To the editor:

On Sunday, Feb. 27., at 3:30 a.m., the police were called because we had people on the roof of 820 Mass. I would like to compliment the police department as they made a valiant attempt to apprehend the intruders. In the end, they ultimately were not caught, but the police were great in their response and diligence.

We, as citizens, business owners, property owners and residents of downtown need to make a concerted effort to keep everyone off the roofs of the buildings. There is a hazard to everyone walking on the street. There is a great potential for property damage. Most of all there is a strong potential for injury or death to someone falling off a roof.

It will be very sad for everyone if we wait until someone falls to their death or suffers lifelong injuries caused by falling off a roof. I am writing this to create a greater public awareness of this problem. It is not a new problem but it seems to be growing and the potential is quite horrific.

The only solution to this problem is for a concerted effort by all landlords and tenants to report anyone on the roofs. The police are working hard but they need the help and cooperation of everyone downtown.

George F. Paley,

Lawrence