Norwood News

One of our seniors was recently mugged during the daytime hours in his apartment building. He was robbed and badly injured. At present, he is slowing recovering from his injuries. We are all outraged to see a friend and, for that matter, anyone suffer such a brutal and unnecessary attack. Fortunately, his building has security cameras and there are photos of the suspect. Even with the photos of the suspect we have no arrest yet from the 52nd Precinct. Is this case and other similar ones a priority for our police? Currently, there has been no information given to very concerned and frightened members of the community.

Let this be a message to all to be aware of the stranger who is entering the building or elevator with you. If you are uncomfortable with a stranger, do not enter the building or elevator until someone else comes along. Robbers take advantage of situations that present themselves and prey especially on the senior population. Let’s take an active part in not being singled out as a victim of a crime.

I want to commend Tryax Realty and other owners for having security cameras in their buildings. It is an important measure for the safety of all the tenants but especially for senior citizens who are more vulnerable. We demand all owners of apartment buildings in our neighborhood who do not have security cameras for the safety of their tenants to install them and to keep them in working order. We encourage tenants to ask their building owners for security cameras if you do not have them.

A second commendation goes to our neighborhood.  I have been working at St. Brendan’s Church in Senior Outreach for seven years and in my work with the seniors and others here in Norwood, I have been impressed on many occasions at the respect and care people have for one another and especially for their senior neighbors. In many buildings, tenants are especially vigilant about the safety of their senior neighbors.  That’s one of the things that makes our neighborhood special – people caring for and about one another. What more can we do to build community and keep our neighborhood safer?  Let’s get our politicians and police more involved and report to us in the Norwood community what actions they have taken and will continue to take to prevent a similar crime against all citizens of this neighborhood.

Sister Catherine Naughton O.P.