more vandalism

[jebartle]

Chula Vista was hit between 4:00 and 5:00pm Friday afternoon with paint balls coming in the LaZamora gate....They are getting brazen....Wanted to let everyone know to be on the lookout.....Tires have been slit and egging is another favorite style...REported to Lady Lake Police and they have 3 reports of paint ball targets today....

[graciegirl]

That sounds like kids. Where do they hit the homes? How does a paint ball get launched???

[Tom Hannon]

This is not a good thing. I thought the Villages were safe from all the BS that happens everywhere else. Hope these idiots are caught and are punished to the full extent of the law.

[pooh]

What exactly was hit with paint balls? The exterior wall, the gates, houses, cars?

Gracie, paint balls are shot with special paintball guns.

If it's kids, hope the little creeps are caught and made to pay for any damage done.

Hitting cars with eggs can damage the paint. Slashing tires? Do you know where this stuff happened?

[graciegirl]

More details please.

[pauld315]

This is not a good thing. I thought the Villages were safe from all the BS that happens everywhere else. Hope these idiots are caught and are punished to the full extent of the law.

Why would you think The Villages is safe from vandalism ? They are publc streets that people from the outside can access easily.

[Pturner]

Oh, would somebody just go beat the crap outa those kids.

Hey... Fumar!

[pooh]

Why would you think The Villages is safe from vandalism ? They are publc streets that people from the outside can access easily.

No one said our community was safe from vandalism. It isn't acceptable and a bunch of ticked off older adults can take the time and make the effort to see it is dealt with.

[graciegirl]

Oh, would somebody just go beat the crap outa those kids.

Hey... Fumar!

I'm up. My children call me the warden.

[Shirleevee]

Why would you think The Villages is safe from vandalism ? They are publc streets that people from the outside can access easily.

I AGREE! This is NOT a gated community.....last year it was robberies, this year paint-ball sprays, sad but true.

[jebartle]

golf cart was target of paint balls, cars on tire slashing and egging and some garage doors...I'm surprised it is happening in day light....I was hoping that the cameras at the gates were a deterrent...guess NOT!

[Tom Hannon]

With so many retired cops living in the Villages, you'd expect these troublemakers would think twice.

[graciegirl]

golf cart was target of paint balls, cars on tire slashing and egging and some garage doors...I'm surprised it is happening in day light....I was hoping that the cameras at the gates were a deterrent...guess NOT!

Even if they got their picture though, how would they know what they were up to?

Somebody is going to catch them.

What did the Sun say about it?

Nothing. Right?

[Lou Card]

Keep the camera phone handy and know how to snap a picture. License plate is the best for tracking of these people. They are not walking into the villages unless this is happening on the outskirts of the property.

[billethkid]

Let's not forget the other 99% of TV that experience no incidents!!!!!!!!!!!

btk

[otherbruddaDarrell]

This is one of the reasons we like living in a CYV. One way in and one way out and we watch out for each other. Most of us have our vehicles in the driveway and are aware of who drives what.
If someone is driving around real slow one of us will usually ask if we can help them find the person they are looking for or help them out.
They might just be seeing what our Villas are like or looking for a place to buy or rent, but it also deters a possible crime.

[Bogie Shooter]

golf cart was target of paint balls, cars on tire slashing and egging and some garage doors...I'm surprised it is happening in day light....I was hoping that the cameras at the gates were a deterrent...guess NOT!
Was the damage done at the gates?

[Bogie Shooter]

Let's not forget the other 99% of TV that experience no incidents!!!!!!!!!!!

btk
Far too much common sense used in this post. (I agree with you)

[jebartle]

Was the damage done at the gates?

tire slash and egging, 2 blocks from Chula Vista gate near 466....paint ball shots about 3 blocks....Easy place for a quick turn-around and back out the gate, I'm still shocked that it happened in afternoon....One thing I love about the Villages is that we are a great neighborhood watch community....When your retired if you are not playing and having fun, you are aware of someone who does not belong!...Oh well, eventually they will be caught, I hope!

[aln]

Saturday 9/4 about 4:00 pm

Paint balls again from a moving vehicle (black pickup) shot at my mother's car.

This happened on Del Mar & Ventura (about).
Mom was northbound, pickup was southbound.

Has anyone called the cops or community watch?

[jebartle]

This is a first, now they are doing it to a moving target!.....Sure hope they catch them....Did you call police? Sure hope so....

[pooh]

Saturday 9/4 about 4:00 pm

Paint balls again from a moving vehicle (black pickup) shot at my mother's car.

This happened on Del Mar & Ventura (about).
Mom was northbound, pickup was southbound.

Has anyone called the cops or community watch?

Mom okay? It's distracting, downright frightening to have your vehicle hit while you're driving.

I believe the Lady Lake Police have been informed.

They struck at similar times each day.

[jebartle]

Saturday 9/4 about 4:00 pm

Paint balls again from a moving vehicle (black pickup) shot at my mother's car.

This happened on Del Mar & Ventura (about).
Mom was northbound, pickup was southbound.

Has anyone called the cops or community watch?

Just got back from reporting this to police, they were getting a report from last victim on Costa Mesa Drive, unfortunately his window was down in car, left car on street for no more than 15 minutes around 5:00 and inside of car hit with paint balls....If you can would you contact Lady Lake Police and give your report to them, I ran copy of the above but I'm sure your mother's account would be very helpful....Good Neighborhood Watch....Yea!

The Villages MOST Wanted

[graciegirl]

If I were there, I sure would go park in that area with my camera. What time of day did these attacks occur???

[jebartle]

If I were there, I sure would go park in that area with my camera. What time of day did these attacks occur???

They seem to occur between 3:30 and 5:00pm...

[jebartle]

I'm wondering if gate button can be cancelled after a certain time of day, making entry by ID card only, and advising anyone needing to enter to go to a manned gate...Then this will be a "True" gated community.

[barb1191]

I'm wondering if gate button can be cancelled after a certain time of day, making entry by ID card only, and advising anyone needing to enter to go to a manned gate...Then this will be a "True" gated community.

Not possible. Most streets in TV belong and are maintained by their respective county. That's why some of TV streets can never be closed to the public.

[duffysmom]

Oh Boy, I guess they haven't read the recent posts about the many people in TV who "carry"."Carry" appears to be a euphemism for armed as in gun. :police: Sometimes these pranks wind up being deadly as in dropping items off overpasses, throwing something onto the road, etc. A distracted golf cart driver can easily overturn.

[jebartle]

Oh Boy, I guess they haven't read the recent posts about the many people in TV who "carry"."Carry" appears to be a euphemism for armed as in gun. :police: Sometimes these pranks wind up being deadly as in dropping items off overpasses, throwing something onto the road, etc. A distracted golf cart driver can easily overturn.

Oh my gosh, don't give anybody any ideas....Yipsters!...giggle.

[Pturner]

Oh my gosh, don't give anybody any ideas....Yipsters!...giggle.

Although a really good sharp shooter could shoot their tires out and then move in and beat the crap outa them. :024:

OK, just kidding. About shooting their tires out.

OK, just kidding. :D

[graciegirl]

Although a really good sharp shooter could shoot their tires out and then move in and beat the crap outa them. :024:

OK, just kidding. About shooting their tires out.

OK, just kidding. :D

I like the part about beating the crap outa them.

[pooh]

I like the part about beating the crap outa them.
Actually, they should be shot...with their own paintball guns... and with CHEAP paint, the kind that doesn't wash out! After that, then I'll leave them to Gracie and Pt.... :boxing2: :D:D

[Rob Stevens]

The easy answer is to own the streets. Literally. Take over the maintenance from the county. Then the areas can be truely gated. Yep, it will cost some money but it will surely cut down on incidents like this.

[Larryandlinda]

The easy answer is to own the streets. Literally. Take over the maintenance from the county. Then the areas can be truely gated. Yep, it will cost some money but it will surely cut down on incidents like this.


Rob
How would that work?
any examples?
most, if not all, gates and gatekeepers in TV and similar places seem like an interesting 'threshold' effect and with all due respect, many (but not all) kepers are like supermarket greeters.

L and L

[dgammon6]

Interesting.... aln mentioned that he thought it might be a black pick-up. This morning news, in Osceola County, the driver of a black pick-up was killed in a "Road Rage" incident, and they found a bag of paint balls in the pick-up.

[pauld315]

Interesting.... aln mentioned that he thought it might be a black pick-up. This morning news, in Osceola County, the driver of a black pick-up was killed in a "Road Rage" incident, and they found a bag of paint balls in the pick-up.

Time will tell if it was the same vehicle

[Tom Hannon]

What comes around...goes around

[graciegirl]

Is Osceola County near Lake, Marion and Sumter???

Did you see I spelled Sumter correctly, Russ?

[JimJoe]

Is Osceola County near Lake, Marion and Sumter???

Did you see I spelled Sumter correctly, Russ?

I noticed but I think you misspelled Gracy.
:)
JJ

[chuckinca]

Is Osceola County near Lake, Marion and Sumter???

Did you see I spelled Sumter correctly, Russ?


Osceola County is South of Orange County (Orlando); Kissimmee is the county seat.

.

[graciegirl]

Osceola County is South of Orange County (Orlando); Kissimmee is the county seat.

.

That is at least an hour away.

[BlueHeronFan]

Did somebody mention that Lauren Ritchie drove a black pickup??

Here is something I actually do know. It's stupid to mess with 80,000+ ****ed off residents. So many ex- cops, firefighters, military, and women with big swinging purses.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

The easy answer is to own the streets. Literally. Take over the maintenance from the county. Then the areas can be truely gated. Yep, it will cost some money but it will surely cut down on incidents like this.

It would cost a lot more then "some money".
The cost of paving,repairing and maintenance would only be a start. Since it would then be a private community we would have to pay for our own trained and armed security-police force.
The cost of things would force a lot of people to sell and that would drive the price of homes down for the ones that stayed.
Our best bet is to support the police agencies that patrol here and ask for a stepped up presence in the areas where any vandalism occures.
If in fact the cameras are adjusted correctly and there is a discription of the vehicle (plate number) then a little detective work should pay off.
It would help if the public was to know of any areas of vandalism so the residents could be on the watch for anything out of the ordinary, but I doubt that we will see anything posted in the paper or on the radio.
IMHO

[JimJoe]

It would cost a lot more then "some money".
The cost of paving,repairing and maintenance would only be a start. Since it would then be a private community we would have to pay for our own trained and armed security-police force.
The cost of things would force a lot of people to sell and that would drive the price of homes down for the ones that stayed.
Our best bet is to support the police agencies that patrol here and ask for a stepped up presence in the areas where any vandalism occures.
If in fact the cameras are adjusted correctly and there is a discription of the vehicle (plate number) then a little detective work should pay off.
It would help if the public was to know of any areas of vandalism so the residents could be on the watch for anything out of the ordinary, but I doubt that we will see anything posted in the paper or on the radio.
IMHO

I have seen them on the main roads but I do not think I have ever seen one inside of a village. I do not live in TV but have visited many times. Do they?

[graciegirl]

I am up in the middle of the night eating my dagwood sandwich and I see the Community Watch vehicle driving slowly down our street.

I feel safe.

[redwitch]

One sad fact to remember is that it may not be outsiders. Like it or not, there are several young (and not so young) "adults" legally living with their parents here. Some are here because of economic factors, some because of health factors, some because of mental factors, many because of legal issues. It is not uncommon to read of an arrest of someone between 19 and 50 who lives in TV. Most of the drug arrests of TV residents are under 30.

My daughter had a co-worker who was (is?) staying in TV rent free. The parents do not live here (I have no idea of the facts). He tools around in his parents' golf cart at all hours, music blaring, frequently drinking. His place is most definitely a party house. Sadly, I would not put a stunt like this past him and his friends.

I sincerely hope this vandalism is being caused by outsiders, but it could just as easily be by someone living or visiting here. Last year, I believe some visiting grandchildren punched the plastic rear window to my convertible top. It was extremely cold, so it shattered. I'm about 95% sure who did it, but I can't prove it. So, even if we did totally turn TV into a true gated community, we wouldn't necessarily eliminate all crime.

[JimJoe]

Do the police patrol inside the villages?

[Mikeod]

I've only seen the sheriff cars doing speed limit enforcement. I don't ever recall them just patrolling the streets.

[JimJoe]

I've only seen the sheriff cars doing speed limit enforcement. I don't ever recall them just patrolling the streets.

What I mean is do sheriff or police drive their cars through the streets inside the villages looking for violators, particularly at night. Every place I have lived that is a part of protecting the public. Do the police do that or do they rely on neighborhood watch to do it? Does anyone do it at night?

[jebartle]

One sad fact to remember is that it may not be outsiders. Like it or not, there are several young (and not so young) "adults" legally living with their parents here. Some are here because of economic factors, some because of health factors, some because of mental factors, many because of legal issues. It is not uncommon to read of an arrest of someone between 19 and 50 who lives in TV. Most of the drug arrests of TV residents are under 30.

My daughter had a co-worker who was (is?) staying in TV rent free. The parents do not live here (I have no idea of the facts). He tools around in his parents' golf cart at all hours, music blaring, frequently drinking. His place is most definitely a party house. Sadly, I would not put a stunt like this past him and his friends.

I sincerely hope this vandalism is being caused by outsiders, but it could just as easily be by someone living or visiting here. Last year, I believe some visiting grandchildren punched the plastic rear window to my convertible top. It was extremely cold, so it shattered. I'm about 95% sure who did it, but I can't prove it. So, even if we did totally turn TV into a true gated community, we wouldn't necessarily eliminate all crime.


Does he have a black pickup????????

[jebartle]

I have seen them on the main roads but I do not think I have ever seen one inside of a village. I do not live in TV but have visited many times. Do they?

Oh Yes, Lady Lake Police have made their presence known...

[graciegirl]

What I mean is do sheriff or police drive their cars through the streets inside the villages looking for violators, particularly at night. Every place I have lived that is a part of protecting the public. Do the police do that or do they rely on neighborhood watch to do it? Does anyone do it at night?

NO. The police do not.

There were some breakins a year ago but those people were caught, ditto for someone who was stealing golf carts, and he did live here. Now he lives in jail.

And in all due respect to Red, who lives here full time, I personally have heard no other reports of vandalism or any suggestion of drugs from people that we know. We have lived here half time for over two years and we are out and about and are blessed with a lot of people who stop by. Many of our friends live here full time and one for 20 years. I would hate for anyone who has not been here to think that this is a commonplace thing.

This is a town of over 80,000 people who mostly do not work. They certainly are aware of their surroundings and most of them are watching out for their neighbors as well.

Please pull up a site on crime and see how low the incidence of crime is here. It is as safe as we are in suburbs in Ohio, maybe safer. We had that woman shoot her husband, and someone was killed a few years back by friends of her son. But you just don't see many "UP TO SOMETHING" people hanging around here.

Come down and see!

[Bogie Shooter]

What I mean is do sheriff or police drive their cars through the streets inside the villages looking for violators, particularly at night. Every place I have lived that is a part of protecting the public. Do the police do that or do they rely on neighborhood watch to do it? Does anyone do it at night?
You see the deputy sheriffs cars on the main arteries....it would be a waste of time to patrol inside each village.

[Rag Bagger]

Actually I did see The Sumter Co. Sheriff patrolling our street (a side street) two years ago. Caught a stop sign violator.
I believe if we had a real issue that was reported they would patrol the streets. But generally the crime rate is minuscule by comparison to other communities, gated or otherwise.

[redwitch]

Gracie, I agree that no one I know here uses heavy drugs, but I do know of some who use marijuana and many who drink too much. I was talking about the Police Blotter in the Sun. There have been arrests of young adults with TV addresses for drugs, shoplifting, parole violations and other violations. Do I think they're in every village? Nope. Do I think they're in a lot of villages? Nope. Do I think there are some here? Sadly, yes, and I feel for the parents who are stuck trying to save their children from themselves. At the same time, I wish they could find a better solution than bringing them into our community.

The young man who has his party house here is another story. He has absolutely no business living here and his parents should be hung out to dry for allowing him free room and board and use of their golf cart while they are off doing whatever, wherever. I don't think he and his friends use drugs (maybe some grass, but that's about it), but they do drink a lot and they do hang out his place constantly. I'm certainly glad he doesn't live in my area, although I'm not sure where they live except it is north of 466.

If you're going to have a young adult live or visit here, I do believe you have a responsibility to TV to have them behave appropriately. Seeing some throwing up in bushes because they drank too much, screaming while driving golf carts, generally behaving badly, is not my idea of fun and those who invited these individuals to stay in TV for whatever reason should be held accountable. I know that's not really feasible, but it would be nice.

And, while most of the grandchildren that visit here are a true joy, there a few (very few) who make it miserable for anyone around them. I include the 2 YO who temper tantrums non-stop in every store and the bored teen who does stupid things.

BTW -- I talked to somone in Community Watch after the bridge had been grafittied. The theory making the rounds was that it was visiting grandkids who did the spray painting, not local kids.

TV is not crime free. No community of this size is or can be. It most definitely has less crime than most communities of this size.

The police here do their best to patrol and be a presence. Community Watch does a good job of being a presence. Neighbors do an excellent job of watching out for each other. Even so, things happen. Not as much as in most communities, but they do happen -- both by residents of TV and by non-residents.

[njbchbum]

What I mean is do sheriff or police drive their cars through the streets inside the villages looking for violators, particularly at night. Every place I have lived that is a part of protecting the public. Do the police do that or do they rely on neighborhood watch to do it? Does anyone do it at night?

when we have been snowbirding at our home in the vlge of silver lake i have occasionally seen the lady lake police cruiser riding thru the streets of silver lake, orange blossom and country club...have seen them mostly during the day and the early evening...it does have a calming effect on me when i see them...just wish they would cruise thru on the nite[s] when the party near rainbow blvd and bonita is in full swing!...i hope no one ever needs an ambulance or fire truck then!...it's hard enuf to get your cart thru the parked vehicles...but i believe the hosts "know" the right folks - maybe that's why the parties continue?

[spk7951]

I have seen them on the main roads but I do not think I have ever seen one inside of a village. I do not live in TV but have visited many times. Do they?

They do tend to stay to the main roads Morse, Odell etc. But I have seen them on rare occasions cruising through Hadley.

[Pturner]

One sad fact to remember is that it may not be outsiders. Like it or not, there are several young (and not so young) "adults" legally living with their parents here. Some are here because of economic factors, some because of health factors, some because of mental factors, many because of legal issues. It is not uncommon to read of an arrest of someone between 19 and 50 who lives in TV. Most of the drug arrests of TV residents are under 30.

My daughter had a co-worker who was (is?) staying in TV rent free. The parents do not live here (I have no idea of the facts). He tools around in his parents' golf cart at all hours, music blaring, frequently drinking. His place is most definitely a party house. Sadly, I would not put a stunt like this past him and his friends.

I sincerely hope this vandalism is being caused by outsiders, but it could just as easily be by someone living or visiting here. Last year, I believe some visiting grandchildren punched the plastic rear window to my convertible top. It was extremely cold, so it shattered. I'm about 95% sure who did it, but I can't prove it. So, even if we did totally turn TV into a true gated community, we wouldn't necessarily eliminate all crime.

If the vandals live here, would someone please beat the crap out of them daily. Until they leave.

As for the party house, surely they can be run out of dodge with repeated citations for noise violations, under-aged drinking, etc. Where in the world are their neighbors in all this? Why haven't young hooligans been reported?

Is there any way they can be run of dodge for being an unauthorized totally under 55-aged household?

News flash for Andrew Blechman: You don't get why retirees choose to live in 55+ communities!? Duh!

[graciegirl]

If the vandals live here, would someone please beat the crap out of them daily. Until they leave.

As for the party house, surely they can be run out of dodge with repeated citations for noise violations, under-aged drinking, etc. Where in the world are their neighbors in all this? Why haven't young hooligans been reported?

Is there any way they can be run of dodge for being an unauthorized totally under 55-aged household?

News flash for Andrew Blechman: You don't get why retirees choose to live in 55+ communities!? Duh!

I like the way you think.

[redwitch]

Sadly, the party house is over 21 -- over 25 as a matter of fact. I don't know how noisy they are, just that there is always a crew over there and booze seems to be high on the list of things to do. If they were my neighbors, I'd definitely do everything possible to make life miserable for the young man who lives there.

As to the vandals, I'm never sure if I want to paddle the kids doing the vandalizing or the parents who don't seem to care enough to step up and be responsible for their kids' actions. I do understand that there is only so much parents can control, but they could at least stand up and apologize for their kids rather deny their kids did it or get angry at the messenger.

Personally, I'd like to see the kids doing the misdeeds be forced to (1) clean up their mess and (2) work for at least one day doing landscaping. It might give them some respect for those who have to clean up their messes.

[jebartle]

Paint ball hit that I reported Friday, damaged liner of car that had window open and they will have to replace liner, could not be cleaned...Sure hope they are caught!:cus:

[The Shadow]

Saturday 9/4 about 4:00 pm

Paint balls again from a moving vehicle (black pickup) shot at my mother's car.

This happened on Del Mar & Ventura (about).
Mom was northbound, pickup was southbound.

Has anyone called the cops or community watch?

Could this be the same Guy.

Police in Lakeland are searching for a male suspect who they say shot several people with a paintball gun in the Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Morton areas on Thursday night.

Police say one victim was shot in the leg near Lake Hollingsworth, and others reported similar shootings near Lake Morton at about 10 p.m. Thursday.

"Shooting people at random with a paintball gun is a criminal offense," Sgt. Terri Smith said in a statement. "The occurrence of unexpected variables during the commission of this crime could cause this offense to rise to the level of a felony."

Police say the male suspect was spotted driving a black Nissan or Toyota pickup truck with tinted windows. Smith said the tint may have prevented witnesses from providing a more detailed description.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-lakeland-paintball-shooter-20100924,0,2534121.story

[graciegirl]

Good morning Shadow. Good morning to you. Great morning. Beautiful morning. Love to hear what you have to say this fine morning. Ahh yes good news. Paint ball shootings.


How close is that to us? PTurner and I will go and find him and beat the crap outta him.

[The Shadow]

Good morning Shadow. Good morning to you. Great morning. Beautiful morning. Love to hear what you have to say this fine morning. Ahh yes good news. Paint ball shootings.


How close is that to us? PTurner and I will go and find him and beat the crap outta him.

Can you see the similarities of the two incidences and that more police are looking for the evil doer and the evil doer if captured would no longer be likely to return to the TV?

Ahh yes this is good news.

[K9-Lovers]

Black pick up truck with tinted windows. I will be on the lookout. Thanks, Shadow.

[graciegirl]

Shadow....I apologize. Now that I consider it, that is good news. We have a good clue here. P and I will be on it as soon as we both return. We are getting our fake paint ball guns ready.

But WHERE is Lake Hollingsworth and that other place????

[The Shadow]

Shadow....I apologize. Now that I consider it, that is good news. We have a good clue here. P and I will be on it as soon as we both return. We are getting our fake paint ball guns ready.

But WHERE is Lake Hollingsworth and that other place????

Lakeland

[dancerbill]

Community Watch patrols all the villages 24/7/365. They are expected to drive by each house in the Villages a minimum of 3 times per day, and the goal is 4 times per day. Often, when I've been out late at night, coming back from the hospital, I will see a Community Watch vehicle in my neighborhood.

[Chinook]

Hi, I'm going to be moving to the TV is a year or two to retire. I was told that these "adult" children under the age of 55 had a time limit they could reside in TV. Is this true? or can they just live in TV full time?
Thank you,
Susan

[graciegirl]

Hi, I'm going to be moving to the TV is a year or two to retire. I was told that these "adult" children under the age of 55 had a time limit they could reside in TV. Is this true? or can they just live in TV full time?
Thank you,
Susan


Hi there Susan!

Children over the age of 19 may live with residents. Period. But any child under the age of 19 is limited to visiting a total of 30 days a year. They are issued passes and it is computerized.

The young people that are talked about here, the teenagers, are probably from outside towns, like Leesburg and Wildwood and they have been gathering in the Villages Squares lately. There are two squares that are public gathering places with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment every night of the year except Christmas. Anyone can come into those squares, they are open to the public.

There are children who live in a village nearby built by the developer for people who work in the villages and those children are entitled to attend the very high quality charter schools that are also built by the developer. However the people who live in that village with their families do not have the amenities of the villages and cannot use the pools and rec centers etc.

This place is planned and maintained for "grown ups". For instance in the village of Hadley where we live, (as in most villages) there are two swimming pools. One for all ages, (for visiting grandchildren) and one that cannot be used by any one under 30.

Come on down and see. Susan.

You will love it.

Kind wishes,
Gracie