HPD installs free security systems for Sunnyside seniors

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police officers made several house calls today, installing and upgrading security systems in senior homes. It's part of their burglary prevention initiative in the Sunnyside area.

Fannie Logan's smile was ear to ear as a dozen HPD officers entered her home Thursday morning holding bags filled with security systems, light bulbs, batteries and drills.

They got to work drilling and nailing, installing a new security system, locks, motion sensor lights, smoke alarms, all for free. Fannie and her husband, James Logan, didn't pay a dime.

"I think it's wonderful!" Fannie said. "I'm just so enthused over it!"

In Fannie's neighborhood, crime is on the rise. In January, Opheila Outley, 95, was beaten a robbed in her home a few streets away. Fannie's house has been broken into too: four times in the last 46 years she and James have lived there. They've never had a security system-until now.

"(We're) very happy, very happy," she said.

Next to Fannie, Janette Arceneaux with HPD started tearing up.

"Just because she so excited. What happened to that 95-year-old lady, that's what inspired me to do this and to see just how grateful she is," Arceneaux said, wiping her eyes.

This project has been Areceneaux's baby from the beginning. Now, it's a reality. Two hundred and twenty-four seniors have signed up for the program in the last few months. Officers are working their way down that list of names, making house calls to see who needs what to make their home safer.

"We appreciate you all, we do we really do," said James.

"Really, I don't know what to think. I'm just speechless," Fannie said.

Phase one of the program began in April at an event at the Sunnyside Multi-Service center where seniors were provided crime prevention tips and encouraged to sign up for those free home security checks.

The next event to sign up for the program is on July 12 at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center on Market Street.