Is the current unsavory climate just due to hard times or a sign of things to come?

[senior citizen]

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[Cobh521]

Crime does exist everywhere and I truly believe The Villages is a very safe community. With advancements in technology, we are hearing about it immediately. I believe this is a good thing. I also believe that the current economy is a contributing factor, as well as the cutting of unemployment benefits. I do not believe unemployment should be paid to people who do not work but there are some people who really need it. Hopefully our economy will turn around and some problems will be resolved

[Bogie Shooter]

Is the unsavory climate just a sign of hard times or a sign of things to come?


Comments

This is a thread from 2009. So the answer is No & No.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/recent-robberies-tv-20121/index12.html

[collie1228]

Frankly, the bomb threat is not as big a concern for me as the brazen nature of the other recent crimes. A mugging/purse snatching, with injuries, in broad daylight in a mall parking lot is scary on every level. The burglary with people sleeping in the house was brazen, as was the burglary when the residents were in church. I've always felt safe in the bubble, but I feel much less safe now. I think that the local low-life's may now be recognizing the population of TV as ripe targets, which tells me we probably need a larger, more visible police presence, expanded community watch, more surveillance cameras, etc. As a libertarian it pains me to think this way, but that's what I'm feeling right now.

[stroglass]

As new resident I am feeling a bit concerned about all the news of crime .I know crime happens every where and being from the nj NY area we are aware of the low life that are present in our communities but When I pick the villages as my new home it was partly because of the low crime . The most disturbing is the mugging as a woman who goes out alone this is very unnerving. I Hope the powers that be will want to ramp up security for all of us and we should be on the watch as well

[graciegirl]

I am guessing that all of the kick ins were caused by the same folks.


I think we have an excellent protection in all of our law enforcement organizations and this "wave" of crime will soon be figured out and the culprits caught.


Never underestimate the combined powers of all of our observant natures.


They caught the person who stole things from the occupied home last week and they arrested the guy who did the bomb scare in December.

[Bogie Shooter]

As new resident I am feeling a bit concerned about all the news of crime .I know crime happens every where and being from the nj NY area we are aware of the low life that are present in our communities but When I pick the villages as my new home it was partly because of the low crime . The most disturbing is the mugging as a woman who goes out alone this is very unnerving. I Hope the powers that be will want to ramp up security for all of us and we should be on the watch as well

What do you mean when you say "ramp up security"?
They have just added 10 more deputies to the Sumter county Sheriff's Department.

[tucson]

There's a lot of drug dealing and drug addicts here and everywhere, first of all. That's the main reason for break-ins, muggings, robberies, shoplifting, etc.etc, etc. Let's not pretend that we are free of it just b/c we live in a pretty community. Just be aware of everything in and around your daily activities. I've been a victim of a break-in and also a physical attack yrs ago,(not in TV) and b/c of the bad experience it has made me very cautious all the time when around ppl I don't know. Be also aware of the fact that anyone can drive through TV neighborhoods, the word is out re;the fact that 100,000+ retired folks live here with a lot of assets. The thieves know this also, just be ALERT. We must not be in denial that all is safe in "the bubble".

[gomoho]

This is a thread from 2009. So the answer is No & No.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/recent-robberies-tv-20121/index12.html

Thanks Bogie - very interesting information that just goes to show us this is nothing new and will probably not be the end of the world since it's been going on since 09!

[TheVillageChicken]

I have lived in the French Quarter of New Orleans, so this is like Beavercleaverville to me.

[lightworker888]

I don't think it is about more or rising crime, but more about our awareness and info about what is going on. How we each choose to respond will dictate how it will affect each of us.

My strategy is to note what is going on and to do my best to keep it on the back burner of my consciousness so that it doesn't become the focus of my thoughts and attention, or the focus of my conversation.

That helps me to keep out of fear and allows me to respond rather than to react which usually gives me a better outcome. At least that has been my experience in general. For me, negative feelings do not support my well being and only serve to take me down paths that don't serve me.

Still looking forward to our return to TV which I feel is still safer than most cities of the same size.

Enjoy the sunshine! We are still in the wind and snow.

LW888

[MikeV]

You think it is bad here - I am from Albany NY a crime infested cesspool. I love it here and I am not afraid.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thanks Bogie - very interesting information that just goes to show us this is nothing new and will probably not be the end of the world since it's been going on since 09!

No, not going on.........................it happened in 2009.

[graciegirl]

No, not going on.........................it happened in 2009.

As you have posted this thread occurred in 2009;


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/recent-robberies-tv-20121/index12.html


And then there was a few years of relative calm, and now we are having another batch of people stealing things from homes.


Even with this happening this is far safer than most places.

[shankerman]

My security system includes a 9mm semi-auto pistol and a 38 special revolver. The 38 is lighter and easier for the wife to handle.

[buggyone]

My security system includes a 9mm semi-auto pistol and a 38 special revolver. The 38 is lighter and easier for the wife to handle.

Remember that shooting a target at a gun range is 100 percent different than shooting at a human while under stressful circumstances.

[Jejuca]

When we first came to The Villages we were surprised at how many people left their houses unlocked and golf carts in their driveways with the keys in ignition.
After 40 years in law enforcement my husband says that criminals will take advantage of the easiest target and some of us do provide the perfect opportunity for them.
There is far less crime here than in most areas and luckily for us it is rarely violent in nature.
Bomb threats are common now even if you don't hear of them. Most communities do not respond as cautiously as The Villages did by emptying the town squares so we never even know they have happened.

[billethkid]

repeating again, the incidents most talked about are for the size of the population, isolated incidents.

Over our ten year period here I would estimate that 50% or more of the incidents discussed could have been eliminated with common sense.

I don't find that I made any changes to my lifestyle regarding security as a result of living in FL, specifically in the bubble of TV. Like most warm climate areas the home style living is more open. Add to that our age group and what it brings (make your own list).

I recall reading an article about a small midwest town that was all concerned about it's increasing crime rate. As it turned out there was actually a reduction over a multiple year period. What did change was the instant availability of information technology available to almost every resident.
The conclusion was just more people becoming aware of what was going on....and the major amplifier of it being discussed as we do on TOTV for example.

TV is no less safe from crime than when we came here 10 years ago. For other than crime related safety TV has in fact improved during that same period.

[Bogie Shooter]

When we first came to The Villages we were surprised at how many people left their houses unlocked and golf carts in their driveways with the keys in ignition.
After 40 years in law enforcement my husband says that criminals will take advantage of the easiest target and some of us do provide the perfect opportunity for them.
There is far less crime here than in most areas and luckily for us it is rarely violent in nature.
Bomb threats are common now even if you don't hear of them. Most communities do not respond as cautiously as The Villages did by emptying the town squares so we never even know they have happened.

In the Daily Sun article regarding the bomb threat, Villages officials and Lady Lake police indicated they did not clear the square. They were quoted saying some business's did close and entertainment ended early. They went futher that this was counter to what was being posted on some media.
Once again the ole rumor mill just kept chugging along.:sigh:

[gomoho]

No, not going on.........................it happened in 2009.

Thank you for clearing up my misunderstanding.

[Happydaz]

I lived for over ten years in bucolic Vermont and remember how safe we all felt. We didn't lock our doors and there were very few burglaries or major crimes committed. An Associated Press article in today's Daily Sun shattered my view of Vermont when I read of the major heroin problem Vermont is having. The article states that "Nearly everyday, police across Vermont are responding to burglaries or armed robberies investigators believe are prompted by the unslakable hunger for money to feed heroin or pill habits." To think I once thought of retiring to Vermont! The Villages may be seeing The same problem Vermont has with people stealing things to feed a drug habit. Hopefully our problem stays smaller than Vermont's. Let's hope the police catch these people as soon as possible.

[NotGolfer]

I think our community is probably like most any other in the nation. I believe we do need to be aware of our surroundings at all times and not relax because we think T.V. is safer than other places. We moved from a small (12K) town in the Midwest...we had drugs, gangs in the schools, crime etc there as well. For a time we had break-in's into homes (even while folks were there) during the day. I remember being warned about keeping purses on our bodies (not in the shopping cart) while shopping because there were robberies that way too. I know of this type of thing happening in even smaller communities as well.

Maybe, it's a sign of the times or maybe it's just that there are people with evil intent everywhere. To criticize our community is probably out of line. It's not the developer's fault nor our police force that this is happening. Just my 2-cents worth........

[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[Happydaz]

Further reading in that AP article talks of "Heroin, painkiller abuse stirs battle cry in Vermont." The governor of Vermont, Peter Shumlin devoted almost his whole State of the State address to this drug abuse problem. Who would think that Vermont would have such a serious problem? If they start robbing tourists the state could be in serious trouble as so much of Vermont's economy depends upon tourism. Let's hope we can nip this recent spate of buglaries here in the Villages so we don't end up with a much more serious problem that Vermont is experiencing.

[jblum315]

Oh, Vermont has been a druggie haven for many years. Since the 60's in fact, when it was famous for its many hippie compounds.

[Bogie Shooter]

Is the unsavory climate just a sign of hard times or a sign of things to come?


Comments

My information came from the newspaper in 2014

Yes, I understand. Your posted quote came from the newspaper, I could tell as it has been posted several times by other posters.
You asked the question above. My link posted, came from 2009 to point out to you that what we are experiencing is not due to "hard time" or "a sign of things to come". Why? Because we had the same thing happen in 2009.
There was alot of hand wrenching and concern that TV was too criminal a place to move to, everybody should go out and buy a gun and alarms systems. Four years have passed with little or no more break-ins. Now there are a couple of "no gooders" breaking in houses............they too will be caught. And this too, shall pass.

[rubicon]

This appears to be a popular topic because there have been several threads with this theme or themes related to protecting your homes from burglars

Is it a real problem or like when you notice a blue car all of a sudden you notice more and more blue cars?

[jbdlfan]

Here are some sobering statistics.... Sumter County had 158 Burglaries from January to June of 2013. Of those, only 26 occurred within any of the municipalities in the county. If, as some suggest, none of those occurred within the borders of TV, that is a high number for the rest of the county based on population. Now, in 2012, the value of just the jewelry stolen was nearly $750,000. Looking at these statistics, knowing the rest of the county the way I do, I would deduct that there have been break-ins all along but under reported or not reported. As for the state of the economy causing this, the local economy outside TV has been depressed since prior to 2009.

[gomoho]

I can't buy the "state of the economy" argument here. Look at the employment possibilities available - if you want to work. That is the problem - these thugs don't want to work they want to take the stuff you worked for. Lousy SOB's.

[2BNTV]

As long as there are people who don't want to work and are poor, there will always be crime. TV, has very little crime.

I believe that Xmas exercebated the need, to take things for the money. They have caught two perps, and going forward, I'm sure anyone, who continues in this mode of operation, will be arrested also.

I feel safe, in comparison to where I previously lived, but it doesn't hurt to be vigilant in keeping one doors locked, so one is not an easy target.

Always be aware of what is going on around you when shopping, and not have valuables exposed in one's cars. It's better to open the trunk, and store your goods there.

Just my cents worth........

[buggyone]

2BNTV gives great advice about staying cautious.

The towns around us (Wildwood, Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, etc) are definitely economically depressed. That does make the possibility that some of those people will turn to crime. As there are more poor people, more crime occurs.

[Bogie Shooter]

Here are some sobering statistics.... Sumter County had 158 Burglaries from January to June of 2013. Of those, only 26 occurred within any of the municipalities in the county. If, as some suggest, none of those occurred within the borders of TV, that is a high number for the rest of the county based on population. Now, in 2012, the value of just the jewelry stolen was nearly $750,000. Looking at these statistics, knowing the rest of the county the way I do, I would deduct that there have been break-ins all along but under reported or not reported. As for the state of the economy causing this, the local economy outside TV has been depressed since prior to 2009.

Where do I find these statistics? In particular the $750,000 number.

[graciegirl]

As long as there are people who don't want to work and are poor, there will always be crime. TV, has very little crime.

I believe that Xmas exercebated the need, to take things for the money. They have caught two perps, and going forward, I'm sure anyone, who continues in this mode of operation, will be arrested also.

I feel safe, in comparison to where I previously lived, but it doesn't hurt to be vigilant in keeping one doors locked, so one is not an easy target.

Always be aware of what is going on around you when shopping, and not have valuables exposed in one's cars. It's better to open the trunk, and store your goods there.

Just my cents worth........


These are the kinds of posts that help us all; fair, reasonable, considered, not dramatic or inflammatory or looking for accolades.


Most of us here are on the very same page as you Joe.


And I believe this too will pass. I will look to the news media for accurate information and keep my fingers crossed that the law enforcement here will continue to find and arrest the bad guys....and girls.

[yabbadu]

WOW...Have never had my head in the sand compared to some of these posts.....The Villages are way below the crime level you find elsewhere. Don't panic, just be smart about your home, your personal items and your safety.
Do NOT spread fear! Remember that the bad guys are everywhere and want what you have. I LOVE my bubble!!!!!

[jbdlfan]

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/b67a4d44-9ea4-49d4-ad98-19c9a704ee24/Sumter12.aspx


Where do I find these statistics? In particular the $750,000 number.

[ilovetv]

The current "unsavory climate"?? "Climate" affects an entire region including every person and household in it.

The entire Villages region extending about 16 miles north to south and about 11 miles east to west certainly does not have a "climate of crime" that affects all of us 100,000 residents in it. It has incidents of crime weekly, that affect a few people/homes weekly.

Anywhere in the USA, senior citizens have been seen as easy targets by swindlers and thieves who break and enter, for a long time now. The incidence of crime against seniors here is probably no worse than any other city of 100,000 people, and actually, it's probably less crime here because of the density of homes/neighbors, and because of the way everybody's around with their eyes wide open during the day, and most of us are intent upon keeping TV pristine and peaceful and safe.

With the crimes that have occurred, it is time that naysayers take their heads out of the sand and stop rolling their eyes and acting like people who install alarm systems are nuts or paranoid or are throwing away their money. Professionally installed, monitored alarm systems are serious, reliable protection whether in city or countryside, and people need to lock their doors religiously and be on the lookout for their neighbors.

[sueandskip]

Crime does exist everywhere and I truly believe The Villages is a very safe community. With advancements in technology, we are hearing about it immediately. I believe this is a good thing. I also believe that the current economy is a contributing factor, as well as the cutting of unemployment benefits. I do not believe unemployment should be paid to people who do not work but there are some people who really need it. Hopefully our economy will turn around and some problems will be resolved

With all the employment opportunities there In the Villages now with all the building if these people can't find a job its because they don't want one...Jobs are available to those who really want one...I work at UPS and we are hiring in every field nation wide so is Fed Ex, Old Daminion...Dock jobs, drivers, office, management...Some people make excuses and some just like to whine...

[senior citizen]

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[The Buckeyes]

With all the employment opportunities there In the Villages now with all the building if these people can't find a job its because they don't want one...Jobs are available to those who really want one...I work at UPS and we are hiring in every field nation wide so is Fed Ex, Old Daminion...Dock jobs, drivers, office, management...Some people make excuses and some just like to whine...

If you are talking a package car driver UPS only hires one person off the street for every seven drivers hired. The remaining six come from the part time ranks although there are what is called free periods where adjustments are made but, those people are not always kept.

[Suzi]

I have been reminded by someone to "not look like a target". If you are in frail health and still prefer to do your own shopping etc, consider carrying pepper spray. Have it on your keychain and in your hand ready to use as you leave or approach your car.
If you have grown-up or have lived in a big city, don't forget your "city smarts". Be aware of the people around you.
Security for our homes makes sense to give us peace of mind. This is a new world out there. Drugs do bad things to people. Won't go into political/societal feelings I have, but I don't think you can look at previous statistics and compare 5 years ago to today. Unless you plan to be an activist against drugs, the best you can do for yourself is to be aware of your surroundings, if you feel safer - travel in groups, get some security for your home so that you feel comfortable in your own sweet home and pray that your guardian angel watches over you.

[SteveBressi]

There are a couple of things in play here. Yes we are having a wave of burglaries in the Villages around Pinellas Rd right now. I agree with others that it is likely the same party and they will eventually be caught. It should be noted that there is and has been a level of crime in the Villages. It is just that the developer kept this a secret through his owned media. Now we have independent media sources sprouting up, such as the new Villages News Website, that reports everything - good and bad. Bottom line is that the level of crime remains very low in the Villages. Considering we have over 50,000 homes and around 100 Thousand people, this is one of the safest communities around. However as the Villages grows and its notoriety increases, the number of incidents will naturally increase. People need to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves, just as they did before moving here. One other thing - the fact that someone is entering homes by merely kicking doors in does not say much for the quality of the doors installed by the Developer.

[buggyone]

Perhaps at the pre-build meetings, home buyers could request a heavier duty door with special deadbolt locks? Sounds like a decent option to be offered.

Maybe a partnering with an alarm company to have optional alarm systems built in instead of an add-on?

[janmcn]

Perhaps at the pre-build meetings, home buyers could request a heavier duty door with special deadbolt locks? Sounds like a decent option to be offered.

Maybe a partnering with an alarm company to have optional alarm systems built in instead of an add-on?


There are no more pre-build meetings. All homes are built as specs. Any changes would have to be done after closing.

As was pointed out on another thread, the door frames are built of styrofoam, so the doors may not be the problem.

[senior citizen]

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[bonrich]

I feel the safety would be in the construction of the entry way. Front door should be a solid wood component, with suitable rough-in framing to handle a heavier door. If there are side lights, partial or full glass inserts, then a protective film over the glass to stop or slow down the breaking in. All screws for the dead bolt and entry hardware should be at least a 1 1/2" to 2" driven into a double 2x4 rough door opening.
Since we are a "one door" entry houses, other than the lanai sliders, that door should be substantial. Lanais can be beefed up some way to slow or stop entry. Windows would be the next safety issue, which can be set up with a safety film and sensors.
As I looked over my comment, it is upsetting to have to resort to this. Many of the residents have left that kind of atmosphere for a safer and happier place. Just should not be.

[janmcn]

We think of Styrofoam as something a cheap cooler would be made of.
Such as that which Omaha Steaks sends their frozen meats in via UPS.
The door frames in TV are made of Styrofoam????


I realize it's a warmer climate and you don't need to seal the house from the freezing temperatures such as we do, but styrofoam?

Do you mean plastic? Like a fake façade??? Not wood framing around doors. Thanks for any enlightenment on the door frames.


p.s. I cannot find the other thread with the mention of Styrofoam on the door frames.



https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sanibel-break-sunday-jan-12-10%3B00-100965/

Post #4

[ajbrown]

There are no more pre-build meetings. All homes are built as specs. Any changes would have to be done after closing.

As was pointed out on another thread, the door frames are built of Styrofoam, so the doors may not be the problem.

I think they mean the metal doors are filled with Styrofoam or some other material that has insulating qualities. The door frames are not Styrofoam.

[bonrich]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sanibel-break-sunday-jan-12-10%3B00-100965/

Post #4

Now, some interior doors have a foam filler. 2 x 3's making a frame with interior bracing and then filling in the openings with foam. Then puttting a veneer exterior. Helps to give the door some strength, rigidity, and helps with the noise issue, making it sound more "solid".
Our older homes would have a solid wood door, with construction as a 4 or 6 panel, with no fillers.
You remember!!

[billethkid]

you will also find that a fair amount if not most of the woodwoork and trim around the doors (and elsewhere) are compressed styrofoam....not wood.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just checked the trim and frame around my entry doors..........all wood.
Trim around windows........wood.
Trim and frame around interior doors........wood.

[gomoho]

Just checked the trim and frame around my entry doors..........all wood.
Trim around windows........wood.
Trim and frame around interior doors........wood.

You have trim around your windows???

[Bogie Shooter]

You have trim around your windows???

Well, its actually where the plantation shutters are.

[tommy steam]

With all the employment opportunities there In the Villages now with all the building if these people can't find a job its because they don't want one...Jobs are available to those who really want one...I work at UPS and we are hiring in every field nation wide so is Fed Ex, Old Daminion...Dock jobs, drivers, office, management...Some people make excuses and some just like to whine...

My take on this is that the people doing this are drug addicts .

[Bonanza]

[QUOTE=senior citizen;812868]Is the unsavory climate just a sign of hard times or a sign of things to come?

Between the nine home break ins and the mugging at TJMaxx, plus a few other happenings......is the "bubble" really safe?
I've always perceived it to be safer than the rest of Florida.......



Whoa . . . Let's not get carried away and run scared. Let's think about this for a moment. 9 break-ins since Christmas? Yes, any break-in is unnerving. The Villages is not immune from this kind of thing, but take a look at the statistics. How many homes are in the Villages? Frankly, I really don't know but I'll guess 50,000. Heck -- we're big enough to have two zip codes, so in reality, the percentage is really low, compared to most places.

I believe these incidents have happened in areas where currently, there is new construction going on or at least close to the new construction. Logic says that the culprets probably work in the construction trade or are some type of service person.

So let's not panic. Be aware of your suroundings; that means be a nosey neighbor and look out your windows! In the evening, light is always a deterrent. Going out? Close your blinds. Don't "hide" your jewelry in your sock or underware drawer. Keep your doors locked.

Don't get a false sense of security from the entry gates into communities. Our streets are public and the "manned gates" are a joke. The same is mostly true of an alarm system unless you have a 'good' camera to back it up. By the time the cops come, the bad guys are long gone.

Turn any anger or uncomfortable feelings and thoughts into something constructive. Let's not get paranoid. If we are all diligent, we can help one another.

[senior citizen]

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[senior citizen]

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[Vladimir]

There's a lot of drug dealing and drug addicts here and everywhere, first of all. That's the main reason for break-ins, muggings, robberies, shoplifting, etc.etc, etc. Let's not pretend that we are free of it just b/c we live in a pretty community. Just be aware of everything in and around your daily activities. I've been a victim of a break-in and also a physical attack yrs ago,(not in TV) and b/c of the bad experience it has made me very cautious all the time when around ppl I don't know. Be also aware of the fact that anyone can drive through TV neighborhoods, the word is out re;the fact that 100,000+ retired folks live here with a lot of assets. The thieves know this also, just be ALERT. We must not be in denial that all is safe in "the bubble".

So true - criminals go to the money areas.

[RhondaJones]

So let's not panic. Be aware of your suroundings; that means be a nosey neighbor and look out your windows! In the evening, light is always a deterrent. Going out? Close your blinds. Don't "hide" your jewelry in your sock or underware drawer. Keep your doors locked.

Don't get a false sense of security from the entry gates into communities. Our streets are public and the "manned gates" are a joke. The same is mostly true of an alarm system unless you have a 'good' camera to back it up. By the time the cops come, the bad guys are long gone.

Turn any anger or uncomfortable feelings and thoughts into something constructive. Let's not get paranoid. If we are all diligent, we can help one another.

Great tips that everyone should be following for sure. The more aware everyone is, the harder it will be for these criminals to keep going as they are.

Here's a few more safety ideas...

Keep ALL your doors locked. Criminals love it when they can just waltz right in your home.

I don't recommend keeping your valuables in the sock drawer, but if you MUST keep them in the house, keep them somewhere other than the master bedroom. Sometimes criminals will ransack the master bedroom and leave the others alone or not search them as thoroughly.

Keep the front of your home lit-up at night. The majority of residential burglaries and home invasions occur by kicking the front door open. Keep in mind the above mentioned cockroach theory about lights.

Use motion sensor lights in your back yard and on the sides of your house. Remember: Criminals will usually avoid lights at night. Motion activated lights sometimes gives the appearance that the homeowner is home and alert to something going on. They also alert you when someone is somewhere where they’re not supposed to be. They also aid police when searching for criminals on the run.

Keep your shades or drapes closed when not at home and at night when you are home. Being able to see inside your house will make it easier to see what kind of “stuff” you have inside. It also keeps the criminal from seeing the lay-out of the interior and possibly your routines.

Keep your garage door closed when not outside or working in your garage. Criminals are after property that can be easily obtained with a fast getaway.
If you go in and out through your garage, make sure the door is completely shut before you leave your driveway or enter your house. Criminals will wait for the opportunity to slip into your garage once you’re driving away or inside the house before the door closes.

Security screen doors. Security screen doors are not fool-proof, but they allow you to keep your door open while maintaining security. At night, keep the front porch light on and the interior entrance dark. It’s easy for you to see through the screen door if the interior entrance is dark, but almost impossible to see through standing in a bright area.

Never open the door without knowing exactly who’s on the other side. Use the door’s peep-hole, if equipped, or a side window. If a person is asking for help or for you to call the police, ask why?

Keep ALL the shrubs around the house cut or trimmed. Don’t give criminals a place to hide!

Keep side gates locked at all times. It may pose an inconvenience, but the idea is to make it harder for criminals to get to the back of your house where they can’t be seen by neighbors.

If you have a Neighborhood Watch Program, get involved. At least get to know your neighbors. A nosy neighbor can be an asset.

Keep in mind: If a criminal wants to get into your house or car bad enough, he/she will find a way. It’s your job to make it as difficult for them as possible.