The warm weather gave Samantha Mettenbrink and Derek Huebner a carefree feeling, and a hankering for chili dogs and ice cream while out cycling. But they were also keeping safety in mind...
Samantha Mettenbrink: "We actually took the bike trail here and just cut through the residential neighborhoods. We try to stay away from the busy streets because, just 'cause it's kind of scary."
Whether biking, driving, or relaxing at home, Grand Island police advise you to keep your guard up when the temperature is up.
Grand Island Police Department Officer Butch Hurst: "Pedestrians will be out more, children will be out more, traffic is going to increase. You're probably going to get a little lax in locking your doors, rolling up your windows."
With a purse snatched from an open car window in Grand Island just this week, Officer Hurst urges drivers to keep valuables out of sight.
Officer Hurst: "If you're going to leave anything of value in your car, please leave it in your trunk, because if you put it anywhere in your car, a window is very easy to break."
And warm weather safety is an issue that also hits home. "Neighborhood Watch" signs are still doing their job discouraging burglars, but due to city budget cutbacks, police are no longer coordinating neighborhood watch groups.
Grand Island resident Vern Kowalski regrets the situation, but is resigned to stay cool -- and aware -- of what's going on in his neighborhood.
Vern Kowalski: "It's a shame that we actually have to go and lock things up where we didn't used to have to; cars, windows, doors, everything -- garages... You've got to watch, we have people come through our alleys all the time..."
