December 11, 2012 > Forest Park PTA holds forum with Fremont Police Forest Park PTA holds forum with Fremont Police Submitted By Jay Ramanathan Forest Park Elementary School PTA invited Fremont Police Chief Craig Steckler on Monday, November 19 to speak at the inaugural session of their Luminary Speakers Series 2012-13. Chief Steckler was accompanied by staff from the Department's Investigative and Community Engagement Units. The event was attended by a sizable number of Ardenwood residents. Chief Steckler spoke about crime in Fremont in relation to other similar cities and the cyclical nature of crime rates. He stressed the importance of being alert and helping the Police by reporting suspicious activity as soon as possible. He also answered questions from the audience on a wide range of safety-related topics. Sergeant Bobbitt gave an update on recent burglaries and gold chain snatching robberies in the Ardenwood area. He urged people to be cautious of wearing gold chains in public and recommended carrying an emergency device (like a whistle) to alert bystanders. He advised against walking or jogging on lightly travelled roads and trails in the dark and gave tips about solicitors. Community Engagement Specialist Martha Matthiesen stressed the advantages and benefits of the Neighborhood Watch program.