be noted that they are all over town . More specifically , on Pratt Street, Hanover Avenue , Randolph Ave where a woman who sees me drive by looks my way and "kisses" me . Is she a prostitute ? In the daytime ,people cross the street wherever and whenever they feel like it .From the other side , they rationalize that they are in a hurry . My attitude is " Oh yeah ? for what ? to get hit by vehicle ? So , do not do it .
[QUOTE=factsonly06450]

With all of the bad , thanks to people as a law unto themselves , there is good . Starting with the bad, walking to the health department one day for the Movers program , I saw junk all over the place on Miller Street from the library all the way to Center Street . Seeing it made me feel like the people , rationalizing that they have a smorgasboard of healt issues , cannot / will not clean up at least their part of the street . So , they must do it . Off of the track , they depend too much on the government at all levels to meet their needs . Back on , they must look good themselves when out in public . Looking good must be important at all times ,even when working . Even God says so . It is true in other poor parts of town .
Now the good , There are good parts of town such as Preston Drive , Thorrot Drive , and on the other side of the tracks , Brownstone Ridge , and Allen Avenue . So this is what Meriden is like . Thank you for your time .

[ringmaster]

You gotta love the fact that "neveragain" provides us with a link that doesn't support his statement. If 100 percent reflects the national average and Meriden is listed as a 96, isnt it fair to say that Meiden is below the national average in crime?

[Golden Gooch]

I moved to CT from out of state in January of 2000. For the last 1 1/2 years I lived on Lockwood Street in Meriden. It wasn't the cleanest street and had some undesireable foot traffic that should have been a red flag right away. However, I the place was decent and I was getting a fair deal so I took it to save some money not realizing what I was getting into.

NEVER AGAIN...

On or about March 27th I came home from work at 3PM on a nice bright sunny day to find my back door broken down and my 42 inch HD T.V. missing.

I have since moved from this residence and would stress to anyone thinking about moving to Meriden to stay far far away.

The property crime is some of the highest in the state and the local youth has little to no regard for common decency or respect for personal property.

I can honestly say this was one of the dirtiest, sketchiest, places I've ever spent time in my entire life.

In talking to the neighbors after the break in, it seems this is common place for the city of Meriden.

My advice to anyone looking to move there is to stay away and anyone living there to move out ASAP.
[Wednesday, May 21, 2008 @ 11:33:06 PM] The psch behind the crime is made of these concepts ; all mental problems . They include , not able to hold onto a job , drug problems , alcohol problems , not growing up the right way ; off the track , it is not being born into a family of money . getting married and divorced over , and over again . and many others which get passed down to children . Later they go down to our grandchildren . Now , that is the root in a nutshell of the problem .

[Golden Gooch]

Actually, I think that diner owner got in lots of trouble with the city over the noise level.
Right as rain ! So, it has a lesson for me ; that is not to impose my taste in music on anybody else . Applying that concept , I will keep my music, art , and fashion to myself while dressing proudly when out in public as well as in my own home .
My attitude is that Even when I was a teenager , I did not have to "make a statement " . For , behold , I am confident with who i am . Thank you and God bless you .

***** Lawrence Gallo has passed away *******

[Golden Gooch]

It does not because it is kept in the privacy of your car ,and your home .

[jetmech3912]

I moved to CT from out of state in January of 2000. For the last 1 1/2 years I lived on Lockwood Street in Meriden. It wasn't the cleanest street and had some undesireable foot traffic that should have been a red flag right away. However, I the place was decent and I was getting a fair deal so I took it to save some money not realizing what I was getting into.

NEVER AGAIN...

On or about March 27th I came home from work at 3PM on a nice bright sunny day to find my back door broken down and my 42 inch HD T.V. missing.

I have since moved from this residence and would stress to anyone thinking about moving to Meriden to stay far far away.

The property crime is some of the highest in the state and the local youth has little to no regard for common decency or respect for personal property.

I can honestly say this was one of the dirtiest, sketchiest, places I've ever spent time in my entire life.

In talking to the neighbors after the break in, it seems this is common place for the city of Meriden.

My advice to anyone looking to move there is to stay away and anyone living there to move out ASAP.

I too moved to Meriden in early 2002, bought a house on Catherine dr and proceeded to move in. I found out that the movers no less had stolen my digital camera, not to be proven by the police. We had used two movers one to unload the truck and one to move the items in the house, it was hard to pinpoint were the vault was.:)

[Jenny78]

I moved to CT from out of state in January of 2000. For the last 1 1/2 years I lived on Lockwood Street in Meriden. It wasn't the cleanest street and had some undesireable foot traffic that should have been a red flag right away. However, I the place was decent and I was getting a fair deal so I took it to save some money not realizing what I was getting into.

NEVER AGAIN...

On or about March 27th I came home from work at 3PM on a nice bright sunny day to find my back door broken down and my 42 inch HD T.V. missing.

I have since moved from this residence and would stress to anyone thinking about moving to Meriden to stay far far away.

The property crime is some of the highest in the state and the local youth has little to no regard for common decency or respect for personal property.

I can honestly say this was one of the dirtiest, sketchiest, places I've ever spent time in my entire life.

In talking to the neighbors after the break in, it seems this is common place for the city of Meriden.

My advice to anyone looking to move there is to stay away and anyone living there to move out ASAP.






How is it that Meriden is up there and not Hartford. I'm sorry about your telelvision but honestly if you were in Hartford or Bridgeport you might have lost your life, Meriden isn't a terrible town as you make it seem to be. Plus dearest you get what you pay for and like you said you found a cheap place. Red flags should have went off why in the highest cost of living state would you only pay what you did and not the 1200 a month rates like others in this city. I think you are either very naive or very stupid. Meriden is a fine city with alot of fine people in it and to knock us all for your tele is unreal , go back to the South or Jersey where you probabley came from.:)

[jma]

I too moved to Meriden in early 2002, bought a house on Catherine dr and proceeded to move in. I found out that the movers no less had stolen my digital camera, not to be proven by the police. We had used two movers one to unload the truck and one to move the items in the house, it was hard to pinpoint were the vault was.:)

Did you bother to do any research on the moving company you chose, or did you just go with the cheapest? I don't see how Meriden can be blamed for the performance of a local business.

[UNiRAC]

..... Originally Posted by cherrybarbs
''I think we need to look at the facts of rap music’ I don’t care what people listen too. It’s the lack of respect and the health well being to our fellow men?, that I m interested in.Saying rap music causes crime is like saying ants cause garbage, it just doesn't work that way.... ''

Go through your post and replace the words rap music with rock and roll and you sound like my grandmother talking to my mother in the 50s and 60s.
New Thread ' cause the SILVER city is not a ''DUMP'' and ''Hip-Hop'' like R&B,Soul,Motown, and even that Girrating ELVIS... probably only contributed to differant/changing SEXual Values ! [ as our elders were worried about back in the 50's-60's] NOT like the Boom-Box mentality that promotes - Kill a COP ... Beat Da' Biotch ... Burn the Hood'.
my 2 cents at ---> http://forums.ctrecord.com/showthread.php?t=2112 :eek: