Crime deterrent: ‘Light Up Minneota’

With the rash of burglaries in and around the area in recent weeks, an idea to deter thieves has come to “light”.

The Minneota Police Department is sponsoring a “Light Up Minneota” program in which residents can adopt a street light to keep their property and alleys better lit up at night.

For approximately 25 cents per day, a community member can have a street light added to an existing power pole to help illuminate a dark alley, residential street, business or personal property.

Police Chief Bill Bolt, who instigated the program, recently had a light installed on a power pole in an alley behind his property and home. “My alley was pitch black before the light,” he noted. “The light I am paying for is in the middle of the alley and lights up six yards and allows me to see the alley and my neighbors’ vehicles clearly from inside my home.”

“Just imagine if we added 50 or 100 lights in town. We could really light up our community. Although I am paying for the light, I consider it a privilege to share the light with my neighbors and set a proactive example for others.”

An existing power pole doesn't need to be near your property to be able to adopt a light. If your property or neighborhood is not well lit, a call can be placed to Otter Tail Power Company at 1-800-257-4044 to inform them that you are interested in paying for a light. “As I was thinking about how best to deal with this concern of vehicle theft and reviewing what has and has not worked in town, I thought about how dark neighborhoods are,” said Bolt.

“The street corners are well lit, but the middle of the block and alleys are pitch black.”

“So too are backyards, driveways and garages. I brainstormed this idea with our local Otter Tail Power Company and I learned that people can ask and pay for a light to be added to existing poles in town.” Otter Tail Power Company will provide the light, install the light, maintain the light, and only charge $7.90 per month.

The light has a photo cell on it and turns on at dusk and of at dawn. “For the past few years, I have been struggling with getting people to remove valuables from their vehicles, lock their vehicles and to turn on porch and yard lights,” said Bolt.

“The need for doing so was in response to thefts from vehicles. In the time I have been here, I have never seen a vehicle ‘broken’ into.” “The thieves use the cover of dark to walk through neighborhoods from yard to yard checking for unlocked vehicles when they find one they search it for money, guns, electronics, cigarettes or anything that would interest a 14-22 year-old boy.”

Bolt recently posted a trio of photos when he was on duty at 3:30 a.m. to show just how hard it is to spot a potential theft.

“The photos showed how dark it was and proved a point that it is almost impossible to see people in yards,” he explained. “Thieves prefer to avoid lights and do not walk in the street or on the sidewalk. They cut through alleys and from yard to yard.” Having items taken from an unlocked vehicle such as a purse or wallet leaves the owner feeling violated and frustrated.

“Many have to cancel credit cards, checking accounts and replace identification,” said Bolt. “This crime is extremely difficult to investigate and catch someone, but it is very easy to prevent.” There are approximately 590 households in Minneota, along with 14 miles of roadway and alleys. According to the United States Department of Statistics, there are 1.9 vehicles per household. “The estimated number of vehicles parked in (Minneota at night) is around 1,000,” said Bolt.

“There is only one of me. I work 50 hours week and I am on call 24/7, but it is impossible for me to be everywhere and to see everything that goes on.” “This is especially true when thieves are deliberately avoiding me and watching for me. Even if we hired three more full time officers, we would continue to struggle seeing people in the dark.” Bolt is urging citizens to do their part to secure and protect their property.

“By working together, we can light up Minneota to keep our community safe,” said Bolt.

“By adding lighting we help prevent crimes and improve visibility for drivers and walkers.” “Lighting is also inviting to others. Communities with good lighting are appealing to live in and move to. Lighting creates a sense of security and comfort. Lighting is positive and uplifting.”