Greenwood neighbors set to meet days after violent crime

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) – Greenwood Police and council members met with neighbors to talk crime. The meeting is just days after police said a man violently attacked a woman in her home.

The meeting on Wednesday was set up before the woman was attacked in the Valle Vista subdivision over the weekend.

There were more than 60 residents that showed up at the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) meeting that wanted to talk about a rash of crime that included car and home break ins.

Police and one HOA member said because of the attack this meeting will be even more important. More than 50 residents are working with police to create a crime neighborhood community watch program.

“I’ve never had so many conversations with neighbors about things like, the length of your dead bolt or how to brace your doors in the evening when you go to bed,” Sherri Hartman of the Valle Vista HOA said.

On Friday morning, police said 42-year-old Ira Link broke into a home in the neighborhood and beat and raped an elderly woman.

Court documents say Link confessed to his mother and she tipped off police.

On Wednesday night officers spoke about safety tips like what to look out for, what to do and how to be proactive in the summer months.

“We all need to really pay attention to the people in our neighborhood that we might not recognize, and the cars that might be going slower than they should be,” Hartman said.

Officers elaborated at the meeting, but initially warned neighbors to keep doors locked even if they’re just out working in the yard and to keep their windows closed.

As far as starting a neighborhood watch, officers said to band neighbors together, contact the local police department and fill out the required paperwork.

Neighbors should swap contact information and everyone was encouraged to use the Next Door App which is free to download.

Link is behind bars accused of the crime. His bond was set at $192,000.