Community workers ahead of schedule, expand plan of clearing overgrown vegetation
Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services’ community workers plan to complete their cleanup of the Mossman area hit by break-ins by the end of September, beating earlier estimates by several weeks while also expanding the scope of their mission to include cleaning a children’s park and resident common areas such as sidewalks.
The hospital has partnered with the Gallup Police Department to help clear and remove vegetation which might have served as cover for intruders involved in residential robberies in the Mossman area of Gallup.
The hospital’s Community Work Service Program members began clearing the Mossman area Sept. 10 of overgrown greenery from an arroyo adjacent to the community and alleys behind homes in the half mile by quarter mile development situated in the mid-center of Gallup, east of downtown.
The 10-member crew of graduates of the hospital’s Rehoboth McKinley Christian Substance Abuse Treatment Center removed trees, shrubs and brush as they have done in other areas of Gallup, including schools, churches municipal buildings and pedestrian areas around the city’s Boys and Girls Club.
«The City of Gallup looks forward to partnering with Rehoboth McKinley Health Care Services to create a more safe and vibrant community that residents can be proud of,» Mayor Jackie McKinney said. «RMCHCS provides a great service to the town through its Community Work Service Program which the City of Gallup supports with funding from the Behavioral Health Investment Zone Grant. This effort helps maintain schools and churches for residents and the many global tourists who visit and contribute to our economy while employing former addicts and enabling them to beat addiction and become contributing members of Gallup.»
Cash and Jewelry Easy Targets
The Mossman community is home to approximately 1,000-1,500 residents residing in almost 2,000 homes. It was hit with several home break-ins in the past few months involving entries through rear and side doors and windows.
Police theorize burglars were robbing cash, jewelry and other easily disposable items to buy drugs.
So far, police have made arrests within days of the robberies and noted those arrested have drug abuse histories.
A six-foot fence was erected on top of an arroyo separating resident homes from a drug detox facility during a rash of break-ins several years ago.
“We take crime seriously and welcome the opportunity to partner with RMCHCS to help keep the area clean and remove potential landscape that could provide burglars with a visual safe haven,” GPD Deputy Chief Franklin Boyd said. “We advise residents to report any suspicious activity and work with local Neighborhood Watch members. Our detectives and sheriffs work closely with these organizations.”
Boyd requested residents remove all valuables for their cars. He noted it only takes a few seconds to get into a vehicle, even if locked, alarmed and parked directly outside of their homes. He encouraged the public to call crime stoppers at 1-877-722-6161 to report any crime tips anonymously.
“RMCHCS welcomes opportunities to partner with Gallup to help the town grow and prosper,” RMCHCS CEO David Conejo said. “Our Community Work Service Program is a perfect example of the achievements we can accomplish working together with residents and community organizations such as the police department. We welcome inquiries from civic organizations looking to move Gallup forward.”
Residents Grateful
Several residents of the Mossman area expressed their gratitude for the cleanup on Facebook, posting “likes” and comments on the website’s “Mossman Neighborhood Watch” page.
