As a resident living with the constant threat and reality of vehicle damage and theft, I appeal to our local authorities and the wider public for support. My own vehicle has been hit six times, and regretfully, I have only reported the incident once. This is sadly reflective of the broader issue; numerous incidents go unreported due to feelings of futility. Our street, specifically along 121st street, in between Indianapolis Blvd and Schrage Ave, has been plagued with speeders leading to hit and runs, and thefts. A recent incident involved the theft of car parts, including a catalytic converter. This is more than a rowdy annoyance- it's a threat to our safety and peace of mind. 

We believe that the installation of official police-operated surveillance cameras would significantly decrease these incidents. Having a means to definitively identify culprits would not only act as a deterrent but also lend to more effective policing, leading to solvable, convictable cases. Studies support this assertion: a study done in San Francisco saw that surveillance cameras in public spaces reduced property crimes by 22% (Ratcliffe et al., 2009). A camera system up and down 121st Street would undeniably help us reclaim our street.

The shared experiences of residents and their encounters with these distressing situations will hopefully galvanize the necessary attention to our plea. We appeal to our community and authorities alike: it is time to take serious strides towards making our street safer. Please, sign and share this petition to shed light on this pressing issue and speed up the implementation of surveillance cameras. Your signature is valuable – it is not just a signature, it's a call for a safer community.