The Southwest Detectives Division encourage citizens to participate in their recently launched anti-burglary program Operation ID. Currently the program is piloting in West Philly (12th, 16th, 18th, and 19th Districts) and is coming soon to the entire city. The program has existed in other cities for decades. Here is the national site.

The program participants receive specially coded labels to tag their valuable items that the police could trace back to them in case they get stolen. Police say that thieves and burglars are “less likely to steal an item that can be positively identified and that will be difficult to sell.” The labels will also aid in locating owners of the stolen or lost property and help criminal prosecution in pursuing the case through the courts. Finally, item identification should help in recovery as stolen or lost property is more likely to be returned to the owner.

In addition to the labels, those who participate in the program receive special window stickers (pictured) to discourage burglary at your place.

OK it’s not an armed guard at your door, but every little bit of prevention is useful.

If you are interested in applying for this program, go here for more information and to download an application form or stop by your police district. NOTE: You need to be a Pennsylvania citizen to be accepted in the program.

Here is more information on the 12th, 16th, 18th and 19th District headquarters:

12th District
65th St. and Woodland Ave.
police.co_12@phila.gov
215-686-3120

16th District
39th St and Lancaster Ave.
police.co_16@phila.gov
215-686-3160

18th District
55th St and Pine St.
police.co_18@phila.gov
215-686-3180

19th District
61st St and Thompson St.
police.co_19@phila.gov
215-686-3190

This week’s featured cats are Rocco and Red. They are available for adoption through City Kitties.

Rocco and Red lost their home in a foreclosure. Their mom was desperate to find them a place where they could stay together. She contacted City Kitties and these great guys moved into foster care.

Rocco is the adventurer of the pair. He likes to be the life of the party whenever you have guests and is a frequent couch companion. Rocco is not intimidated by dogs, cats or people.

Rocco’s sister Red is a bit more shy and reserved. She likes her people, but rarely comes out to play when there are guests around. She will happily sit with people and likes quiet time. Red loves catnip, but is much less competitive in her play than her brother Rocco.

Rocco and Red are a bit of an odd couple. They will curl up on the same person, but rarely curl up with each other when there isn’t a person involved. Rocco and Red do enjoy each other’s companionship and will wrestle together with a bit of sibling rivalry.

They have been in foster care for almost six months. They are looking for home either together or separately. Rocco and Red are spayed/neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, use the litterbox, and were treated for fleas and parasites as needed.

To fill out an adoption application, go here. If you have questions, please visit this page or email: arockar@gmail.com.

St. Francis de Sales is holding its Annual Fundraising Flea Market this Saturday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you can donate your items to be sold at the de Sales table. Donations will be accepted all day Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) in the de Sales School Auditorium (47th & Windsor Ave). You can bring anything except clothing and large furniture.

If you want to be a vendor at this flea market you may rent tables for $25 each. To rent a table, volunteer or get more information, call 215-222-2255.

Philadelphia schools are closing at 12 p.m. tomorrow due to heat and high humidity.

A School District of Philadelphia announcement reads:

“According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to again soar to the upper 90’s tomorrow in Philadelphia.  The expected extreme weather coupled by the high humidity levels could create a situation in which heat illness is possible The District is taking this heat warning seriously by closing schools, which includes early childhood programs, at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, Monday June 11, 2012. At the 12:00 p.m. dismissal time, routine transportation will occur for students.”

District-run after-school programs will also be closed. Visit www.philasd.org or call 215-400-INFO (4636) for any updates.

Stacy McDonald took this photo on 48th Street while walking home from the 34 Trolley.

Have you recently taken a great/interesting/unusual neighborhood photo? Send it to us at: editor@westphillylocal.com. Please don’t forget to include your name and your photo’s title/description.

Click here to see other photos submitted by our readers.

PECO is about to begin routine maintenance of trees and vegetation in sections of Cedar Park and Spruce Hill, according to the University City District’s newsletter. The work is scheduled to start in about 1-2 weeks.

This work is performed once every five years to keep tree growth away from high voltage wires. Trees and other vegetation cause about one third of all electric outages and preventative pruning is necessary to insure uninterrupted electric service. For more information, click here.