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for hikers when injury, robbery, personal assault and/or rape occur on the trail...who's <br /> responsible? This is a secluded area that takes time for police, fire, or rescue officials to <br /> reach much less do something about it when they respond to a call. How can they <br /> police a trail? How can they get fire trucks in a 3-foot path or injured out? This area <br /> needs protection from folks just drifting in and out on foot. <br /> Since August 1, 2012, I've found six articles alone regarding trail safety in <br /> Durham, NC. I have copies for the Board, but will quote just a couple here from the <br /> News and Observer. <br /> 8/4/2012 — Man attached on American Tobacco Trail: a female jogger reported <br /> that a man jumped from behind a bush and grabbed her. Man was charged with <br /> misdemeanor sexual battery. "Police have suggested that people visit the trail in groups, <br /> stay in well-lit areas, and avoid strangers, among other precautions." <br /> 8/19/2012 — Residents to Rally for Trail Safety in Durham: <br /> 1) "Since January 2011, the Durham Police Department has recorded 23 <br /> incidents on the trail, including robberies, assaults, and indecent exposures." <br /> 2) "Residents in the neighborhoods the trail passes are asking the city to help <br /> secure the path." <br /> 3) "Sadly, I no longer use the ATT," Chris McLaughlin wrote, "Last December <br /> was one of four people mugged over two weeks, all in the middle of bright, <br /> sunny days." <br /> 4) "Police records show four attacks —two robberies and two simple assaults — <br /> occurred over 12 days in May." <br /> 5) "A similar pattern —five attacks in eight days —took place in December." <br /> 8/23/2012 —Another Assault on Tobacco Trail: <br /> 1) "Police announce sixth crime reported on the trail since May 14." <br /> 2) "Residents in the neighborhoods the trail passes are asking the city to help <br /> secure the path." <br /> 3) "Some neighbors believe recent break-ins of some neighborhood homes that <br /> border the ATT may have been result of easy criminal access from the ATT, <br /> Cotton wrote." <br /> 4) "When it's starting to get dark, it's not a time to be on any trail in the United <br /> States," per Police Chief Jose L. Lopez. <br /> 8/30/2012 — Chapel Hill Area Crime Report from Sergeant Butch Clark (included <br /> in articles presented) <br /> So you see, I choose to urge you to postpone any further planning for the MTST <br /> — Bingham section (including all exploratory trail routing) until all options are explored <br /> with the input from the community residents targeted. <br /> I want to thank each Commissioner for devoting thoughtful time to this item. The <br /> Cane Creek community see themselves as caretakers of not only the watershed but <br /> each other. It's a small piece of the planet, but what happens here is the model for <br /> others to follow." <br /> Chris Silva was representing Jeff Stephens and read a prepared statement: <br /> "Dear Commissioners, <br />