Sumter County Sheriff Office Update

[swimdawg]

This morning we had an extremely positive and informative meeting with Lt. Hayworth from the Sumter County Sheriff's office. I explained that it would be wonderful to be notified directly from the Sumter Sheriff's Office regarding criminal activity and direct online notifications from the sheriff.

I also explained that I've been talking to TOTV Admin here and unfortunately, they do not have an RSS feed so the updates could be populated automatically.

Lt. Hayworth explained that at the end of this month, there will be major changes in the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. They will be transferring to a new operating system from a national vendor called "SMART COP". It will be a complete transition.

I asked him if he would be willing to contact AngieFox to give weekly updates (after I asked Angie to kindly be the contact person since I am in Swimdawg North most of the time). He agreed to call Angie every Monday and she will give weekly updates from the Sumter County Sheriff's Office here on TOTV.

Lt. Hayworth was very informative and kind to spend over 45 minutes with us. He had a wealth of information and there's not enough room on this post for everything. He emphasized V.O.P. Be VIGILANT; Be OBSERVANT; Be PERSISTENT (and a little patient as well). Burglars operate out of opportunity. Lock your doors.....car door, house doors; don't leave anything of value in your golf cart. BE VOP!

He did mention that most of the burglaries do happen in the newer areas where building is still going on.

He was a wealth of information. It was truly an hour well spent.

And YES! TV is certainly one of the safest areas to live in..........but we can't let down. We must be VOP

[tialarre]

Thank you so much for the info. We just purchased in Collier and after these postings lately, I have been very nervous to move in.

[mulligan]

You're kidding, right ??

[angiefox10]

This morning we had an extremely positive and informative meeting with Lt. Hayworth from the Sumter County Sheriff's office. I explained that it would be wonderful to be notified directly from the Sumter Sheriff's Office regarding criminal activity and direct online notifications from the sheriff.

I also explained that I've been talking to TOTV Admin here and unfortunately, they do not have an RSS feed so the updates could be populated automatically.

Lt. Hayworth explained that at the end of this month, there will be major changes in the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. They will be transferring to a new operating system from a national vendor called "SMART COP". It will be a complete transition.

I asked him if he would be willing to contact AngieFox to give weekly updates (after I asked Angie to kindly be the contact person since I am in Swimdawg North most of the time). He agreed to call Angie every Monday and she will give weekly updates from the Sumter County Sheriff's Office here on TOTV.

Lt. Hayworth was very informative and kind to spend over 45 minutes with us. He had a wealth of information and there's not enough room on this post for everything. He emphasized V.O.B. Be VIGILANT; Be OBSERVANT; Be PERSISTANT (and a little patient as well). Burglars operate out of opportunity. Lock your doors.....car door, house doors; don't leave anything of value in your golf cart. BE VOB!

He did mention that most of the burglaries do happen in the newer areas where building is still going on.

He was a wealth of information. It was truly an hour well spent.

And YES! TV is certainly one of the safest areas to live in..........but we can't let down. We must be VOB!

I think we all felt the time was well spent!


I felt it was a very productive meeting. While I'm not happy about the break-ins. I felt reassured that this is a problem that appears to be connected to new construction and, while everyone needs to keep their ears and eye open, those of us south of 466A need to be particularly mindful of who is in our hoods!

I know I've talked to a lot of people who sleep with their windows open and don't lock their doors. Lt. Hayworth said that while we live in a VERY safe place it's always prudent to lock up. The best deterrent is a locked door.

Lt. Hayworth suggested that when you leave your home you keep a TV or radio on... People will think you are just in the back of the house and don't hear the door.

He mentioned that too people don't lock up their golf clubs and that people feel so safe here, they leave their wallets and purses in their open carts. This IS one of the safest places to live, however, He said we are way too trusting and invite crime by not doing due diligence.

[angiefox10]

I'm sorry... one more thing.

When you hear about the break-ins. Send that information to the contact person in your hood to forward to the rest of the neighborhood. Not everyone reads TOTV and it's important that everyone know what's going on. You will be amazed at how fast those emails travel

Also, if you want to know about a break in you can call 452-459-1600 and ask for records. They will be able to give you that information.

[samhass]

Swimdawg and AngieFox .

[Bonanza]

While most of the break-ins have been occurring during the day, don't kid yourself, it will happen at night. Yes, of course locked doors are a deterrent lights are second best.

Our regulations say we cannot have a lamp post in the back yard because the light will bother neighbors. I don't know of anyone who sleeps with their blinds or drapes open. The rule is ridiculous because the back of our homes is desolate and extremely dark. Personally -- I have never lived anywhere without a light in the rear of my house. We also put our front door/garage lights on an in-the-wall timer so they are on every evening. For the few extra cents -- better safe than sorry.

[graciegirl]

While most of the break-ins have been occurring during the day, don't kid yourself, it will happen at night. Yes, of course locked doors are a deterrent lights are second best.

Our regulations say we cannot have a lamp post in the back yard because the light will bother neighbors. I don't know of anyone who sleeps with their blinds or drapes open. The rule is ridiculous because the back of our homes is desolate and extremely dark. Personally -- I have never lived anywhere without a light in the rear of my house. We also put our front door/garage lights on an in-the-wall timer so they are on every evening. For the few extra cents -- better safe than sorry.



We have had back lights attached to the back of BOTH of our Villages homes. Maybe a light post is not allowed but lights attached to your home are allowed. More lights make all property safer.

[gomoho]

While most of the break-ins have been occurring during the day, don't kid yourself, it will happen at night. Yes, of course locked doors are a deterrent lights are second best.

Our regulations say we cannot have a lamp post in the back yard because the light will bother neighbors. I don't know of anyone who sleeps with their blinds or drapes open. The rule is ridiculous because the back of our homes is desolate and extremely dark. Personally -- I have never lived anywhere without a light in the rear of my house. We also put our front door/garage lights on an in-the-wall timer so they are on every evening. For the few extra cents -- better safe than sorry.

I sleep with my blinds open as well as my window. I have a very large dog that sleeps under that window. So if someone was creeping around out back he would surely alert. Why not get a solar motion detector light to put on the back of your house that will shine brightly if someone is back there.

[graciegirl]

I'm sorry... one more thing.

When you hear about the break-ins. Send that information to the contact person in your hood to forward to the rest of the neighborhood. Not everyone reads TOTV and it's important that everyone know what's going on. You will be amazed at how fast those emails travel

Also, if you want to know about a break in you can call 452-459-1600 and ask for records. They will be able to give you that information.



I quote Meta Mintons updates so that the verbage doesn't get changed. If not then it becomes like the game of telephone. I heard, she said, it was reported. Meta Minton is very precise and trustworthy.


Jewelry stolen in latest burglary in The Villages

January 13, 2014 By Meta Minton (http://www.**************.com/author/meta-minton/) 13 Comments (http://www.**************.com/jewelry-stolen-latest-burglary-villages/#comments)
Jewelry was stolen from a home sometime Sunday morning in the 500 block of Callahan Drive in the Village of Charlotte.
The front door of the home was kicked in sometime while the homeowners were out between 8:45 and 10 a.m., said Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff’s. The sheriff’s office was contacted at 10:29 a.m. that morning.
It appeared that the burglars also gained access to a safe stored in a spare bedroom closet. It was unclear what was removed from the safe.
This makes nine burglaries which have taken place in roughly the past two months in The Villages.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
• Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
• Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
• Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
• Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
• Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
• Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
• Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
• Jan. 3 a lanai screen was cut in a home in Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores. An arrest in that case was made Friday.
Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe urges Villagers to take advantage of the sheriff’s free home inspection program. Through it, a member of the sheriff’s office will visit a home and provide tips on securing the home. You can schedule an appointment by calling 689-4600.
He added that neighbors looking out for neighbors is also effective.

[TVMayor]

I'm sorry... one more thing.

When you hear about the break-ins. Send that information to the contact person in your hood to forward to the rest of the neighborhood. Not everyone reads TOTV and it's important that everyone know what's going on. You will be amazed at how fast those emails travel

Also, if you want to know about a break in you can call 452-459-1600 and ask for records. They will be able to give you that information.
I would think in this day and age daily records would be available on line as public records. I guess I am wrong again.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office provides this, the page is refreshed ever 60 seconds.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office (http://www.vcso.us/ActiveCalls/)

I would think Sumter County could out due Volusia County (Daytona Beach, Deland area). I guess I am wrong again.

[DianeM]

I hate hearing this crime going on. Doesn't make me a happy camper. I do have to say though that I can't believe people have to be told something as basic as to lock the doors and windows. Really? ???? The Villages is safer than a lot of places but it's not Mayberry circa 1950.

[angiefox10]

We had gone to the Sheriffs office hoping to be able to get something "real time" as has been suggested. Since I and some others live in the area hardest hit, we have tried to post on TOTV "real time" to get the word out, and to be honest.... it is a daunting task.... There are people on TOTV who don't want to believe we may have a problem in The Villages and have tried to discredit us.

As Karen posted, the Sheriffs office is in the process of putting systems together so we can get this information online "real time". The solution we came up with, until that happens, is that they would call me on Monday's and let me know what has happened in The Villages in the past week and I would post here and send out to my contacts in various neighborhoods so they could in turn send out to their contacts and their neighborhoods.

There appears to be some concern about my getting the information out. So, I would ask you....How many of you would like this information posted on TOTV?

If you really don't want to have this posted, maybe I can just send it via email to those who want the information. I'm OK with it either way.

[samhass]

I would think in this day and age daily records would be available on line as public records. I guess I am wrong again.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office provides this, the page is refreshed ever 60 seconds.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office (http://www.vcso.us/ActiveCalls/)

I would think Sumter County could out due Volusia County (Daytona Beach, Deland area). I guess I am wrong again.

Angie..could you inquire about this?
Also, after reading your last post, I would like to know these things as soon as you know them. Thank you again for your efforts.

[angiefox10]

Angie..could you inquire about this?

This is what they are working to put in place. It's not there yet.

It's EXACTLY what they are working on!

[duffysmom]

Thank you Karen and AngieFox.

[mrdarcy]

Angie,
Please post the break-in information on TOTV, at least until the sheriff's office can provide it directly on their website. In my neighborhood I'll make sure to pass it on. And, thank you for being willing to provide the updates as a means to help us be more vigilant.

[kittygilchrist]

OP, Ya think? Absolutely yes.
What is the matter with people who think somebody else is on watch and they are not required to participate...?

[swimdawg]

:Screen_of_Death:OP, Ya think? Absolutely yes.
What is the matter with people who think somebody else is on watch and they are not required to participate...?
"I heard that a neighbor took a photo with his phone of the vehicle and the police viewed the gate photos and have ID'd the car......that's what I heard 'on the street'. for what it's worth."
street is the best news I've heard.

Are we really this wussie to not gather ourselves up against this? I am disappointed with the head in the sand, somebody else's job, let the police, don't panic, etc.

Get up and do something, neighborhood! Let's ride those carts all over, OK? How about committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood.


I wish I was here longer to ride around my community and yours as well, KittyG. I love your idea of committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood. It doesn't necessarily have to be your hood. Great idea!

Even though I'm in TV for a mere week a month, I will drive around. Can't hurt....might help! And don't forget those 3 letters that Lt. Hayworth drilled into our heads earlier today....VOP!

[graciegirl]

:Screen_of_Death:
I wish I was here longer to ride around my community and yours as well, KittyG. I love your idea of committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood. It doesn't necessarily have to be your hood. Great idea!

Even though I'm in TV for a mere week a month, I will drive around. Can't hurt....might help! And don't forget those 3 letters that Lt. Hayworth drilled into our heads earlier today....VOB!




Visit Our Bathroom?:angel:

[swimdawg]

Visit Our Pathroom?:angel:

Lt. Hayworth was very informative and kind to spend well over 45 minutes with us. He had a wealth of information and there's not enough room on this post for everything. He emphasized V.O.P.
Be VIGILANT; Be OBSERVANT; Be PERSISTENT (and a little patient as well). Burglars operate out of opportunity. Lock your doors.....car door, house doors; don't leave anything of value in your golf cart. BE VOB!

He did mention that most of the burglaries do happen in the newer areas where building is still going on.

He was a wealth of information. It was truly an hour well spent.

And YES! TV is certainly one of the safest areas to live in..........but we can't let down. We must be VOP!

[Virtual Geezer]

[QUOTE=swimdawg;811248]
I also explained that I've been talking to TOTV Admin here and unfortunately, they do not have an RSS feed so the updates could be populated automatically.

QUOTE]

Karen
I have an RSS feed set up to forward all NEW postings only to my e-mail. You could also set it up to notify you on your smart phone of new postings. Now at one time the feed was almost instantly passed along but now it is a lot slower. Not sure what happened along the way.

VG

[swimdawg]

[QUOTE=swimdawg;811248]
I also explained that I've been talking to TOTV Admin here and unfortunately, they do not have an RSS feed so the updates could be populated automatically.

QUOTE]

Karen
I have an RSS feed set up to forward all NEW postings only to my e-mail. You could also set it up to notify you on your smart phone of new postings. Now at one time the feed was almost instantly passed along but now it is a lot slower. Not sure what happened along the way.

VG

Hi John,
I passed on what Lt. Hayworth said to TOTV Admin. I admit to not being a techie ....like my pal, John, is. I know you've got a lot on your plate right now...or I would ask you to help out. Lt. Hayworth said this new SMART COP System is going to change everything in Sheriff's Office...big time. I'll keep you posted via PM. :)

Thank you soooo much.
Karen

[gpirate]

OP, Ya think? Absolutely yes.
What is the matter with people who think somebody else is on watch and they are not required to participate...?

Doubt they will ever break into your home. A big dog is great for keeping crime low. I have two boxers and even my neighbors are afraid to come into the house if we are not home. I might add the neighbors love them both when we are there with them.

[Indydealmaker]

While most of the break-ins have been occurring during the day, don't kid yourself, it will happen at night. Yes, of course locked doors are a deterrent lights are second best.

Our regulations say we cannot have a lamp post in the back yard because the light will bother neighbors. I don't know of anyone who sleeps with their blinds or drapes open. The rule is ridiculous because the back of our homes is desolate and extremely dark. Personally -- I have never lived anywhere without a light in the rear of my house. We also put our front door/garage lights on an in-the-wall timer so they are on every evening. For the few extra cents -- better safe than sorry.

Motion Detector Lights are very inexpensive.

[Bogie Shooter]

:Screen_of_Death:
I wish I was here longer to ride around my community and yours as well, KittyG. I love your idea of committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood. It doesn't necessarily have to be your hood. Great idea!

Even though I'm in TV for a mere week a month, I will drive around. Can't hurt....might help! And don't forget those 3 letters that Lt. Hayworth drilled into our heads earlier today....VOP!

I wonder if the Sheriff's Department would have anything to say about these citizen patrols?

[swimdawg]

Doubt they will ever break into your home. A big dog is great for keeping crime low. I have two boxers and even my neighbors are afraid to come into the house if we are not home. I might add the neighbors love them both when we are there with them.

Lt. Hayworth said that it's a surprising fact that if you have dog/dogs, they are sometimes not the best crime deterrents. I personally know of a case where a gal had a terribly noisy dog. The gal was being stalked for quite some time and the dog would bark like mad. But....when the stalker broke into her house in the middle of the night, the dog never barked once. So......please don't rely on a dog.

[swimdawg]

Motion Detector Lights are very inexpensive.

It's true!!!! Lt. Hayworth recommended motion detectors. I put one in the front. I'll put another in my back yard area.

He also recommended noise in the house.....leaving TV/radio on while you're outside the house.

He mentioned cameras in the house as well. I have a couple cameras that I'm having a terrible time installing. If I can ever get them to work, I will be able to monitor Swimdawg South while I'm in Swimdawg North.....using iPhone/iPad. He recommended the cameras and said they are reasonable.

[Matzy]

Motion detected lights are very effective and easy to install. We have experience about that after break ins when we lived in Miami, FL.

[angiefox10]

I completely forgot about the dog question and it WAS my question. I figured that since I had two dogs my house would be pretty safe. Lt. Hayworth told us the story of the police officer who had a police dog in his home. He said the dog was trained to protect. The dog slept through a burglary.

He did say that The Villages is VERY safe and that he was in fact moving his family closer to The Villages for that reason.

He was very excited about SMART COP and felt that once it is implemented, we will get real time information regarding crime in The Villages. The more we know the better we can protect ourselves.

[Matzy]

THANK YOU for the updates and thanks for all which are watching for neighbors to keep our area's safe.

[swimdawg]

I completely forgot about the dog question and it WAS my question. I figured that since I had two dogs my house would be pretty safe. Lt. Hayworth told us the story of the police officer who had a police dog in his home. He said the dog was trained to protect. The dog slept through a burglary.

He did say that The Villages is VERY safe and that he was in fact moving his family closer to The Villages for that reason.

He was very excited about SMART COP and felt that once it is implemented, we will get real time information regarding crime in The Villages. The more we know the better we can protect ourselves.

ABSOLUTELY!!!! The Villages is an extremely safe place to live.

[kittygilchrist]

sorry all you starry eyed mythwishers.
we have real criminals and real crime.
I am single got home tonight where construction is every day across the street, but WHY ARE THEY Loading a truck at 9 pm. My mouthy dog and I confronted, the best I heard was "SCRAP"...they were loading SCRAP and could not tell me who they work for.
I got most of the tag number.
God bless my dog, she did not let up.
I'm calling this in asap.
keep on your toes, villages, we can get rid of the enemy.

[angiefox10]

sorry all you starry eyed mythwishers.
we have real criminals and real crime.
I am single got home tonight where construction is every day across the street, but WHY ARE THEY Loading a truck at 9 pm. My mouthy dog and I confronted, the best I heard was "SCRAP"...they were loading SCRAP and could not tell me who they work for.
I got most of the tag number.
God bless my dog, she did not let up.
I'm calling this in asap.
keep on your toes, villages, we can get rid of the enemy.

Loading scrap at 9PM at night.. Can't tell you who they work for??

Go get em!!!!

[Lpierleo]

Thank you so much to both Angie and Swimdawg for all your efforts! I certainly appreciate any updates you will provide on TOTV! Also, many thanks to Kitty for her persistence! Way to go!:bigbow:

[tommy steam]

I sleep with my blinds open as well as my window. I have a very large dog that sleeps under that window. So if someone was creeping around out back he would surely alert. Why not get a solar motion detector light to put on the back of your house that will shine brightly if someone is back there.

I think the motion detector is really the way to go. If anyone is creeping around the back of you home , the turning on of the light will surely make them get out of dodge quickly.

[tommy steam]

When I am outside of my house and I see a car or work truck drive by, I look directly at the driver and give a little wave. I'm just letting them know that I've seen you. I don't know if this does anything but I think anyone with bad intentions just might think twice if they were seen.

[swimdawg]

I wonder if the Sheriff's Department would have anything to say about these citizen patrols?

I believe it is the VIGILANT and OBSERVANT part of the Sheriff's advice. He really drilled it into our heads.... VOP....Be Vigilant, Observant and Persistent.

I really thought KittyG's idea was great. Nothing official........ be aware.

As a team, we will catch these creeps.........and continue to make our wonderful community safe and sound.

[Bay Kid]

While most of the break-ins have been occurring during the day, don't kid yourself, it will happen at night. Yes, of course locked doors are a deterrent lights are second best.

Our regulations say we cannot have a lamp post in the back yard because the light will bother neighbors. I don't know of anyone who sleeps with their blinds or drapes open. The rule is ridiculous because the back of our homes is desolate and extremely dark. Personally -- I have never lived anywhere without a light in the rear of my house. We also put our front door/garage lights on an in-the-wall timer so they are on every evening. For the few extra cents -- better safe than sorry.

I have motion detection lights on the rear.

[graciegirl]

I have motion detection lights on the rear.



Fairly inexpensive and very effective. Low life's don't like lots of light on them.


Have the sheriff come to your home, there are things that they tell you that need not be broadcast on here.


Also, if you see something suspicious, either look like you are taking pictures with your phone or do the real thing.


And then call the sheriff's office and tell them. There are those who do pick up scrap and they may be stealing but that act is not as bad as breaking in and stealing. We have witnessed scrap pickers here at new construction a lot over time.

[angiefox10]

I have given it some thought and think it's best to post the Monday information from the Sheriffs office through a email distribution.

I am already sending that information out to my neighborhood contact who is distributing it to my neighbors as well other neighborhood contacts in the area.

From the emails, PM's and FB notes I've received, many of you are already on that list . For those of you who are not.... Send me a PM with your email address and I will be happy to forward you the information.

I hope soon that they get SMART COP up and running... so we can all go on there and get the information "real time" But until then... we will have to do it via email.

We (Karen and I) thank you for your appreciation of this effort. I applaud Karen for putting this together. The idea was/is to get the information out to as many people as possible, in as short a time as possible. We are still working to that end.

Thank you all,
Angie and Karen

[Indydealmaker]

What is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.

[cquick]

Thank you so much for the info. We just purchased in Collier and after these postings lately, I have been very nervous to move in.

I think The Villages is VERY SAFE! Everyone needs to be a little self protective no matter whether you live in a city, in the mountains, on an island......

[HMLRHT1]

:agree::agree:What is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.

[samhass]

What is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.


To each their own. I prefer to know what is going on. If I stick my head in the sand I may become complacent and may not be as vigilant. Quasi-activism? I think the ladies have been quite active in trying to get info out to those that want it. I'm sorry you have chosen to label their efforts as pure bull. Why? If it brings comfort to some and harm to none, what is the problem?

[Bogie Shooter]

What is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.

I agree. What is the benefit of knowing an hour after a breakin occurred? If there are people who are not practicing what Indy says above........is an email going to make them?
If I get an email today, tomorrow and the next day, what am I going to do different?

[DianeM]

what is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.

Amen. All this is doing is making me jumpy and not want to leave the house. Lock the doors and windows of your home and car and pay attention. Use the alarm system if you have one. Common sense goes a long way.

[mulligan]

If you are that interested in real time information, why not get a scanner and program in all 3 counties plus the city police ??

[swimdawg]

The last thing I would want to do is frighten people. I hope I have emphasized that TV is one of the safest places to live. Yes!

The idea was to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods.

In my initial thread (Crime Deterrent?), Bogie Shooter said I should share my idea with the Sheriff's Dept. Voila! I did.

Rubicon said my idea was a very good suggestion. And suggested the simplest way was to have TOTV add a thread devoted entirely to this agenda. I also did that. I contacted TOTV Admin and they offered a dedicated forum or sub forum to post the information.

After all the controversy on this forum, I notified TOTV Admin and thanked him for his offer, but AngieFox will give direct notifications via email rather than posting on this forum.

I have noticed that Gracie has been giving updates on criminal activity on this forum........and keeping us up with what has been going on in our community.

My purpose for going to the Sheriff was to share my ideas and get his ideas as well. I was hoping that thru this online notification, we would build a happier and safer place to call home....NOT to frighten people.

We do live in a very safe area. However, education about deterring criminal activity is a good thing.

[EAMJC]

I would like to be informed

thanks

[dotti105]

I appreciate your efforts to get the word out to all. I DO WISH IT WAS A POST ON THE FORUM.

I personally get lots of emails from our neighborhood group which contains social events, golfing tee times, pickleball invites etc. I am afraid that an email update from our neighborhood might be overlooked as we receive so many.

I do certainly feel that we, as a community, need to be aware of crime in our area. I know that I would be even more VOP if I knew that crime was on the upswing in my backyard. And that a break in occurred very recently. I am sure that any of us would. No matter how vigilant, observant and persistent we are at present.

Rumors are a fact of life in any world with more than 2 individuals. That we cannot change. That is another reason for a direct post each week. No "telephone game".

Love the idea of the motion sensor lights, inexpensive and certainly a deterrent.

There is no need for hysteria, but certainly foolish to put your head in the sand and pretend that these crimes have not been committed, here in our community, and that we are not in need of communication regarding these crimes.

Thanks so much, Angie and others, for attending and being willing to pass along accurate information in a timely fashion!

[angiefox10]

What is the purpose of getting alerts reporting breakins other than pure gossip? Why not just start doing the things that we all should have been practicing all along. Lock the doors. Pay attention. Watch out for your neighbors. Security cameras. Motion lights. Security systems. Double barrel shotguns. This is the world we live in. Nothing new. All of this quasi-activism is pure bull.



I agree. What is the benefit of knowing an hour after a breakin occurred? If there are people who are not practicing what Indy says above........is an email going to make them?
If I get an email today, tomorrow and the next day, what am I going to do different?

So you will be aware of the areas that are targeted. So that you will pay closer attention to what's going on. So that you will be a good neighbor. Both of you may already be watching out for your neighbors... I suspect you do. But for those who aren't aware... Now they know.

Someone posted about questioning workers and preventing them from working.... Oh well... One of the posters saw people hauling items off from a lot at 9:00 PM at night. She stopped them and asked questions. I'm thinking that's the kind of neighbor I want! As long as we are looking out for each other and people know it... it could be a deterrent.

I don't know if anyone remembers when the appliances were being stolen from the new homes. I was at the pool and some people were talking about it. They weren't aware of the situation and walked in on the people who were stealing the appliances. Because they didn't know the situation they talked to the people and were told they work for the contractor. The Villagers didn't give it a second thought. Those people could have been caught a lot sooner had people been informed.

One of my neighbors was on vacation when an unmarked van parked at their home and the house was open. I got pictures of the plates. NO... Their home wasn't being invaded, they were getting new floors. But had anything been stolen. I had a plate!

It just might be that if you are informed you will know the kind of car that is doing the burglaries, and pay attention, if you see that car in your neighborhood.

There is a good chance they will get the people who broke into the last home. Someone saw the car! I feel confident they will be caught because someone was aware...

I will continue to "gossip"... I will just do it privately.

You're welcome....

[kstew43]

sorry all you starry eyed mythwishers.
we have real criminals and real crime.
I am single got home tonight where construction is every day across the street, but WHY ARE THEY Loading a truck at 9 pm. My mouthy dog and I confronted, the best I heard was "SCRAP"...they were loading SCRAP and could not tell me who they work for.
I got most of the tag number.
God bless my dog, she did not let up.
I'm calling this in asap.
keep on your toes, villages, we can get rid of the enemy.

confronting them at 9pm alone was crazy........you just never know......better idea is to walk on get the plate, and call the police and wait till they arrive. Don't take your life in your hands.....

[Bogie Shooter]

I do sense a bit of paranoia as this thread progresses.

[kittygilchrist]

You know, I could have used better judgment and gotten backup and all that. I've been a criminal investigator, worked with hundreds of crazies and inmates, know where the nearest gun is within my reach, trotted out with my big dog barking. I could've been wrong that those folks would go away...and next time I hope I have full time neighbors on speed dial. I can take correction, but hey, some of us would rather be a dead hero.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, here is a thread with 114 posts from 2009 when there was a rash of break-in's.
Same scenario, you will even see very similiar opinions posted then as on this thread.
Seems that the bad guys come and go........................
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/recent-robberies-tv-20121/index12.html

[Bogie Shooter]

If you really, really want to know in a hurry.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/items-sale-villages-florida-83/scanner-bearcat-350a-101374/

[smcgirl]

Thank you very much for great information.Good details.Even the responses were well kind and appreciative..well almost.

[graciegirl]

Yes, here is a thread with 114 posts from 2009 when there was a rash of break-in's.
Same scenario, you will even see very similiar opinions posted then as on this thread.
Seems that the bad guys come and go........................
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/recent-robberies-tv-20121/index12.html



I just reread this thread. Eerily similar.

[Indydealmaker]

I just reread this thread. Eerily similar.

Sounds like somebody got 3 to 5 years with time off for good behavior.

[Mr.Kris]

got home tonight where construction is every day across the street, but WHY ARE THEY Loading a truck at 9 pm. My mouthy dog and I confronted, the best I heard was "SCRAP".

I am personally aware of instances where thieves would come by at night to recently constructed homes and remove the appliances (scrap). In fact I know of one couple that went through their walk-through and asked why there were no appliances. When the realtor checked with the developer, it turned out that the appliances had been delivered days before and the scrappers had come by the night before the walk-through and removed them.

A house does not have to be occupied to have items of value to thieves.

Kitty. I hope your dog is named "magnum," as in 44.

[swimdawg]

As the OP on this thread, I really want to re-emphasize how truly safe The Villages is. It is much, much safer than any other community of this size. I was so very impressed with Sumter County Sheriff's office....and their Crime Specialist. We have the best here!

I look back at the time when I was thinking of buying here .....before, during and after. Maybe hearing about these burglaries would have scared me a bit......but I would still want to be aware.

TV is a wonderful, fun, safe place to live. However, we must be Vigilant, Observant and Persistent. Lt. Hayworth, I listened!

[Carl in Tampa]

Kitty. I hope your dog is named "magnum," as in 44.

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his pack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?", he hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The kind of people that would name a Rottweiller Jesus."

:1rotfl:

[angiefox10]

As the OP on this thread, I really want to re-emphasize how truly safe The Villages is. It is much, much safer than any other community of this size. I was so very impressed with Sumter County Sheriff's office....and their Crime Specialist. We have the best here!

I look back at the time when I was thinking of buying here .....before, during and after. Maybe hearing about these burglaries would have scared me a bit......but I would still want to be aware.

TV is a wonderful, fun, safe place to live. However, we must be Vigilant, Observant and Persistent. Lt. Hayworth, I listened!

First... Thank you Carl for a little bit of levity.

When I first came on TOTV I saw nothing but posts about how wonderful The Villages is and how nothing bad EVER happens in The Villages. This is true... It is wonderful. But telling everyone that NOTHING bad ever happens here leads them to be careless, thus making us easy targets. I don't mean to imply the people who were victims of the break ins were careless... But we have all not paid as much attention to what's going on around us like we should.

When this first started, several of us tried to come on here and tell people. It was hard because at that time, it wasn't even in The Villages News. So, one by one, we were shot down.

Finally it came out in the news and people believed us... After how many homes were broken into????

Karen and I went to the Sheriffs office to find out what we could do about the burglaries in our neighborhoods. As she pointed out in an earlier post, some of the people who are trying to dissuade us now, are the same people who encouraged us to do this.

Karen invited everyone on TOTV to join us there for the meeting. How many people do you think showed up?

As Karen stated, Lt. Hayworth spoke to us for almost an hour. He gave us a lot of good information. He wanted to do everything he could, to help us help him, stop the break ins. We gave you much of it and for our efforts many of you have mocked us

Let me explain this to you as nicely as I can... I don't care! This is my home and I will do everything I can to protect it! I will not stop as long as people's home are being broken into! I will not! I want every news article that Gracie posts! I want any scanner that someone hears! I want any news we can get from the VCDD! I want any information we can get from the Sheriffs office! I want all the information I can get to protect myself AND my neighbors from crime in The Villages!

This IS a safe place to live! I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!

Capish????

That is all!

[kittygilchrist]

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his pack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?", he hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The kind of people that would name a Rottweiller Jesus."

:1rotfl:

hehah, really? Carl u are making my day at 10 p.m. well done. that is so funny.

[kittygilchrist]

I am personally aware of instances where thieves would come by at night to recently constructed homes and remove the appliances (scrap). In fact I know of one couple that went through their walk-through and asked why there were no appliances. When the realtor checked with the developer, it turned out that the appliances had been delivered days before and the scrappers had come by the night before the walk-through and removed them.

A house does not have to be occupied to have items of value to thieves.

Kitty. I hope your dog is named "magnum," as in 44.

My puppy is Emma. She's a great Beard. She is only as aggressive as the situation warrants.

[swimdawg]

When I first came on TOTV I saw nothing but posts about how wonderful The Villages is and how nothing bad EVER happens in The Villages. This is true... It is wonderful. But telling everyone that NOTHING bad ever happens here leads them to be careless, thus making us easy targets. I don't mean to imply the people who were victims of the break ins were careless... But we have all not paid as much attention to what's going on around us like we should.

When this first started, several of us tried to come on here and tell people. It was hard because at that time, it wasn't even in The Villages News. So, one by one, we were shot down.

Finally it came out in the news and people believed us... After how many homes were broken into????

Karen and I went to the Sheriffs office to find out what we could do about the burglaries in our neighborhoods. As she pointed out in an earlier post, some of the people who are trying to dissuade us now, are the same people who encouraged us to do this.

Karen invited everyone on TOTV to join us there for the meeting. How many people do you think showed up?

As Karen stated, Lt. Hayworth spoke to us for almost an hour. He gave us a lot of good information. He wanted to do everything he could, to help us help him, stop the break ins. We gave you much of it and for our efforts many of you have mocked us

Let me explain this to you as nicely as I can... I don't care! This is my home and I will do everything I can to protect it! I will not stop as long as people's home are being broken into! I will not! I want every news article that Gracie posts! I want any scanner that someone hears! I want any news we can get from the VCDD! I want any information we can get from the Sheriffs office! I want all the information I can get to protect myself AND my neighbors from crime in The Villages!

This IS a safe place to live! I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!


I found it surprising that some of the very posters who suggested that I take my ideas to the Sheriff's Dept (which I did) and said that my idea was a good idea.... were the very ones who gave me a hard time......once I followed their advice. I was shaking my head and saying, "I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't." Sometimes ya just can't win! Maybe some posters are trying to stir the pot? Ya think????

That being said, thank to you on TOTV who showed gratefulness via posts and/or PM's. I am glad that I did contact the Sheriff and had the meeting with their Crime Specialist. IF the information given to us and shared with you can prevent one burglary (or robbery :icon_wink:), it will all be worth it.

Karen

[angiefox10]

I just sent an email out to those who requested it. If you gave me your email address and you didn't receive an email from me, please give me your email again. I received so many... I'm afraid I may have missed some.

Thanks for all your support in this.

You know what they say... The more you know.....

Angie

[CFrance]

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his pack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?", he hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The kind of people that would name a Rottweiller Jesus."

:1rotfl:

I just sent this to 80 of my closest friends.:clap2::clap2:

[BettyCrocked]

Angie and Swimdawg, thanks so much for your efforts. It doesn't take a whole lot of common sense to know WHY people need to be kept aware of what is going on. As I'm sure the police officer told you, many crimes are solved because someone saw something and didn't think a thing about it until they found out a crime had occurred. Happens all the time with burglaries.
Don't let the haters stop you, (I guess January ends a couple of weeks early in Florida) many appreciate your efforts and understand why they are needed.

[samhass]

First... Thank you Carl for a little bit of levity.

When I first came on TOTV I saw nothing but posts about how wonderful The Villages is and how nothing bad EVER happens in The Villages. This is true... It is wonderful. But telling everyone that NOTHING bad ever happens here leads them to be careless, thus making us easy targets. I don't mean to imply the people who were victims of the break ins were careless... But we have all not paid as much attention to what's going on around us like we should.

When this first started, several of us tried to come on here and tell people. It was hard because at that time, it wasn't even in The Villages News. So, one by one, we were shot down.

Finally it came out in the news and people believed us... After how many homes were broken into????

Karen and I went to the Sheriffs office to find out what we could do about the burglaries in our neighborhoods. As she pointed out in an earlier post, some of the people who are trying to dissuade us now, are the same people who encouraged us to do this.

Karen invited everyone on TOTV to join us there for the meeting. How many people do you think showed up?

As Karen stated, Lt. Hayworth spoke to us for almost an hour. He gave us a lot of good information. He wanted to do everything he could, to help us help him, stop the break ins. We gave you much of it and for our efforts many of you have mocked us

Let me explain this to you as nicely as I can... I don't care! This is my home and I will do everything I can to protect it! I will not stop as long as people's home are being broken into! I will not! I want every news article that Gracie posts! I want any scanner that someone hears! I want any news we can get from the VCDD! I want any information we can get from the Sheriffs office! I want all the information I can get to protect myself AND my neighbors from crime in The Villages!

This IS a safe place to live! I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!

Capish????

That is all!

We really need a "like" button.

[JB in TV]

We really need a "like" button.

Sometimes it is a good idea, and other times not so good. On some forums I frequent, many posters actually ask for people to click their "like" button, or reputation button. It can create an atmosphere that I'm guessing most of us would not want here. Personally, I believe that thanking someone in a post or PM is the way to go here.

But that is not the topic of this thread.

Karen and Angie, I appreciate (and know everyone else does as well) what you have done for those of us who couldn't attend the Sheriff's briefing.

[jbdlfan]

First... Thank you Carl for a little bit of levity.

When I first came on TOTV I saw nothing but posts about how wonderful The Villages is and how nothing bad EVER happens in The Villages. This is true... It is wonderful. But telling everyone that NOTHING bad ever happens here leads them to be careless, thus making us easy targets. I don't mean to imply the people who were victims of the break ins were careless... But we have all not paid as much attention to what's going on around us like we should.

When this first started, several of us tried to come on here and tell people. It was hard because at that time, it wasn't even in The Villages News. So, one by one, we were shot down.

Finally it came out in the news and people believed us... After how many homes were broken into????

Karen and I went to the Sheriffs office to find out what we could do about the burglaries in our neighborhoods. As she pointed out in an earlier post, some of the people who are trying to dissuade us now, are the same people who encouraged us to do this.

Karen invited everyone on TOTV to join us there for the meeting. How many people do you think showed up?

As Karen stated, Lt. Hayworth spoke to us for almost an hour. He gave us a lot of good information. He wanted to do everything he could, to help us help him, stop the break ins. We gave you much of it and for our efforts many of you have mocked us

Let me explain this to you as nicely as I can... I don't care! This is my home and I will do everything I can to protect it! I will not stop as long as people's home are being broken into! I will not! I want every news article that Gracie posts! I want any scanner that someone hears! I want any news we can get from the VCDD! I want any information we can get from the Sheriffs office! I want all the information I can get to protect myself AND my neighbors from crime in The Villages!

This IS a safe place to live! I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO KEEP IT THAT WAY!

Capish????

That is all!

Sooooo, let me get this straight. When folks originally posted on here that there were break-ins here and there, SOME said "Don't pay attention to this gossip or rumors until it is confirmed by the Sheriff's Office." Sooooo, you go to the Sheriff's Office, IN PERSON and talk to them to confirm everything. Then .....you will get confirmation directly from the Sherriff's Office about any new activity in order to pass on ACCURATE information and now that's a problem??????? Geesh, I sure hope the Sherriff never starts posting on here directly, he won't stand a chance......
Please, by all means, keep us informed in any way possible.
And, thank you for your due dilegence in the face of such scrutiny.

[Marlo]

I for one want to say THANK YOU for all your efforts. I also find it sad when someone comes on to "help" people and are shot down for it. I know there are rumors, I realize not everything is correct but at least it makes us all aware instead of living in the bubble and assuming everything is always OK.

Thanks so much for trying to raise awareness.

[Indydealmaker]

I find it disappointing and more than a little odd that people can reach our age and not already know the cautions and precautions that are being offered by the police department. This kind of information is what we taught our children decades ago.

Equally distressing is when people who feed on drama fan the flames of panic and rumor. I am sure they believe that they are being helpful, and I commend them for their intentions, but if you see a crime or suspect you have useful information, call a cop. THEY will investigate. THEY will talk to your neighbors. THEY are trained to extract information from potential witnesses. Everyone else, calm down and go play golf.

Less than a dozen burglaries in a community of over 60,000 homes within an even larger tri-county area is not a crime wave.

[Bogie Shooter]

I find it disappointing and more than a little odd that people can reach our age and not already know the cautions and precautions that are being offered by the police department. This kind of information is what we taught our children decades ago.

Equally distressing is when people who feed on drama fan the flames of panic and rumor. I am sure they believe that they are being helpful, and I commend them for their intentions, but if you see a crime or suspect you have useful information, call a cop. THEY will investigate. THEY will talk to your neighbors. THEY are trained to extract information from potential witnesses. Everyone else, calm down and go play golf.

Less than a dozen burglaries in a community of over 60,000 homes within an even larger tri-county area is not a crime wave.

:mademyday:

[golf2140]

I find it disappointing and more than a little odd that people can reach our age and not already know the cautions and precautions that are being offered by the police department. This kind of information is what we taught our children decades ago.

Equally distressing is when people who feed on drama fan the flames of panic and rumor. I am sure they believe that they are being helpful, and I commend them for their intentions, but if you see a crime or suspect you have useful information, call a cop. THEY will investigate. THEY will talk to your neighbors. THEY are trained to extract information from potential witnesses. Everyone else, calm down and go play golf.

Less than a dozen burglaries in a community of over 60,000 homes within an even larger tri-county area is not a crime wave.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Moderator]

This thread has devolved into a back and forth about who posts and why.

Please, let's get back to the original topic about information provided by the Sheriff's office. If nothing new on the subject exists, we can just close the thread.

[swimdawg]

This thread has devolved into a back and forth about who posts and why.

Please, let's get back to the original topic about information provided by the Sheriff's office. If nothing new on the subject exists, we can just close the thread.

Thank you!

:) Karen

[Down Sized]

I find it disappointing and more than a little odd that people can reach our age and not already know the cautions and precautions that are being offered by the police department. This kind of information is what we taught our children decades ago.

Equally distressing is when people who feed on drama fan the flames of panic and rumor. I am sure they believe that they are being helpful, and I commend them for their intentions, but if you see a crime or suspect you have useful information, call a cop. THEY will investigate. THEY will talk to your neighbors. THEY are trained to extract information from potential witnesses. Everyone else, calm down and go play golf.

Less than a dozen burglaries in a community of over 60,000 homes within an even larger tri-county area is not a crime wave.

Sure, unless four of the break-ins are within three blocks of YOUR house. Easy for you to say!

[kittygilchrist]

oohrah mod. here's a picture of the kia soul. damn the torpedoes, Angie. (it's just a movie quote...) full speed ahead...


https://www.google.com/search?q=kia+soul+black&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=nJzYUqDfFaajsQSFx4GIDA&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=768

[Mr.Kris]

Being aware of what has happened, and what is happening, your surroundings, is called situational awareness in the military.

It doesn't matter how old you are, how long you have been in the military, it is a constant drumbeat because unless you are constantly vigilant you stand to lose a lot, maybe your life.

A lot of military resources are devoted to situational awareness because that is how you defeat the enemy.

No different here except on a smaller scale.

[kittygilchrist]

Mr. K., a lot of people here have lost their nerve and just want to peek out from behind the curtain till somebody else makes the bad thing go away. I'm living here and seeing that some in my own community are afraid of a neighborhood watch.
I'm disappointed with my neighborhood response and I'm going out to look for the culprits. We need to know what to DO and NOT do..
so here is a manual of info:

http://www.usaonwatch.org/assets/publications/0_NW_Manual_1210.pdf

[CFrance]

Mr. K., a lot of people here have lost their nerve and just want to peek out from behind the curtain till somebody else makes the bad thing go away. I'm living here and seeing that many in my own community do not want to even talk about neighborhood watch.
I'm disappointed with my neighborhood response and I'm going out to look for the culprits.

Take Emma. Make her bark.

[kittygilchrist]

Take Emma. Make her bark.

Cyndy, Emma picks up the vibe and knows when it's time to make some noise. I'm so proud of her ability to challenge, as she is normally quiet and gentle. and way better behaved than me. I am reasonably sure she would escalate to protect me.
I so appreciate the law enforcement notices we are getting. I hope to buy a scanner tomorrow.

[sgiamp1]

Cyndy, Emma picks up the vibe and knows when it's time to make some noise. I'm so proud of her ability to challenge, as she is normally quiet and gentle. and way better behaved than me. I am reasonably sure she would escalate to protect me.
I so appreciate the law enforcement notices we are getting. I hope to buy a scanner tomorrow.

If I'm correct, a scanner won't do you much good in Sumter County as they are encrypted. (I believe you can monitor Marion County transmissions if you'd like though.)

[kittygilchrist]

If I'm correct, a scanner won't do you much good in Sumter County as they are encrypted. (I believe you can monitor Marion County transmissions if you'd like though.)

thanks for the information.

[Down Sized]

.....