Things disappear…or do they? I like to think we live in a relatively safe community especially compared to many of the places we all left. But THEFT is a crime of opportunity. So, when opportunity knocks, people usually open the door.
Think about it…how many times have you left your garage door wide open while you mow around back or go inside and have lunch and get distracted by the game on the TV? While you’re not paying attention there could be people perusing the neighborhood just looking for that tool or item sitting right there ready for the taking.
Construction sites are constantly the victim of theft of materials. There have also been recent thefts at the various boat docks throughout the Village. A battery here, a part here, what’s next? Or for many folks, do you even know if something is missing?
Some food for thought:
- Know what you have and where you put it.
- Check on it periodically to make sure it’s still there.
- Don’t leave things unattended on the driveway or around the house.
- Don’t leave your house unsecure for anyone to enter (and that goes for your cars too).
- Lock it up.
- If it is valuable to you, it is valuable to a thief.
If you see someone malingering around your neighborhood or in an area that they likely don’t belong, keep a watchful eye on them. It’s okay to say something like “Can I help you?” just to make them aware that you are paying attention. They are probably up to no good and are going to leave the area because you have confronted them.
Watch out for your neighbors also. Maybe your neighbor is out of town or even just not home for the afternoon. Our first line of defense is each other.
What to do if you see something suspicious or a crime happening:
- Call 911
- Make sure to write down or take pictures with your phone of any suspicious individuals, vehicles or tag numbers.
- Forward that information on to law enforcement and then to your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.
