Crime will increase next month. It does every year in October.

[graciegirl]

As the high season nears, those of us who live here full time will begin noticing crimes increasing.

In October and November some of the criminals look to get away from the cold and snow. We will soon see gypsies pan handling and we will hear of break-ins. I don't sell cameras or security wear so please don't think that is the reason I ask you to think about it, if you don't have it. Our village is wired and lit and photographed up to our nostrils. I hope your village is too.

If you see anyone who doesn't belong in your village who looks out of place, call the sheriff or Village Watch who will probably call the sheriff because they really don't have much power.

There are the regular garden variety criminals from all points north of here and they will be coming to take things of value. Some are the usual bad guys and some come all the way from Europe; gypsies. If you object to the word gypsy, than use the word "traveler", but they come to this country in October of every year and they come to Florida in droves and they steal things.


Beware Traveling Scammers, Sheriff's Office Warns | Tampa, FL Patch (https://patch.com/florida/southtampa/beware-gypsies-travelers-sheriffs-office-warns)

‘Traveling Gypsy Crime Group’ Targeting Elderly In Hialeah << CBS Miami (https://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/02/15/elderly-targeted-in-scams-by-traveling-gypsy-crime-group/)

Gypsies suspected in string of Central Florida crimes - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-gypsy-crime-wave-20150223-story.html)

Be Wary Of Scheming Gypsies - tribunedigital-sunsentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1997-01-02/news/9612310564_1_gypsies-palm-beach-police-burglary)

[diane reynolds]

Fear of people other than those who look like "us" is a recipe for disaster. Please look at people for who they are, not who you think they are.

[Chatbrat]

The "travelers" are multi-generational scam artists in Ireland they were the "tinkers"--fixing driveways, giving a deal on something you don't need--the latest gypsy scam-a car taps you in the rear as you leave your care the passenger in the car that hit you steals your car

[CWGUY]

As the high season nears, those of us who live here full time with begin noticing crimes increasing.

In October and November some of the criminals look to get away from the cold and snow. We will soon see gypsies pan handling and we will hear of break-ins. I don't sell cameras or security wear so please don't think that is the reason I ask you to think about it, if you don't have it. Our villages is wired and lit and photographed up to our nostrils. I hope your village is too.

Remember I told you so when the break-in's start next month...be prepared. Not many...but for us it is always startling, we are used to not much crime here.

If you see anyone who doesn't belong in your village who looks out of place, call the sheriff or Village Watch who will probably call the sheriff because they really don't have much power.

If you object to the word gypsy, than use the word "traveler", but they come to this country in October of every year and they come to Florida in droves. And so do the criminals from the north, damn them.

Not to be confused with our much loved snowbirds. (We have all been snowbirds) and the ones from Fruitland Park who are called "Fruit Flies".

Fear of people other than those who look like "us" is a recipe for disaster. Please look at people for who they are, not who you think they are.

:ohdear:NOT questioning something or someone that looks out of place is a recipe for possible disaster. SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING.:thumbup:

[graciegirl]

If you see something, say something.

[ColdNoMore]

Fear of people other than those who look like "us" is a recipe for disaster. Please look at people for who they are, not who you think they are.

I applaud you for seeing through the 'dogwhistle'...and standing up. :thumbup:

[Bucco]

Fear of people other than those who look like "us" is a recipe for disaster. Please look at people for who they are, not who you think they are.

Thanks for being an "adult in the room" and recognizing that everyone who doesn't look like you is not bad.

[graciegirl]

Thanks for being an "adult in the room" and recognizing that everyone who doesn't look like you is not bad.

A few clues to spot a non villager in The Villages.

They look very different than this;

Nicely dressed older people - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Nicely%20dressed%20older%20people&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&pq=nicely%20dressed%20older%20people&sc=0-27&sk=&cvid=7A521385C7E1431E9B1B7D82E91CD8D6)

Call the sheriff and have her ask unknown people what they are doing looking for their lost snake between the houses.

[CWGUY]

:ohdear:Life is not all roses and Bailey Shakes! Listen to the people that you pay to protect you and your loved ones. They do a GREAT job, are highly trained, and are professional...... even if some don't like them.:police:


SCSO-See Something Say Something - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMGZDtTwqyk#action)

[Gpsma]

As the high season nears, those of us who live here full time will begin noticing crimes increasing.

In October and November some of the criminals look to get away from the cold and snow. We will soon see gypsies pan handling and we will hear of break-ins. I don't sell cameras or security wear so please don't think that is the reason I ask you to think about it, if you don't have it. Our villages is wired and lit and photographed up to our nostrils. I hope your village is too.

Remember I told you so when the break-in's start next month...be prepared. Not many...but for us it is always startling, we are used to not much crime here.


If you see anyone who doesn't belong in your village who looks out of place, call the sheriff or Village Watch who will probably call the sheriff because they really don't have much power.

If you object to the word gypsy, than use the word
"traveler", but they come to this country in October of every year and they come to Florida in droves and they steal things.. And so do the criminals from the north, damn them.

Not to be confused with our much loved snowbirds. (We have all been snowbirds) and the ones from Fruitland Park who are called "Fruit Flies".

Please site your sources. Without sources, this post is hyperbole and smacks of racism.

[ColdNoMore]

Please site your sources. Without sources, this post is hyperbole and smacks of racism.

Nailed it. :thumbup:

[Tom C]

I believe the OP meant to make people more aware of their surroundings and to help prevent anyone form being taken advantage of. I believe no other intent.

simply put - take good care of yourself and if you need help, please call for help.

[graciegirl]

Please site your sources. Without sources, this post is hyperbole and smacks of racism.

A long life with many experiences. It is your summary that "This post is hyperbole and smacks of racism". I am a bright qualified person.

[Chi33]

Everyone profiles and those who say they don't are liars also.

Just be safe.

[graciegirl]

'Legendary' gypsy arrested in Orlando - tribunedigital-orlandosentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-05-10/news/os-gypsy-arrest-brenda-miguel-20100507_1_new-jersey-warrant-gypsy-undercover-detective)

[Gpsma]

A long life with many experiences. It is your summary that "This post is hyperbole and smacks of racism". I am a bright qualified person.

I think before you casually raise a crisis in crime, you need a more reliable source than saying youre old and bright.

Do you have any sources from the local sheriffls departments?

[Bucco]

A few clues to spot a non villager in The Villages.

They look very different than this;

Nicely dressed older people - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Nicely%20dressed%20older%20people&qs=n&form=QBIR&sp=-1&pq=nicely%20dressed%20older%20people&sc=0-27&sk=&cvid=7A521385C7E1431E9B1B7D82E91CD8D6)

That doesn't mean that the ones who don't look like villagers are all bad. It just means you are smart enough to have some questions about why they are smoking pot in your driveway having a skeleton tattoo on their bald head and big black earrings inserted into large holes..... But best not to ask them. Call the sheriff and have her ask them what they are doing looking for their lost snake between the houses.

Sarcasm noted.

A quick story.....2001....we had just settled on our first home here in The Villages (Santiago to be specific). Designer neighborhood. Each evening since we moved in, I took a walk around our new neighborhood and enjoyed waving and exchanged pleasantries with our new neighborhood.

I made a turn and saw the red lights of a patrol car. Curious I walked that way, as the car was leaving leaving a couple standing where I was walking. They were upset and began talking a mile a minute. Seems they had also just moved in about a week before and were out for their FIRST walk around when suddenly they had a police car (Sumter County) pulling up and asking them where they lived, etc. They had a call of "suspicious folks" in the neighborhood.

The couple was black and he was a practicing attorney in Virginia and was irate. He said the police were very nice and showed great courtesy to his wife who was very upset.

I worked at the time in the sales office in Spanish Springs and saw him come in the next day to speak with his representative. I was told, but cannot verify, that he sold and left back to VA.

I know or hope I do what the real intent was but this is a real story, told many times all over our country and being different does not mean trouble. Fact is, in my opinion, the opposite is true in most cases.

My story does not speak to ALL Villagers at all, nor is it intended but seems on TOTV and in conversations, we make such generalizations that are just not necessary.

And TOM C in post 12 probably nails it but I always take offense to characterizing people in such generalities as "who doesn't belong in your village who looks out of place". While those who say, "if you see something, say something" are correct, the "SOMETHING" is subject to a lot of interpretation...lots.

In my business life and political life, stories are rampant how allowing personal prejudice influence you is a dangerous business.

[graciegirl]

Gypsy Family Arrested in $3M Tech Theft Ring | KTLA (https://ktla.com/2013/03/19/4-arrested-in-organized-theft-ring-targeting-electronics/)

Gypsies suspected in string of Central Florida crimes - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-gypsy-crime-wave-20150223-story.html)


Gypsies Arrested in L.A. Called Part of U.S. Theft Ring - latimes (http://articles.latimes.com/1988-03-31/news/mn-922_1_law-enforcement-agencies)

[CFrance]

The "travelers" are multi-generational scam artists in Ireland they were the "tinkers"--fixing driveways, giving a deal on something you don't need--the latest gypsy scam-a car taps you in the rear as you leave your care the passenger in the car that hit you steals your car
Huh?

[Bucco]

Gypsy Family Arrested in $3M Tech Theft Ring | KTLA (https://ktla.com/2013/03/19/4-arrested-in-organized-theft-ring-targeting-electronics/)

Gypsies suspected in string of Central Florida crimes - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-gypsy-crime-wave-20150223-story.html)

Interesting stories, although a bit dated....but if you think all skimmers, burglars, etc are "gypsy" THEN WOW.....lots of blond hair types doing the same thing right here.

They do not ride in covered wagons or wear long dresses etc. these "gypsies"

[graciegirl]

Last year....Pardon me for not linking the whole thing. Read it. Most of you will remember this;



"Earlier this year, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office had warned Villagers that a ring of “Gypsies” who had previously targeted Florida’s Friendliest Hometown were back. And an alert Villages couple sitting down to lunch had noticed two men in a Dodge Durango behaving oddly on Allistar Court in the Village of Winifred and called law enforcement.
The sheriff’s office swiftly swept in.
The driver of the Durango was identified as 39-year-old Zenon Szynkler by his Polish passport. He told a deputy he was staying in a Tampa hotel and had been looking for a place to fish. He was within the Village of Winifred which, other than the neighborhood pool, has no bodies of water.
The second suspect, 36-year-old Adamo Czerner was tracked by a bloodhound to Laurel Manor Recreation Center where he tried to blend in as a Villager. He also had a Polish passport and told deputies he had been dropped off in the recreation center parking lot by a female who was going to look for a hotel room, then come back and get him.
The following day, deputies retraced the blood hound track and discovered behind the burglarized residence a crow bar. They also discovered under some shrubbery a black bag with the stolen silverware inside.
Last month, Szynkler pleaded no contest to a felony charge of grand theft and was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
The case against Czerner, who had been charged with the more serious crimes, was dropped by the prosecutor’s office. Court records indicate that correspondence mailed to Czerner, who was free on bond, had been returned as “undeliverable.”

Not my usual but I can't link it. You all know why.

[graciegirl]

There are a lot of criminals who will be coming to our area soon, not just gypsies.

To be fair maybe some of them will look just like us.

If you see something out of the ordinary it is wise to pay special attention. We are old and smart and this isn't our first rodeo. A lot of piercings and tattoos and pet snakes...hey...trust your instincts. Also I don't think gypsies carry around crystal balls anymore. And those scarves and earrings...no. But some people just have this thing when they see someone who gives them pause....It is called...
Wait for it...……..

Common sense.

[Aloha1]

Look, a thief is a thief is a thief. They come in all sizes and shapes. The whole point of GG's post is PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT"S AROUND YOU! Sound advice I'd say.

A friend living in Florida at the time we lived in Hawai'i once said to me, "You're lucky, bad guys can't get to where you live on a bus like they can to Florida". True, but we found there were plenty of "bad guys" who got there on a cheap plane ticket.

[Bucco]

Look, a thief is a thief is a thief. They come in all sizes and shapes. The whole point of GG's post is PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT"S AROUND YOU! Sound advice I'd say.

A friend living in Florida at the time we lived in Hawai'i once said to me, "You're lucky, bad guys can't get to where you live on a bus like they can to Florida". True, but we found there were plenty of "bad guys" who got there on a cheap plane ticket.

Maybe you are correct, but she used quite a few "dog whistles" in her post and since she described herself as "A long life with many experiences. It is your summary that "This post is hyperbole and smacks of racism". I am a bright qualified person."
Then I assume she knew what she was saying.

[graciegirl]

Gypsy bandits invading South Florida, using distraction burglaries to steal valuables from residents - wptv.com (https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/gypsy-bandits-invading-south-florida-using-distraction-burglaries-to-steal-valuables-from-residents)

[asianthree]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/anyone-know-about-purse-snatching-248562/?highlight=Gypsy

October 2017, I sometimes have a hard time remembering 6 months ago

[graciegirl]

October 2017, I sometimes have a hard time remembering 6 months ago


By all means don't let any of this upset you.

I am saying that from next month until about the end of March we have people coming into the area whose motive is to steal and scam us. They will pose as destitute families who just need gas money, or some other panhandler scheme or they may try to break into our homes. They come to Florida at this time of year for one purpose only. If you see something that makes you feel something is amiss, call law enforcement. Some are gypsies and some are tramps and some are thieves. I have no interest in their race, just that it has happened every year we have lived in The Villages. Starts around October and gets worse in January and February.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I believe one of the crimes that peaks in October is "cow tipping".

[fw102807]

I believe one of the crimes that peaks in October is "cow tipping".

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[ColdNoMore]

Maybe you are correct, but she used quite a few "dog whistles" in her post and since she described herself as "A long life with many experiences. It is your summary that "This post is hyperbole and smacks of racism". I am a bright qualified person."

Then I assume she knew what she was saying.

That reminds me of my professional life, where I often heard someone trying to 'old-head' me by implying their superiority because..."I have 30 years of experience."

They weren't real happy when I told some of them that... "actually, you have 30 years of service...with 5 years of experience."

Whereas I might have had only 20 years of employment at that point, it wasn't spent doing pretty much the exact same thing over and over...of which is what they had done.

My professional "experience" was built on taking a myriad of jobs and positions that gave me a broad oversight and understanding...that very few others in my industry were afforded.

Which of course, helped me achieve the senior management positions...that I was lucky enough to have held.

It's analogous to those who may have more years of life on this earth, but without a constant quest for knowledge, a willingness to do research for actual facts (even on those things that affirms your own confirmation bias), a willingness to empathize with others, immerse yourself in other cultures/nations, always keeping an open mind and putting oneself in the other person's shoes...so as to be able to say that you have 'real experience.'

[kcrazorbackfan]

In all reality, we in The Villages should never become complacent or let our guard down. Does that mean you can’t have fun and enjoy going out? Of course not, just remember we are not a secure gated community (like some think we are) and bad people can upset your lives.

[Jaggy]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;1580347]By all means don't let any of this upset you.

Some are gypsies and some are tramps and some are thieves.

and of course watch out for Cher.

[Boomer]

Help meeeeeeeeeee! Cher is singing in my head and she won’t stop!!!!




(Hey! Jaggy! I posted and then saw your post. So you are hearing Cher, too?)

[B-flat]

See something say something no matter what they look like! Forget about this political correctness and calling it racist.

[Doro22]

See something say something no matter what they look like! Forget about this political correctness and calling it racist.

Spot on B-flat and Gracie Girl. I lived in the Greek Islands many years ago and in the winter the ‘travelers’ arrived and our Greek neighbors warned us to not let them in our courtyard and to take our clothes off the line.

[WhoDat]

We should stop the BS political correctness about "dog whistles" It is common sense. See Something Say Something. If the person of persons belong where they are, it cost them 5 minutes. Otherwise it might have cost someone a great deal of heartache over stolen things or worse.

[Love2Swim]

A long life with many experiences. It is your summary that "This post is hyperbole and smacks of racism". I am a bright qualified person.

News flash. We’re all old, and we all think we’re bright. There are scam artists around all the time. Some are blond, some are red heads, some are white, some are other ethnicities. Some are female, some are kids, ... I like what Diane Reynolds said -
Fear of people other than those who look like "us" is a recipe for disaster. Please look at people for who they are, not who you think they are.

[CFrance]

Help meeeeeeeeeee! Cher is singing in my head and she won’t stop!!!!




(Hey! Jaggy! I posted and then saw your post. So you are hearing Cher, too?)
Yes... thank you so much, Jaggy. Arrrrrrrrgh!
🎵Gypsies, tramps and thieves... da da da da dadadada da da da da daaaaaaaaa🎵

[Two Bills]

Gypsies, travellers, call them what you like, but if you have them in your area, nail down everything, never let them 'Fix' your drive or roof, and never turn your back on them.
And that is not being a racist, that's bein a realist!
We live with their 'visits' every year in UK and they have no scrupples or fear of the law, in fact the law here is afraid to touch them because of all the PC fallout from the bleading heart brigade.