How safe is The Villages

[Talk Host]

A new resident recently posted a question about whether to have an alarm system installed in their new home. I was surprised at the number of people who said, "no, it's not necessary in the Villages."

I disagree with that assessment. Not because it's The Villages, but because this is 2011 and this is now. I think I'm fairly safe in saying that most people have auto insurance, golf cart insurance, health insurance and home owners insurance. I think too, that most people would not do without those insurances. I firmly believe in the insurance offered by a whole house alarm system. For both fire and intrusion.

I think is a little dangerous to begin believing that The Villages is "so safe" that the insurance of an alarm system is totally unnecessary. So much so that one would offer as advice to another, to not install one. How awful would you feel if, as a result of that advice, an alarm was not installed and there was a fire or theft that turned deadly. Of my 5 closest friends in the Villages, 4 of them have whole house alarm systems.

The Villages is surrounded on all sides by cities that have their share of poverty, crime and unemployment. Is it conceivable that those people don't know about The Villages, and don't have the notion that residents are living like "millionaires?"

Those of us who have at least 10 years of memory of Villages living remember the rash of burglaries about 4 years ago. Some at night, some during the day, and many while the residents were at home. The 'Bubble" is not unbreakable. One evening, as my wife was leaving the house for her evening walk, a deputy stopped her and asked where she was going. When she told him, he said, "not tonight, you're not, we have a suspect holed up in one of these yards around here."

Those who choose to not have an alarm system are within their rights to do so. Advising others to not do it because the Villages is so safe, I think, is not prudent.

As for my wife and me: we sleep much better at night knowing that our whole house alarm systems is awake and is on guard for our safety.

JLK

[diskman]

A new resident recently posted a question about whether to have an alarm system installed in their new home. I was surprised at the number of people who said, "no, it's not necessary in the Villages."

I disagree with that assessment. Not because it's The Villages, but because this is 2011 and this is now. I think I'm fairly safe in saying that most people have auto insurance, golf cart insurance, health insurance and home owners insurance. I think too, that most people would not do without those insurances. I firmly believe in the insurance offered by a whole house alarm system. For both fire and intrusion.

I think is a little dangerous to begin believing that The Villages is "so safe" that the insurance of an alarm system is totally unnecessary. So much so that one would offer as advice to another, to not install one. How awful would you feel if, as a result of that advice, an alarm was not installed and there was a fire or theft that turned deadly. Of my 5 closest friends in the Villages, 4 of them have whole house alarm systems.

The Villages is surrounded on all sides by cities that have their share of poverty, crime and unemployment. Is it conceivable that those people don't know about The Villages, and don't have the notion that residents are living like "millionaires?"

Those of us who have at least 10 years of memory of Villages living remember the rash of burglaries about 4 years ago. Some at night, some during the day, and many while the residents were at home. The 'Bubble" is not unbreakable. One evening, as my wife was leaving the house for her evening walk, a deputy stopped her and asked where she was going. When she told him, he said, "not tonight, you're not, we have a suspect holed up in one of these yards around here."

Those who choose to not have an alarm system are within their rights to do so. Advising other to not do it because the Villages is so safe, I think, is not prudent.

As for my wife and I: we sleep much better at night knowing that our whole house alarm systems is awake and is on guard for our safety.

JLK
Very difficult to have a dog and an alarm, as sometimes your dog will walk around during the night and set off the motion detector. I think many villagers feel safe with their pets.:blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

[Talk Host]

Very difficult to have a dog and an alarm, as sometimes your dog will walk around during the night and set off the motion detector. I think many villagers feel safe with their pets.:blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

The motion sensors are not activated during night monitoring. Only the perimeter sensors. I agree that many villagers with dogs feel a certain degree of safety.

[bluedog103]

The motion sensors are not activated during night monitoring. Only the perimeter sensors. I agree that many villagers with dogs feel a certain degree of safety.

To me, the best security system is a big dog with a big dog bark and nosey neighbors.
Alarms have their purpose but for me that would be in addition to, not instead of the dog and watchful eyes in the neighborhood.

[ilovetv]

Very difficult to have a dog and an alarm, as sometimes your dog will walk around during the night and set off the motion detector. I think many villagers feel safe with their pets.:blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

This is another misconception that could discourage a person who's never seen the system design possibilities from getting one. We've had whole-house alarm systems in our homes over the last 20+ years. There are many kinds of sensors, like glass-breakage, door and window opening, etc. besides motion sensors. A person can also have various kinds of sensors in various zones.

In the end, the homeowner can set various levels of protection when arming the system. At the control panel, it can be set up to both include or exclude some of the types of sensors. Like talk host, we always set the perimeter-only alarms, like doors, windows, and glass breakage at night or when we are around and staying inside.

On another note: A dog barking is definitely good protection and we have one. But, I've always been skeptical as to how much good a dog is if an armed intruder simply shoots the dog dead. It takes 2 seconds. Then, it's onward to beat, rape and kill occupants who could be sleeping or just unaware and are in the way of ransacking the place.

[brostholder]

We have an alarm simply because we have always had an alarm and have gotten used to the feeling of security it gives us. For us it's almost like a seat belt in a car....we have gotten so used to wearing them that it feels strange to not wear one. It is absolutely not a reflection on the safety of tv, it's just a low cost personal choice.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

To add on to what ilovetv noted, we have a remote arm/disarm function (via keychain fobs/remotes) for our security system in OH. It allows you to control the arming and disarming of the system, as well as a couple of other functions, from outside the house by using buttons on the remotes. The reason we had this functionality included in the system was so we could have magnetic switches installed on the garage doors - most people opt to not arm their garage doors unless they program in a lengthy delay to allow themselves time to rush into the house upon arrival to disarm the system via a wall-mounted keypad. This way we're able to also protect the contents of the garage without running the risk of tripping the alarm if we didn't make it to the keypad in time (or exiting and not getting the door down quickly enough).

Additionally, we also had water sensors installed in several locations in the house - by the washing machine, the hot water heater, floor drains and sump pit in the basement (in OH!). If any of them detect the presence of water, it'll trip the alarm and call the monitoring center. The system's also programmable for use with X-10 lighting modules - allows you to selectively control interior and/or exterior lighting at your home. (See www.x10.com) You can also get temperature sensors to monitor inside air temp as well as refrigerator/freezer temps.

The point of all this blathering is to note that, to us, a security/alarm system can be something more than just means to set off an alarm if there's a break in. There is a lot more that can be piggybacked onto a system to expand its functionality.........if that's what floats your boat. We like those features as much as the basic alarm capabilities.

JMHO - - - - :)

Bill

[GeorgeT]

Could you imagine what it would be like around here if everyone had an alarm? How many homes are unoccupied for half the year? Many things can set off an alarm, even a big storm. I'm not saying that you shouldn't have one but there is one thing everyone should do. Fortify your bedroom door. You are most vulnerable while you're sleeping. I don't care about our "things" only our safety. A .357 wouldn't hurt either.

[taylor111947]

I think Talk Host was referring to my previous post. From the responses to that post I was beginning to think most people do not an have alarm system - and I was impressed by the feeling of security that was evident. For those of you who do have alarm systems I'd appreciate some advice on who provides this service in TV. As I posted, I've been contacted by ADP, but they were very expensive if you required more than their basic system and they kept changing their price to try and get me a 'better deal'. If you'd prefer, you can PM me with the information.

[mrfixit]

We have an alarm simply because we have always had an alarm and have gotten used to the feeling of security it gives us. For us it's almost like a seat belt in a car....we have gotten so used to wearing them that it feels strange to not wear one. It is absolutely not a reflection on the safety of tv, it's just a low cost personal choice.

My thoughts exactly.. Have house alarm alarm with eleven stations (each with two levels of protection)..the darn thing even talks....("garage pass-door opened").. My lovely pooch took 2 weeks to realize no need to bark at the alarm voices--Heck, when I enter my open garage door from driveway (with perimeter alarm on and motion sensors disabled) it has the sound of a "BOOM-stick" being racked. (That'll make ya want to stop and shake out your shorts). If ye get past the alarm and the pooch there is a special hand held "noisemaker" in the house. Asked ten peeps (male) and seven of them keep a "noisemaker" at the ready--inside the house.

[graciegirl]

We feel safe in the villages. So do our neighbors. We all keep an eye out on each other. You bring with you the feelings about safety or unsafety you have had previously. The Villages feel like our home in West Chester, only safer because most people are not working.

The statistics prove that the crime rates in TV are some of the lowest in the country.

Each should live in a manner that they feel most comfortable.

On a similar thread, someone said that they keep the doors locked and the windows down on a lovely 70's day while they are in their home in TV. There are three of us and our Camellia is only 1930 square feet. We let the air in on a pretty day and feel like there isn't any danger in doing so. You can practically see the perimeters of a house that size from the great room.

You can't change peoples mind about FEELING or not feeling safe, nor should you try.

Just my very personal and very humble opinion.

[Bryan]

It's our retirement and our life so what makes us happy and comfortable is what we should have, get or buy. A home alarm system is a personal choice that falls in that category. It is not for everyone for various reasons. More power to them. Some can't live without one. More power to them also. For those that make the decision to get a home alarm system, the wise thing to do is exactly what I saw going on here - research so you get the best deal for your money - the most bang for your buck - the features you want.

[robertj1954]

I am a retired LEO (still new to TV having moved here a month ago from Tampa) and wish to share my opinion on why it is a bad idea to not secure your home. We at TV are blessed with a wonderful community with good people, which makes it easy to assume there is no need for home security. However, that would be a mistake.

There are hundreds of service people coming and going every day in TV. There will always be a few willing and capable of breaking into a home or car that is unattended or not secured if the opportunity exists.

A dog is a good alarm system when you are home. But the dog cannot be left inside a home when you are away for an extended period of time. Having good deadbolt locks on exterior doors and windows will discourage would be intruders when you are away or at night when you are asleep. Most burglars operate on opportunity.

Have a procedure at night where you physically check each door to ensure they are locked and the garage door is down. Leave a light on at night so there is some light inside the home.

TV provides a home check service during times when you are gone for an extended period. A good neighbor policy is helpful with everyone keeping an eye out for anything unusual or suspicious. Let your neighbors know when you be away and don’t be shy about calling Community Watch and report suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Cancel newspaper subscriptions when away for a weekend or longer. Piled up newspapers in the driveway alerts strangers to the fact you are not home. If you see your neighbor’s papers piling up in the driveway, please have it checked it could be a sign there is a problem.

Alarm systems can help in securing your home. Just remember you have to stay on top of maintenance issues with alarms. Nuisance alarms can be costly with alarm fines, if TV has a nuisance alarm policy, most Sheriffs Offices do have false alarm policies.

[red tail]

ive got a little white 10 lb yorkie-poo alarm. if that doesnt scare an intruder away then my .357 stainless steel will! ive had an alarm system for many years but here in the villages i dont feel the need for one. there is nothing more frightening than an alarm system going off in the middle of the night because of a malfunction. and they all do at one time or another. no thanks.....the lack of crime is one of the many reasons we live here.:D

[Talk Host]

ive got a little white 10 lb yorkie-poo alarm. if that doesnt scare an intruder away then my .357 stainless steel will! ive had an alarm system for many years but here in the villages i dont feel the need for one. there is nothing more frightening than an alarm system going off in the middle of the night because of a malfunction. and they all do at one time or another. no thanks.....the lack of crime is one of the many reasons we live here.:D

It's probably just me, but I would think that an intruder standing in my bedroom in the middle of the night would be more frightening than the alarm going off.

In addition to the tangle of complications associated with protecting ones self with a 357, which I assume is constantly at your finger tips, have you though about what it will do to the ears of you and your wife if discharged inside a room.

JLK

[red tail]

It's probably just me, but I would think that an intruder standing in my bedroom in the middle of the night would be more frightening than the alarm going off.

In addition to the tangle of complications associated with protecting ones self with a 357, which I assume is constantly at your finger tips, have you though about what it will do to the ears of you and your wife if discharged inside a room.

JLK

dont assume so much. it is not even close to my fingertips. and what ifs are not important if an intruder is detected.

[GeorgeT]

[QUOTE=Talk Host;350530]It's probably just me, but I would think that an intruder standing in my bedroom in the middle of the night would be more frightening than the alarm going off.

This is exactly why I said in a previous post to fortify your bedroom door where you are the most vulnerable.

[Talk Host]

I'm wondering if any of our posters leave their exterior doors unlocked at night.

[GeorgeT]

I'm wondering if any of our posters leave their exterior doors unlocked at night.

Not a good question to post in a public forum! :(

[billethkid]

I think the title of the thread is misleading. The responses have less to do with how safe TV might or might not be and more to do with what do individuals do to feel safe in the confines of their home.

We have the dead bolts, a dog and "Protected by S&W" stickers at eye level on each door! Ditto where ever we are....not just TV.

btk

[Talk Host]

Not a good question to post in a public forum! :(

I'm not asking for specific addresses. Just a broad question to test the strength of the argument that The Villages is safer than other places in the US.

JLK

[skyguy79]

I think the title of the thread is misleading. The responses have less to do with how safe TV might or might not be and more to do with what do individuals do to feel safe in the confines of their home.

We have the dead bolts, a dog and "Protected by S&W" stickers at eye level on each door! Ditto where ever we are....not just TV.

btkI did a Google search on S&W to see if I could find out more about this security outfit. Guess what I found out? I found out that if you look up "sucker" in the dictionary that you'll find my picture! Thanks Kid!
http://thmg.photobucket.com/albums/v105/UKMaggie/Miscellaneous/th_DuhSmiley.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/image/duh%20smiley/UKMaggie/Miscellaneous/DuhSmiley.gif?o=7)

[Figmo Bohica]

I see lots of replies of "my .357" and my dog will alert us.

How many of you know how to use that ".357" or whatever you have in hand, either long gun or pistol? Remember all those houses are close together and any bullet that you launch you are responsible for where it lands. You just fired all six rounds, and hit your neighbor. Good shooting??????? and the bad guy is still coming at your unhurt.

I will be willing to bet that under stress you could not hit a target at 5 to 7 yards in under five seconds or more. You will never get your ".357" in the fight. There is a drill that we do at 7 yards, 21 feet. A reasonably heathly person can cover those 21 feet in about 1.5 seconds. Can you get to your ".357" and get a round off htting the target in 1.5 seconds? Just to let you know, I can from 5 yards, drawing from cover, place 6 rounds on 3 targets in center mass in 2.88 seconds movng backwards. Drawing from cover on one target I can hit center mass in 1.05 seconds with two rounds. I have gotten older and slowed down lots. Back in your younger days I was under .88 seconds for the same drill. Age does slow us down. *S*

As a long time competitive shooter and NRA Law Enforcement Trainer I have watched shooters at a public range, take time to get a good sight picture, steady breath, long easy pull on the trigger and put several shoots in a small group. They are really proud of themselves. Shooting this way in a stressfull situation will only get you killed.

Get some training, tactial firearm training in shooting is stressful situations. A timer at a range under the instruction of a good trainer will help you break all the bad habits that you have learned in your life time of shooting and will keep you and your love ones alive.

In times of stress people get what is call "Tunnel vision." You see only what is in front of you and hear nothing. You won't even hear the shot if you do pull the trigger.

Get some training if you are going to have a firearm in your home. Learn what to do, and when to do it.

[Tbugs]

Figmo has a lot of bravado in his post. He can cover 7 yards in 1 or 2 seconds, grab his pistol, and put bullets in center mass. This can be done in a drill, but how about if you are wakened from a deep sleep by a burglar at 3 in the morning? Chances are that will not happen in the same time period.

Lock your doors and you will be safe in The Villages. Like Bryan said, a home security system (like ADT) is a personal choice. A pistol in the house is much more likely to kill or seriously harm a family member than an intruder - no matter how well trained you think you are.

[Bogie Shooter]

That avitar explains it all.

[ilovetv]

Regarding this: "there is nothing more frightening than an alarm system going off in the middle of the night because of a malfunction."

There ARE things far more frightening as talk host said, and as Dr. Wm. Petit of CT can attest...who is brutally widowed from the home invasion in which his wife and daughters were were raped, murdered and burned.

And, when our own or a neighbor's alarm goes off in the night, for real or for some wrong reason, it is a wake-up call to DO something!

If it is the neighbor's house, most people would think calling 911 is the right thing to do....instead of lying there resenting the neighbor and thinking "oh, how annoying and inconvenient to me.....that darn neighbor is interrupting MY sleep I need because I'm retired and don't have to get up for work anymore".

When we have heard a neighbor's alarm go off, we try to contact them wherever they are. To me, that's what most people in TV would do, without resenting the homeowner for having a system.

And by the way...with the perimeter armed and motion sensors off while we're sleeping, I can't think of one time when our system sounded the alarm because of a malfunction, and we have a dog that is free to go about.

I appreciate hearing my neighbor's alarm going off. It tells me they need help and we could be next!

[Russ_Boston]

I can from 5 yards, drawing from cover, place 6 rounds on 3 targets in center mass in 2.88 seconds movng backwards. Drawing from cover on one target I can hit center mass in 1.05 seconds with two rounds. I have gotten older and slowed down lots. Back in your younger days I was under .88 seconds for the same drill. Age does slow us down. *S*

If the intruder is already in your bedroom while you are sleeping, that gun isn't going to be a factor no matter how fast you are. You are SLEEPING.

Now if you are awakened it's a different story.

Exactly how many of these invasions are we talking about. I would assume most robberies are when the home is not occupied or the occupants are out of the home.

[taylor111947]

:sigh: I don't mean to be rude, but although I value all your opinions on why or why not to have an alarm system, no one is answering my original request for recommendations for Alarm System vendors. Can someone please help me out?

[Advogado]

I put fear of house burglary way down on my list of my Villages-related concerns, after:
1. The IRS investigation of the Developer's dealings with the Center Districts
2. Sink holes
3. Lousy drivers-- both cars and golf carts
4. Tornadoes
5. Hurricanes
6. A paranoid, trigger-happy neighbor with a .357 magnum (a firearm which has a lot of penetrating power) shooting at a noise in the night and the slug going through his wall and my wall
7. Ladies in red hats

[graciegirl]

I put fear of house burglary way down on my list of my Villages-related concerns, after:
1. The IRS investigation of the Developer's dealings with the Center Districts
2. Sink holes
3. Lousy drivers-- both cars and golf carts
4. Tornadoes
5. Hurricanes
6. A paranoid, trigger-happy neighbor with a .357 magnum (a firearm which has a lot of penetrating power) shooting at a noise in the night and the slug going through his wall and my wall
7. Ladies in red hats

:1rotfl:
Especially ladies in red hats!
What about alligators?

I agree with your concerns and in that order.

I don't know Taylor because I really can't remember anyone having a security system on my street.

[Bogie Shooter]

If the intruder is already in your bedroom while you are sleeping, that gun isn't going to be a factor no matter how fast you are. You are SLEEPING.

Now if you are awakened it's a different story.

Exactly how many of these invasions are we talking about. I would assume most robberies are when the home is not occupied or the occupants are out of the home.

Based on some of the posts here we must be averaging about 3 a week. This thread reminds me of that very long thread about guns, owning, carrying, etc.

[graciegirl]

Based on some of the posts here we must be averaging about 3 a week. This thread reminds me of that very long thread about guns, owning, carrying, etc.

You serious Bogie? Cause I believe anything you say.............

[Bogie Shooter]

You serious Bogie? Cause I believe anything you say.............

No. Just wondering why so many feel unsafe. I understand locking the doors, I do always have, but fortifying your bedroom...............

[Tbugs]

I have heard some of the builders of custom homes in The Villages have started to offer "Panic Rooms" as an option. There is also the option of adding a whole-house Halon 1301 fire suppressent system.

[Midge538]

Maybe if The Villages Safety Department and the Marion/Lake/and Sumter County Sheriff's Offices were 'allowed' to provide their daily incident records each day for publication in the Daily Sun (or TOTV), we would be better informed and thus could make a more enlightened decision regarding home security issues.

[Talk Host]

:sigh: I don't mean to be rude, but although I value all your opinions on why or why not to have an alarm system, no one is answering my original request for recommendations for Alarm System vendors. Can someone please help me out?

There are lots of systems out there that work well in protecting you. Honeywell makes a very nice system that is easily installed by most technicians. It is expandable as you wish, with modules for every desire. The actual alarm system itself is not expensive.

ADT is not inexpensive. I had ADT for a while in The Villages and I was not happy with their service. The is no company that is local to The Villages. Your central station company can be anywhere in the world. If you are happy with the one you have now, you can keep using them. It's not necessary that they be "right around the corner from you."

Lots of people feel secure without alarm systems in their homes. There are those of us who are more comfortable with that added level of security in the event the unlikely occurs. Just like seat belt security and health insurance.

[GeorgeT]

No. Just wondering why so many feel unsafe. I understand locking the doors, I do always have, but fortifying your bedroom...............

How hard is it to put a solid wood door on your bedroom and maybe a dead bolt. If it doesn't stop the intruder completely it will at least slow them down and give you time to call 911 and/or grab your weapon of choice.

IMO an alarm system gives a false sense of security. It will take time for the police or whoever to respond.

Anything can happen anywhere but I think The Villages is very, very safe.

[JSR22]

Does anyone know of any intruders in a house when the owners were home?

[katezbox]

Based on some of the posts here we must be averaging about 3 a week. This thread reminds me of that very long thread about guns, owning, carrying, etc.

I guess that I am in agreement about the relative danger. I am a pragmatic person. I don't take stupid risks. But I also don't live my life in fear - except for snakes and red hat ladies.

[Talk Host]

Does anyone know of any intruders in a house when the owners were home?


About 4 years ago, there was a rash of burglaries in The Villages. At the time, most of them were reported in the Villages Daily Sun. According to those reports, many of the intrusions were while people were at home. Some reported people awaking in the dead of night with intruders in their bedrooms. Some were in broad daylight. If my memory serves me correctly at least one home owner was injured in a scuffle with the intruders. To the best of my recollection, there were about 15 or 20 burglaries in that series. Two of the burglaries were about three blocks from my house.

One or two individuals were arrested and charged with some of the crimes.

About 5 years ago, there was a home intrusion not far from Lopez Country Club. Two young men held a man and his wife at gunpoint while they ransacked the house. Before leaving, they murdered the woman and seriously wounded the husband. I have a more than casual knowledge because I was called for jury duty. I was not selected. Both of the defendants were found guilty and only one, I believe, received a death sentence. The couples daughter investigated, but was never charged.

In this case, the "panic" or "ambush" alarm could have been helpful.

JLK

[swrinfla]

I'm probably "careless," but I refuse to be scared/worried/upset or whatever about safety here in TV.

Back home (St. Louis), I wouldn't think of leaving any door or window unlocked, ever. I did seriously consider ADT or a similar installation, but abandoned that when my neighbor's system set off very high-decibel warnings six times in one day - all because big trucks were passing our houses, thereby shaking his alarm's sensor(s)!

Yes, I keep my front door here locked at all times. And, the garage door down, except maybe for the few minutes it takes me to go to the Postal Station and back. But, my gut tells me The Villages is, overall, safe.

Avoid paranoia! It'll disrupt your lifestyle something fierce! :D

SWR
:beer3:

[Talk Host]

I

Avoid paranoia! It'll disrupt your lifestyle something fierce! :D

SWR
:beer3:

Having been around the police, fire and news business all my life, I am hesitant to label a safety conscious individual as being "paranoid."

[Tbugs]

The case where the woman was murdered and husband wounded during the home invasion was drug related. The daughter (20's) was living at home and had a drug dealing boyfriend. It was thought that the girl had drugs at the house and this terrible thing happened.

It was not a random thing at all.

Best bet - make sure your doors are locked, don't let strangers in the house, if you have a service technician in for work - watch them all the time - do not let them use your main bathroom or they might look for drugs.

As far as having a pistol in the house, remember in Nov. 2009 in Glenbrook where a wife "just had enough of her husband's attitude" and shot him 3 times in the stomach while he was taking a shower. Both the husband and wife were former police officers and both had pistols at home. If a pistol is in the house, chances are that the person hurt or killed will be a family member.

[Talk Host]

The case where the woman was murdered and husband wounded during the home invasion was drug related. The daughter (20's) was living at home and had a drug dealing boyfriend. It was thought that the girl had drugs at the house and this terrible thing happened.

It was not a random thing at all.



Whether it was random or planned, it was a home invasion and it was in The Villages. My memory is that there was no boyfriend involved in this, rather an acquaintance. The girl was never charged with anything.

I believe that the other 15 or so unrelated burglaries were "drug related" as well. I also think that a high percentage of home invasions all around the country are "drug related," in that the loot is sold to buy drugs. In 2009 there were over 2 million burglaries in this country.







JLK

[skyguy79]

:1rotfl: What about alligators?
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in all of Florida, look no more... yer lookn' at em!
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[Bogie Shooter]

About 4 years ago, there was a rash of burglaries in The Villages. At the time, most of them were reported in the Villages Daily Sun. According to those reports, many of the intrusions were while people were at home. Some reported people awaking in the dead of night with intruders in their bedrooms. Some were in broad daylight. If my memory serves me correctly at least one home owner was injured in a scuffle with the intruders. To the best of my recollection, there were about 15 or 20 burglaries in that series. Two of the burglaries were about three blocks from my house.

One or two individuals were arrested and charged with some of the crimes.

About 5 years ago, there was a home intrusion not far from Lopez Country Club. Two young men held a man and his wife at gunpoint while they ransacked the house. Before leaving, they murdered the woman and seriously wounded the husband. I have a more than casual knowledge because I was called for jury duty. I was not selected. Both of the defendants were found guilty and only one, I believe, received a death sentence. The couples daughter was investigated, but was never charged.

In this case, the "panic" or "ambush" alarm could have been helpful.

JLK

The daughter knew the men because she did drugs with them. They were invited into the home. That is the way it was reported. I don't call that a home intrusion.

[Talk Host]

The daughter knew the men because she did drugs with them. They were invited into the home. That is the way it was reported. I don't call that a home intrusion.

Whether is was an intrusion, and invasion or a set up, it was a major crime. I'm sure the family felt it was an intrusion into their happy home.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

:sigh: I don't mean to be rude, but although I value all your opinions on why or why not to have an alarm system, no one is answering my original request for recommendations for Alarm System vendors. Can someone please help me out?

taylor, I can't help you out with a specific vendor in TV. But I would encourage you to find out what the monthly monitoring fee is (if you opt to have that service). Some companies will give you a low price for the system cost and installation then give you a really high number for the monthly monitoring.

Bill :)

[Bogie Shooter]

Whether it was random or planned, it was a home invasion and it was in The Villages. My memory is that there was no boyfriend involved in this, rather an acquaintance. The girl was never charged with anything.

I believe that the other 15 or so unrelated burglaries were "drug related" as well. I also think that a high percentage of home invasions all around the country are "drug related," in that the loot is sold to buy drugs. In 2009 there were over 2 million burglaries in this country.







JLK
This data came from a real estate search site, how reliable is this data?
Also it states at the bottom of the page where this information came from that it is copyrighted.....thought we could not copy and paste copyrighted information.

[bkcunningham1]

:popcorn:

[barb1191]

Awhile ago our phone rang at about 11:40 PM and I thought who the h*** is calling at this hour? If it's another recording call or sales-pitch call, I'll blow my stack at them!!!!

I picked up the phone and it was a female voice and before I gave her a chance to say anything, I said to her...."You know, I REALLY do not appreciate you calling at this late hour."

She responded with a sincere apology and said that she was calling from TV Security and they just received notice that your garage door is open. Did you know that?

WOW, did I feel like a real bummer. I apologized over and over again and thanked per profusely for calling and she was most kind and understanding.

I felt very secure after that call. Between neighbor watch and TV security watch, I feel we are in good stead.......

Carpe diem!!!!

[Talk Host]

Also it states at the bottom of the page where this information came from that it is copyrighted.....thought we could not copy and paste copyrighted information.


I just checked on the copywrite and you are probably right about that. I have removed the graph.

[Talk Host]

."

She responded with a sincere apology and said that she was calling from TV Security



Did she really say "Villages Security?" If so, I didn't know there was such a thing. Was It Community Watch?

JLK

[barb1191]

Did she really say "Villages Security?" If so, I didn't know there was such a thing. Was It Community Watch?

JLK

yes.....is Community Watch not a form of security? Just asking...

[handyman]

I hope you guys know what kind of loads those thunder sticks are loaded with,the only thing between you and a bad dream, is 2 sheets of drywall and your neighbor, I have some heavy duty stuff ,but I would not ever consider a .357 as a home protector ,I value my neighbors,Please if you guys feel that you need to be armed, they make a really neat .410 5shot revolver it will take care of buisness and I will sleep and go golfing in the mornnig instead of not waking up PS, tough talk comes easy to someone who has never had to do the deed............it never goes away

[Tom Hannon]

The original question Talk Host posted is an interesting one. BUT people should think before giving too much detail about having an alarm or not on TOTV. We don't know who is stauking us. The less outsiders know about our security the better. And yes, I have a security system.

[Talk Host]

yes.....is Community Watch not a form of security? Just asking...

I think there is a difference. "Security" implies a measurable level of authority to deal with threatening situations. "Watch" on the other hand implies observing open garage doors and reporting yard ornaments.

Unless something has changed, Community Watch has no enforcement authority at all. They don't respond to anything that threatens well being. They simply notify local authorities. Much like an alarm systems does.

[graciegirl]

What some of you have done is to make people who do not yet live here feel that there is an elevated danger in doing so. I have a new friend who I cherish very much who reads this forum and I imagine that she is wondering what she has done putting a deposit down on some crummy crime infested place.

When the reality is that this lovely place is one of the most serene places in the world to live and that the fact that we are all wiser and older and not doing anything else other than moving about here and watching things and each other makes it even safer.

You can arm yourself with a cannon if you can carry it because it is part of your constititutional rights and some of you will even if you lived in a stockade with a platoon of people protecting you because you feel the way you do, but please remember that there are real people who are getting a really bad and wrong impression about the safety of this area reading this forum. These real people who may be single, and may want the happiness we have chosen for ourselves will decide not to come here and see how comfortably safe this place is.

The Community Watch drives around the neighborhood and watches, because I get up for my night feeding and I look out the windows and I see them in their white cars driving slowly by.

As I eat my cookies and milk I watch too. There isn't anything or anybody out there hardly even a car.

Now I am thinking that many of you are posting these things about locks on your bedroom door and carrying guns because you care and feel protective of others, but some of you may have not really assessed the level of danger or safety here accurately.

Taylor, get a security system. You know the one I chose because I sent you a PM. Even if the reason that you should do so is to protect yourself from armed, angry and drunken neighbors who have gotten themselves all mad because they got scratched by your knock out roses yesterday and they are gonna get you back.

I would also like to point out that the graph that was removed included the areas outside of TV. It is hard to find a graph that includes just The Villages because we are part of three counties.

Deep breaths and common sense. Thank you grandmother, I am listening.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I put fear of house burglary way down on my list of my Villages-related concerns, after:
1. The IRS investigation of the Developer's dealings with the Center Districts
2. Sink holes
3. Lousy drivers-- both cars and golf carts
4. Tornadoes
5. Hurricanes
6. A paranoid, trigger-happy neighbor with a .357 magnum (a firearm which has a lot of penetrating power) shooting at a noise in the night and the slug going through his wall and my wall
7. Ladies in red hats

Very funny! :BigApplause:

[Tbugs]

Double-taps, triple-taps, silvertips, triple-tap rocker? Someone been reading too many Tom Clancy book?

As I have stated on here a few times already, the guns in the home are totally unnecessary. Statistics show that family members are more likely to be killed or maimed by guns in the home than are intruders.

Remember, last time you handled a gun in an emergency was probably 15-45 years ago. The bad guy that you find in your house is probably in his 20's and is a lot stronger and quicker than you are now. Your gun, if you have made it that far, will probably be turned against you.

Also, remember, The Villages is probably the safest place you have ever lived and there is basically no crime at all. Guns are not necessary here.

[memason]

What some of you have done is to make people who do not yet live here feel that there is an elevated danger in doing so. I have a new friend who I cherish very much who reads this forum and I imagine that she is wondering what she has done putting a deposit down on some crummy crime infested place.

When the reality is that this lovely place is one of the most serene places in the world to live and that the fact that we are all wiser and older and not doing anything else other than moving about here and watching things and each other makes it even safer.

You can arm yourself with a cannon if you can carry it because it is part of your constititutional rights and some of you will even if you lived in a stockade with a platoon of people protecting you because you feel the way you do, but please remember that there are real people who are getting a really bad and wrong impression about the safety of this area reading this forum. These real people who may be single, and may want the happiness we have chosen for ourselves will decide not to come here and see how comfortably safe this place is.

The Community Watch drives around the neighborhood and watches, because I get up for my night feeding and I look out the windows and I see them in their white cars driving slowly by.

As I eat my cookies and milk I watch too. There isn't anything or anybody out there hardly even a car.

Now I am thinking that many of you are posting these things about locks on your bedroom door and carrying guns because you care and feel protective of others, but some of you may have not really assessed the level of danger or safety here accurately.

Taylor, get a security system. You know the one I chose because I sent you a PM. Even if the reason that you should do so is to protect yourself from armed, angry and drunken neighbors who have gotten themselves all mad because they got scratched by your knock out roses yesterday and they are gonna get you back.

I would also like to point out that the graph that was removed included the areas outside of TV. It is hard to find a graph that includes just The Villages because we are part of three counties.

Deep breaths and common sense. Thank you grandmother, I am listening.

Gracie.... You are my hero! Well said....

I would be interested in knowing how many of the posters on TOTV actually LIVE [full or part-time] in TV??? I find it hard to believe that anyone living in TV would find it necessary to have security systems or weapons to protect themselves.

Are some of these threads started just to stir controversy ??

Don't know... just thinking. :shrug:

[GeorgeT]

Gracie.... You are my hero! Well said....

I would be interested in knowing how many of the posters on TOTV actually LIVE [full or part-time] in TV??? I find it hard to believe that anyone living in TV would find it necessary to have security systems or weapons to protect themselves.

Are some of these threads started just to stir controversy ??

Don't know... just thinking. :shrug:

I agree 100%. I also wonder why a thread like this was started and it should be completely deleted forever.

The Villages is the safest place I have ever lived and I spent 25 years in VT.

I am also sorry that I got caught up in this ridiculous thread.

Thank you Gracie for the voice of reason.

George.

[katezbox]

I agree 100%. I also wonder why a thread like this was started and it should be completely deleted forever.

The Villages is the safest place I have ever lived and I spent 25 years in VT.

I am also sorry that I got caught up in this ridiculous thread.

Thank you Gracie for the voice of reason.

George.

Gracie is absolutely the voice of reason.

And to give TH a free pass as the starter of this - it is his job on a forum to be provocative.

Is there a phrase in our language more likely to cause fear than "home invasion"? I lived in Connecticut during the time the Pettit family members were killed. My next door neighbors knew them. They had been stalked. They left their door unlocked.

I have also been a victim of a robbery while I was at home. I was 18. IMO most middle class home break ins are a random crime. Thieves - usually looking for drug money - look for the easiest target. It is hard to protect yourself against random.

I think TV may be the safest place I have ever lived.

[Talk Host]

Interesting that those who desire a more certain level of safety and security are labeled "ridiculous" or "stirring controversy." Yet no negative labeling or criticism has been leveled at those who feel that The Villages is an impregnable safe haven.

[Talk Host]

Gracie is absolutely the voice of reason.

And to give TH a free pass as the starter of this - it is his job on a forum to be provocative.



It is my job to be "objective." Because I think it is imprudent to dissuade people from considering a home alarm system, does not make me "provocative."

I agree that The Villages is probably the safest place I have ever lived. I am also realistic enough to know that it is not totally shielded from the outside world. That's why everybody locks their doors at night. An alarm system is an extra layer of safety. Don't criticize those of us who want that!

My position is, if you want an alarm, have one. If you don't want one, don't have one. But, don't label those of us who feel safer with one as being, "provocative" "controversial" or "ridiculous." Those terms are used only when there is no sound argument against an issue. And don't tell people that there is "no chance" of a home invasion in the Villages, it's not true.

JLK

[dillywho]

Double-taps, triple-taps, silvertips, triple-tap rocker? Someone been reading too many Tom Clancy book?

As I have stated on here a few times already, the guns in the home are totally unnecessary. Statistics show that family members are more likely to be killed or maimed by guns in the home than are intruders.

Remember, last time you handled a gun in an emergency was probably 15-45 years ago. The bad guy that you find in your house is probably in his 20's and is a lot stronger and quicker than you are now. Your gun, if you have made it that far, will probably be turned against you.

Also, remember, The Villages is probably the safest place you have ever lived and there is basically no crime at all. Guns are not necessary here.

One purpose of an alarm system is to keep them from getting in in the first place. Are they going to come on in when the thing goes off the minute they open/breakin a door or window? As to no crime at all here, tell that to our neighbors that were broken into a couple of years ago.

Alarms aside, a little common sense goes a long way. One of the ones that was broken into was leaving town and put his trash out on Friday for Monday pickup. That, folks, is an open invitation as he found out the hard way. (BTW, he doesn't do that anymore.) Have a neighbor put it out for you the night before pickup. That's what we all do here now. My neighbors and I even share. When someone is gone for several pickups, someone else puts one of their trash bags in their driveway the night before pickup.

[memason]

It is my job to be "objective." Because I think it is imprudent to dissuade people from considering a home alarm system, does not make me "provocative."

I agree that The Villages is probably the safest place I have ever lived. I am also realistic enough to know that it is not totally shielded from the outside world. That's why everybody locks their doors at night. An alarm system is an extra layer of safety. Don't criticize those of us who want that!

My position is, if you want an alarm, have one. If you don't want one, don't have one. But, don't label those of us who feel safer with one as being, "provocative" "controversial" or "ridiculous." Those terms are used only when there is no sound argument against an issue. And don't tell people that there is "no chance" of a home invasion in the Villages, it's not true.

JLK

I believe Katzbox has is exactly right... You start these types of threads knowing the responses you are going to get. Everyone has an "opinion" on such topics.

Unlike you, the rest of us do not profit from readership and are not selling advertising based on number of views per month. Nor are any of us selling a book, generated form the posts of people on this forum.

Just saying... Lets keep it real here.

[Talk Host]

I believe Katzbox has is exactly right... You start these types of threads knowing the responses you are going to get. Everyone has an "opinion" on such topics.

Unlike you, the rest of us do not profit from readership and are not selling advertising based on number of views per month. Nor are any of us selling a book, generated form the posts of people on this forum.

Just saying... Lets keep it real here.


All forms of media, radio, television, newspapers, and discussion forums try to generate topics that will be of interest to their readers, viewers or listeners. Are you suggesting that I should not start interesting threads. Are we being demonized for trying to be successful? There is a huge gulf between interesting topics and trying to provoke people.

I wish all of our members would post threads everyday that would generate 2,000+ views in 24 hours.

I find it interesting that this topic has gone from an interesting question about the relative safety of The Villages to an indictment of my motives for daring to ask the question.

I wonder why the Sheriff's department has "crimes against seniors" division.

JLK

[rjm1cc]

Go to http://www.nixle.com/

You can sign up for crime notices if the local policy department is a member. This may help answer your question.

[graciegirl]

Go to http://www.nixle.com/

You can sign up for crime notices if the local policy department is a member. This may help answer your question.

The answers to your question about how safe The Villages are is right here on this forum. We have the most reporters any news media could ever ask for.

We can get three hundred posts about some man who bumbled into the ladies shower room at the sports pool.

We can discuss guns until we want to shoot ourselves.

We can uplift and tear apart landscapers and we can try to make sense out of all of it.

Some of us are reasonable people and probably always have been and some of us.....are a little...silly BUT Boy Howdy...we know when something went wrong here and in about five minutes somebody tells somebody who posts it RIGHT HERE.

TalkHost.. the power you have over us with this irreplaceable news medium is frightening!!!!

[manaboutown]

I did an internet search. Trulia provided this data for Sumter County. http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/The_Villages-Florida/community-info/

It looks like property crime is about 18% greater and violent crime more than twice as common in Sumter County than for Florida as a whole.

[bkcunningham1]

manabouttown, I own a home in TV. According to the source you provided, our community is far below the state and county averages for violent and property crimes.

http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/32159-Lady_Lake/

[bkcunningham1]

Sumter County, FL, is a very big county. There are five incorporated cities inside Sumter County. None are in the boundaries of TV. There are 11 unincorporated towns, including TV in Sumter County. When you use Sumter County stats, it really doesn't reflect TV inclusively.

[manaboutown]

BK, I just checked your link. It shows statistics for Lady Lake and for Lake County. TV lies in three counties. It may be difficult to find accurate statistics for TV as a community unto itself. My personal presumption is that it is likely much safer within TV than it is within the remainder of the counties because of TV's checkpoint gates, citizen patrols and a high overall awareness and watchfulness of Villagers.

[villages07]

Like Gracie, I'm concerned that "future" Villages residents who read this thread might get a distorted impression of criminal acts and safety here. We are a community of 40,000+ homes and 80,000+ people. Random acts of violent crime (not those perpetrated by persons who know each other) are minimal and property crimes, specifically, burglary are miniscule in number compared to the size of the community. As others have said, this is the safest community I have lived in. But bad stuff can and will happen.

So, if an alarm system makes one feel more secure then have at it.

Sorry TalkHost, I've got to agree with katez and Memason...the thread topic and initial tone seemed to be intended to provoke fear and controversy. That was my perception...not saying it was or wasn't the intent but that's how it sounded to me.

[katezbox]

A

I wonder why the Sheriff's department has "crimes against seniors" division.

JLK

Just thinking that alarms systems won't help with many of the crimes reported to crimes against seniors - and while we might want to shoot that landscaper who scarpers off with your deposit, or the carpenter using sub standard materials, I'm thinking this would get us thrown into jail....

[Bogie Shooter]

Like Gracie, I'm concerned that "future" Villages residents who read this thread might get a distorted impression of criminal acts and safety here. We are a community of 40,000+ homes and 80,000+ people. Random acts of violent crime (not those perpetrated by persons who know each other) are minimal and property crimes, specifically, burglary are miniscule in number compared to the size of the community. As others have said, this is the safest community I have lived in. But bad stuff can and will happen.

So, if an alarm system makes one feel more secure then have at it.

Sorry TalkHost, I've got to agree with katez and Memason...the thread topic and initial tone seemed to be intended to provoke fear and controversy. That was my perception...not saying it was or wasn't the intent but that's how it sounded to me.

I had to look twice to be sure it was not that advertiser who posts those type of threads.

[K9-Lovers]

Sorry TalkHost, I've got to agree with katez and Memason...the thread topic and initial tone seemed to be intended to provoke fear and controversy. That was my perception...not saying it was or wasn't the intent but that's how it sounded to me.

Me, too. This topic has been discussed in other threads ad nauseum . . .

[BOMBERO]

I would be interested in knowing how many of the posters on TOTV actually LIVE [full or part-time] in TV??? I find it hard to believe that anyone living in TV would find it necessary to have security systems or weapons to protect themselves.

Are some of these threads started just to stir controversy ??

Don't know... just thinking. :shrug:

And the reason I say that...

77 Replies and over 3500 Views and not one person said anything about a
story in Friday's 4/29/11 Daily Sun. Page C-1. The local section. Bottom right of page.

You can get the paper in or close to the Villages. I'm not sure about
Hillsborough County.

[bkcunningham1]

And the reason I say that...

77 Replies and over 3500 Views and not one person said anything about a
story in Friday's 4/29/11 Daily Sun. Page C-1. The local section. Bottom right of page.

You can get the paper in or close to the Villages. I'm not sure about
Hillsborough County.

I went back and looked in my Daily Sun. According to the article, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the 2010 Uniform Crime Reports for 2009 to 2010.

The report says, statewide, Florida saw a 6.7 drop in total offenses. These included subcategories like sex offenses, robbery, murder, aggravated assault and larceny.

Sumter County saw a 16 percent decrease in crime in 2009 to 2010. According to the report, "aggravated assault was up about 5 percent, and an increase in murders from one in 2009 to three in 2010 accounted for a 200 percent increase."

Lake County crime rates fell 8.2 percent (23 percent drop in robberies and 19 percent in burglary.)

Marion County's crime rates decreased 2.4 percent for the same period.

Here's the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Report if anyone is interested. Thanks BOMBERO for the heads-up.

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/1e33be34-d893-4f02-bd9e-496251fdf4fb/County-Profiles.aspx

[graciegirl]

I went back and looked in my Daily Sun. According to the article, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the 2010 Uniform Crime Reports for 2009 to 2010.

The report says, statewide, Florida saw a 6.7 drop in total offenses. These included subcategories like sex offenses, robbery, murder, aggravated assault and larceny.

Sumter County saw a 16 percent decrease in crime in 2009 to 2010. According to the report, "aggravated assault was up about 5 percent, and an increase in murders from one in 2009 to three in 2010 accounted for a 200 percent increase."

Lake County crime rates fell 8.2 percent (23 percent drop in robberies and 19 percent in burglary.)

Marion County's crime rates decreased 2.4 percent for the same period.

Here's the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Report if anyone is interested. Thanks BOMBERO for the heads-up.

http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/1e33be34-d893-4f02-bd9e-496251fdf4fb/County-Profiles.aspx

Smart girl BK. No wonder you won national awards for investigative reporting. :clap2::clap2::clap2:

[Tbugs]

Regarding the "crimes against seniors", this is a special added feature that imposes harsher penalties to the bad guys.

The landscapers who do shoddy work or make off with deposits, the contractors who do not live up to their contracts, etc, should always be reported to Seniors vs Crime. This is a free service and is a project of the Florida Attorney General Office. It is not a law enforcement office. There is an office in Sumter County (Morse & 466) and an office in Marion County (Buena Vista at 42). The Sumter County office is open 3 days a week and Marion County office is open 2 days a week. Over $1 million has been recovered by each of the two offices. It is a 100% volunteer operation and has some great people (and office managers) working at them.

[JohnN]

TV is the safest place I've ever seen, overall as a community, bar none.

[bkcunningham1]

TV is the safest place I've ever seen, overall as a community, bar none.

How many places have you seen John? Just kidding. I think everyone has to be responsible for their own safety; wherever they are. Watch your surroundings. Lock your doors and windows in your house and car. Don't leave belongings in plain sight in your vehicle. Don't open your door to strangers.

You know what I mean. Whatever makes you feel safe and secure. If you feel safe leaving your purse in your car, go for it. We were in town the other day at Spanish Springs. My checkbook feel out of my purse and I didn't realize what had happened until we came back to the golf cart.

There on the seat was my checkbook in plain sight. My husband nearly killed me. I would have never done that intentionally; in TV or anywhere on earth. Many places, it would have been gone in two minutes flat.

[K9-Lovers]

It is safer everywhere, now that Osama Bin Laden is dead.

[rdhdleo]

That happened within a mile of my house. I was shocked but one has t remember this was a rare incident fueled by the fact that the daughter lived with her parents, I think I read was involved with drugs and the wrong kind of people. It was a couple of acquaintances of hers and I still feel she was involved in some way. Still scary stuff. But I have lived in a great neighborhood going on 8 years now. I have neighbors that care about each other and keep an eye out. A couple are retired police. None of us have alarms or feel the need for any and you are talking to a former Chicago gal ;) The only thing that bothers me these days is the foreclosed house behind me that has been vacant for well over a year. Stay alert and keep your doors locked. Oh I do have 2 dogs one of which shall we say does NOT like strangers :) Just my opinion. While no place is entirely safe you have to do what you feel comfortable with and btw I was once a victim of a violent crime in my own home. When we first moved here I lived in our house by myself and one dog at the time for 8 months while hubby finished work up north. Not once did I not feel safe.
Ok this comment should have followed the one on the murder that took place in TV!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.....Ok this comment should have followed the one on the murder that took place in TV!

rd - If you want to bring the desired post's contents forward to include with your reply, simply click the 'Quote' button at the lower right of the appropriate post rather than using the 'Reply' button. You can then edit the contents of it (if you desire) and post your reply at the end.

Hope that helps!

Bill :)