Restroom, Golf Carts Vandalized at LSL

[REDCART]

Today's Daily Sun Local Sect. p C9, contained a brief article about vandalism overnight in the public restroom at LSL, and the theft of gas from The Villages golf carts. It's ironic that we were concerned about vandalism in Brownwood and it was LSL that vandals hit. It's pretty pathetic that locals cannot appreciate the value of a clean and open public restroom without feeling the need to destroy it. Maybe someone with a background in psychology could explain it to me.

[Sparty6971]

Don't need the psychology background. Some people are real &*(^#*@^s and are a pimple on the rear end of toads. Fortunately there aren't too many of them around here but it does seem that our places attract them - jealousy of our hard work and good luck over our working lives?

[rubicon]

Psychologicslly speaking since it was restroom and golf carts vandalized then one could assume that these perpetrators don't give a crap about golf.

The light behind the cloud maybe that some residents may finally come out of their denial to understand that they are as vulnerable here as they would be in any city. Stated otherwise The Villages is not protected by fairy dust keeping all the bad people away. Get a grip

[Boudicca]

Fairy dust! LOL

[REDCART]

Psychologicslly speaking since it was restroom and golf carts vandalized then one could assume that these perpetrators don't give a crap about golf.

Thanks for adding a note of humor to your comment. Hope the vandals are eventually caught.

[2BNTV]

Just a sad reminder that no place is 100% safe.

I hope the vandals get caught.

[Golfingnut]

Psychologicslly speaking since it was restroom and golf carts vandalized then one could assume that these perpetrators don't give a crap about golf.

The light behind the cloud maybe that some residents may finally come out of their denial to understand that they are as vulnerable here as they would be in any city. Stated otherwise The Villages is not protected by fairy dust keeping all the bad people away. Get a grip

I lived a large portion of my life in Washington D.C. and Atlanta Georgia.

We are NOT AS VULNERABLE here as in any city.

Look at crime statistics to see how silly it is to think The Villages is no safer than any city.

:(

[Golfingnut]

http://www.cityrating.com/charts/florida/lady-lake-property-crime-per-capita.png

Even using Lady Lake as a comparison, that puts us in a safe location when compared to Florida or National Crime statistics.

Always be vigilant, but don't be fearful of some offhanded comments. The villages as defined by its borders, is one of the safest locations in the United States for Seniors.

:MOJE_whot:

[Down Sized]

Maybe they will build a sheriff station in LSL. I think we will eventually need it before long.

[Bogie Shooter]

Maybe they will build a sheriff station in LSL. I think we will eventually need it before long.

One toilet vandalized and some gas stolen and now we need a sheriff station in LSL.....the sky is falling!
BTW there is a sub-station at Morse Blvd and CR466.

[buggyone]

It is definitely not a pleasure to read about public restrooms being vandalized at Lake Sumter Landing. More than likely, it was a bad element from outside The Villages that did the vandalism.

I certainly hope that no one on this forum will take a random act of vandalism as their justification for carrying a pistol while walking around The Villages.

[Golfingnut]

Maybe they will build a sheriff station in LSL. I think we will eventually need it before long.

I would like to see that. The presence of police would help to curtail low level vandalism. I have a feeling the small amount of crime we have in The Villages is nothing more than young people from the surrounding communities out looking for a little excitement.

[Down Sized]

One toilet vandalized and some gas stolen and now we need a sheriff station in LSL.....the sky is falling!
BTW there is a sub-station at Morse Blvd and CR466.

And men knocking on doors at 3 am. many complete golf bags are being stolen from golf cart (per manager of one of the Championship golf course) and getting worse. Items stolen from garages etc.
The sky is starting to tilt some in this little bubble. Even dumb thieves know where the money is!

[Down Sized]

Crime in Fl.

Lake county crime up 23% -first 6 months of 2012
= Lady Lake & Leesburg

Marion County crime is down 10% first 6 months of 2012
= Ocala & Belleview

Orlando #3 highest crime in US

[Bogie Shooter]

And men knocking on doors at 3 am. many complete golf bags are being stolen from golf cart (per manager of one of the Championship golf course) and getting worse. Items stolen from garages etc.
The sky is starting to tilt some in this little bubble. Even dumb thieves know where the money is!

Do you really think that the Sheriff will put a Deputy on every corner??
-cover you golf clubs when cart is parked
-Close your garage door
-Don't answer the door at 3AM
-etc. not sure what the problem here is
-getting worse, guess that is just an alarmist opinion

[skip0358]

Things are changing in TV. Ride down the cart paths and look at the crap on the side of the paths. Beer cans, soda bottles. Go over the little bridge n/o 466 and look below the bridge, go to the pools and look over the walls. I saw one of the early walkers the other morning coming back from his walk with 2 garbage bags of junk he picked up on his walk. We complain about the butts and poop laying around. People are getting lazy and sloppy. It wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't a guest of a Villager who did the deed that was reported in the paper. Golf bags getting stolen that's a big money item for any thief or someone who didn't have clubs. People were taking items from seabreeze when it first opened and decorations are taken from the Christmas trees in the Rec centers. We don't need a police station we need to start policing our own. JMO

[Serenoa]

Well that's it.....you can just keep your crime ridden city, aka TV. Guess we'll be cancelling our LSV we had scheduled in December.

Suppose we'll just stay & retire in Birmingham, AL. After all, last w/e we only had one homicide instead of the usual two or three.

[mulligan]

It was probably those evildoers from stonecrest or lakeside. that's what happens when you let outsiders in.

[buggyone]

It was probably those evildoers from stonecrest or lakeside. that's what happens when you let outsiders in.

Absolutely right - and they probably came in to illegally use our multi-modal trails the we pay to maintain. IF The Developer had the proper scanners installed on the multi-modal trails, they could read the RFID chips that were implanted in our necks when we were processed in at the time we got our ID pictures. The outsiders don't have the the chips and thus could be easily ousted from The Villages by the volunteer citizen patrollers on the multi-modal paths.

[graciegirl]

Good grief. What makes us all JUMP to conclusions that things are going to hell in a handbasket?

This is relatively the safest place you can find almost anywhere.

I imagine once all the security camera footage is examined whoever did the trashing will be in the trash themselves.

I LOVE the fact that bad guys are caught on camera these days.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I lived a large portion of my life in Washington D.C. and Atlanta Georgia.

We are NOT AS VULNERABLE here as in any city.

Look at crime statistics to see how silly it is to think The Villages is no safer than any city.

:(

It reminds me of what President Regan said " a recession is when your neighbor loses their job and a depression is when you lose your job" well you live in a relative safe neighborhood when your neighbor is hit by crime and you live in a terrrible neighborhood when you are hit by crime

[Golfingnut]

Good grief. What makes us all JUMP to conclusions that things are going to hell in a handbasket?

This is relatively the safest place you can find almost anywhere.

I imagine once all the security camera footage is examined whoever did the trashing will be in the trash themselves.

I LOVE the fact that bad guys are caught on camera these days.

This thread is surprising me as well. Maybe because I have lived in high crime cities in my work life. Here, I feel I can go outside without packing heat and go downtown without looking over my shoulder every few minutes. Whatever, but I feel very safe and secure in this little home town we all live in. I also feel that we as neighbors look out for each other better than I have experienced in the past. I know more neighbors here than any neighborhood I have lived in in my past life.

:crap2:

[perrjojo]

Well that's it.....you can just keep your crime ridden city, aka TV. Guess we'll be cancelling our LSV we had scheduled in December.

Suppose we'll just stay & retire in Birmingham, AL. After all, last w/e we only had one homicide instead of the usual two or three.

I hope you are kidding. TV is a wonderful safe place. It may not be perfect but what is.

[ugotme]

I lived a large portion of my life in Washington D.C. and Atlanta Georgia.

We are NOT AS VULNERABLE here as in any city.

Look at crime statistics to see how silly it is to think The Villages is no safer than any city.

:(

Safer now - yes, but that does not take away the vulnerability.
Certainly hope it stays that way though.

[Down Sized]

Do you really think that the Sheriff will put a Deputy on every corner??
-cover you golf clubs when cart is parked
-Close your garage door
-Don't answer the door at 3AM
-etc. not sure what the problem here is
-getting worse, guess that is just an alarmist opinion

Look how may police you are paying for in Brownwood. This was done after after having six meetings last spring according to community watch people.
So just put your head back into the sand and keep going.:shocked

[Bogie Shooter]

Look how may police you are paying for in Brownwood. This was done after after having six meetings last spring according to community watch people.
So just put your head back into the sand and keep going.:shocked

Two. The same as Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs.
I do not have my head in the sand and am not saying we are having a major crime wave.
Please don't tell me what to do!

[Down Sized]

Ask Figmo Bohica how many VILLAGERS were at the meeting for the new gun club at the recreation center this week. The room was full ( about 25% women.) They were there to see about getting qualified for concealed carry permits. Someone is thinking about safety!!! Four of my neighbors wanted the information after the meeting so they can get their permits. Things a changen'

[sueandskip]

Things are changing in TV. Ride down the cart paths and look at the crap on the side of the paths. Beer cans, soda bottles. Go over the little bridge n/o 466 and look below the bridge, go to the pools and look over the walls. I saw one of the early walkers the other morning coming back from his walk with 2 garbage bags of junk he picked up on his walk. We complain about the butts and poop laying around. People are getting lazy and sloppy. It wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't a guest of a Villager who did the deed that was reported in the paper. Golf bags getting stolen that's a big money item for any thief or someone who didn't have clubs. People were taking items from seabreeze when it first opened and decorations are taken from the Christmas trees in the Rec centers. We don't need a police station we need to start policing our own. JMO

:BigApplause::clap2:

Start helping each other and keep an eye on things....

[buggyone]

Ask Figmo Bohica how many VILLAGERS were at the meeting for the new gun club at the recreation center this week. The room was full ( about 25% women.) They were there to see about getting qualified for concealed carry permits. Someone is thinking about safety!!! Four of my neighbors wanted the information after the meeting so they can get their permits. Things a changen'

Yeah, just what we need is more seniors totin' their pistols on the Town Squares. At the first sign of chairs being saved, they come in with their pistol waving in the air and bullets fly.

I know Figmo and he is probably the best guy around for knowing gun safety. However, there are a lot of people in The Villages who definitely should not carry a weapon but still can get a permit.

No reason at all to carry a pistol while in The Villages. If you feel the need to carry in Orlando, St. Pete, Ft. Lauderdale, or Tampa - okay - but NOT while in The Villages. Remember those laws say you cannot carry a weapon while in a bar or the bar portion of a restaurant.

[travelguy]

Ask Figmo Bohica how many VILLAGERS were at the meeting for the new gun club at the recreation center this week. The room was full ( about 25% women.) They were there to see about getting qualified for concealed carry permits. Someone is thinking about safety!!! Four of my neighbors wanted the information after the meeting so they can get their permits. Things a changen'

c'mon, carrying a concelaed weapon does not ever make anyone safe. civilized people don't need to over-react in such a way. we are fortunate to live in such a safe community, but we need to take responsibility for our own neighborhoods, and that means to empower ourselves and those that we employ to amke this a safe place. the gate keepers need to regulate the gates, and not let just anyone through without checking. i see them opening the gates during the rain so (god forbid) we won't get our arm wet when we wave our gate card in front of the reader. the community watch has no authority and seems to just ride around and wave. and they are our employees.

[Down Sized]

:BigApplause::clap2:

Start helping each other and keep an eye on things....

I agree. We are not Orlando. With Florida taking over the lead of forclosures of homes from Arizona and Nevada as of last month, there is a lot of desperate people that are hurting. They also know where the money is located. Just saying.

[janmcn]

c'mon, carrying a concelaed weapon does not ever make anyone safe. civilized people don't need to over-react in such a way. we are fortunate to live in such a safe community, but we need to take responsibility for our own neighborhoods, and that means to empower ourselves and those that we employ to amke this a safe place. the gate keepers need to regulate the gates, and not let just anyone through without checking. i see them opening the gates during the rain so (god forbid) we won't get our arm wet when we wave our gate card in front of the reader. the community watch has no authority and seems to just ride around and wave. and they are our employees.

The gatekeepers have no authority to refuse entry to anyone. This is the compromise that the developer made with Sumter County in order to have the county maintain the roads. The county will not maintain private roads and wanted the gates removed.

[graciegirl]

There is no crime wave. There is no increase in trash along the roadways.

There is being smart and taking care of yourself like you always have. I have a nice set of golf clubs and if I can I take them home before I have lunch with the girls OR I put a lock on the bag and park the cart in the back of the country clubs.

Those who came from less safe areas bring their fears with them. I do NOT say that there is no crime here, but there is VERY little and people who want to drum up fear for their own purposes continue to do so.

I will continue to move about this space as I have the space I left in Ohio and enjoy the fact that I feel as of this day, this month, this year, I don't need to learn how to handle a firearm. I have managed to take care of myself for 73 years without one and I will continue.

I am not against others doing it. I just do NOT feel it is necessary and particularly here in TV.

This thread will continue for pages and people will disagree with me, and they are entitled to their opinions but I see no reason to get all paranoid over what probably was teen vandalism.

[Down Sized]

Guess which ones will yell the loudest when something happens to them?

[gerryann]

Gracie, I completely agree with your entire post, and you stated it very well. This is a large community and bad things will happen...but they are few and far between. TV is and will remain a safe place to call home.

[downeaster]

There is no crime wave. There is no increase in trash along the roadways.

There is being smart and taking care of yourself like you always have. I have a nice set of golf clubs and if I can I take them home before I have lunch with the girls OR I put a lock on the bag and park the cart in the back of the country clubs.

Those who came from less safe areas bring their fears with them. I do NOT say that there is no crime here, but there is VERY little and people who want to drum up fear for their own purposes continue to do so.

I will continue to move about this space as I have the space I left in Ohio and enjoy the fact that I feel as of this day, this month, this year, I don't need to learn how to handle a firearm. I have managed to take care of myself for 73 years without one and I will continue.

I am not against others doing it. I just do NOT feel it is necessary and particularly here in TV.

This thread will continue for pages and people will disagree with me, and they are entitled to their opinions but I see no reason to get all paranoid over what probably was teen vandalism.

Well said Gracie.

[ilovetv]

Nothing material (to pawn) is gained by vandalizing the public restrooms. I'd guess that was done by teens with little else to do.

Stealing gas is another matter. Not to make any excuses.....But that could have been done by a bar/restaurant worker who can't afford to buy groceries and gas on the puny tips they get from some of the cheap old farts that have been discussed here before (so cheap they won't buy a drink but demand more lemon wedges to make their own lemonade in the water glass, and then they get angry because they're charged 50 cents. Also the ones who resent having to pay a $1 split-meal surcharge because they don't want to pay the price for two meals!!).

TV is safer than other places, but there are weirdos and burglars here, too. And neighboring towns are hurting badly in this economy, which usually increases crime. Everyone needs to be vigilant and careful, and always lock the doors and keep the garage door down. Handguns are not the answer.

[kaydee]

Post has gone from vandalism in LSL to accusing "the outsiders" to bashing the developer for lack of security to getting pistol permits. Talk about changes!!!!!
Guess many of us are getting older by the day and our outlook & opinions are changing rapidly. Just shaking my head!

[Golfingnut]

There is no crime wave. There is no increase in trash along the roadways.

There is being smart and taking care of yourself like you always have. I have a nice set of golf clubs and if I can I take them home before I have lunch with the girls OR I put a lock on the bag and park the cart in the back of the country clubs.

Those who came from less safe areas bring their fears with them. I do NOT say that there is no crime here, but there is VERY little and people who want to drum up fear for their own purposes continue to do so.

I will continue to move about this space as I have the space I left in Ohio and enjoy the fact that I feel as of this day, this month, this year, I don't need to learn how to handle a firearm. I have managed to take care of myself for 73 years without one and I will continue.

I am not against others doing it. I just do NOT feel it is necessary and particularly here in TV.

This thread will continue for pages and people will disagree with me, and they are entitled to their opinions but I see no reason to get all paranoid over what probably was teen vandalism.

Well said and I agree 100%. Some folks just get more paranoid as they age and conspiracy theories seem to creep in. If you feel The Villages is not a safe place, do some reading on crime statistics.

[Golfingnut]

:bigbow:Nothing material (to pawn) is gained by vandalizing the public restrooms. I'd guess that was done by teens with little else to do.

Stealing gas is another matter. Not to make any excuses.....But that could have been done by a bar/restaurant worker who can't afford to buy groceries and gas on the puny tips they get from some of the cheap old farts that have been discussed here before (so cheap they won't buy a drink but demand more lemon wedges to make their own lemonade in the water glass, and then they get angry because they're charged 50 cents. Also the ones who resent having to pay a $1 split-meal surcharge because they don't want to pay the price for two meals!!).

TV is safer than other places, but there are weirdos and burglars here, too. And neighboring towns are hurting badly in this economy, which usually increases crime. Everyone needs to be vigilant and careful, and always lock the doors and keep the garage door down. Handguns are not the answer.
:bigbow:

[2 Oldcrabs]

:popcorn:

[thekeithfan]

Maybe they will build a sheriff station in LSL. I think we will eventually need it before long.

What is LSL? I see the acronym being used but not explained.

[2 Oldcrabs]

LSL= Lake Sumter Landing. (The 2nd Town Center)

[mulligan]

As far as the sheriff's station, there's one right across the lake at 466. Why build another one so close?

[buggyone]

Mulligan is exactly right. The Sumter County Sheriff's office is at Morse & 466 which is about a 5 minute drive from Lake Sumter Landing.

Be careful of what you wish for.

A police presence at Lake Sumter Landing would result in a lot of wasted time for the police officers who then would have to justify their pay. The justification would probably be writing more and more tickets for having open containers (alcoholic drinks) while you are listening to the music from your golf cart. Yes, just sitting in your parked golf cart with a drink is illegal and it is a hefty fine - and it has happened at Lake Sumter Landing in the past.

[Bogie Shooter]

c'mon, carrying a concelaed weapon does not ever make anyone safe. civilized people don't need to over-react in such a way. we are fortunate to live in such a safe community, but we need to take responsibility for our own neighborhoods, and that means to empower ourselves and those that we employ to amke this a safe place. the gate keepers need to regulate the gates, and not let just anyone through without checking. i see them opening the gates during the rain so (god forbid) we won't get our arm wet when we wave our gate card in front of the reader. the community watch has no authority and seems to just ride around and wave. and they are our employees.

Sorry, but there is no checking of gate cards or anything else. Anyone can push the button and drive right in. The gates are for traffic control not bad guys control.
That's right it is called Community Watch not Community police.

[Bogie Shooter]

I agree. We are not Orlando. With Florida taking over the lead of forclosures of homes from Arizona and Nevada as of last month, there is a lot of desperate people that are hurting. They also know where the money is located. Just saying.

Don't be afraid........................my God!

[Bogie Shooter]

There is no crime wave. There is no increase in trash along the roadways.

There is being smart and taking care of yourself like you always have. I have a nice set of golf clubs and if I can I take them home before I have lunch with the girls OR I put a lock on the bag and park the cart in the back of the country clubs.

Those who came from less safe areas bring their fears with them. I do NOT say that there is no crime here, but there is VERY little and people who want to drum up fear for their own purposes continue to do so.

I will continue to move about this space as I have the space I left in Ohio and enjoy the fact that I feel as of this day, this month, this year, I don't need to learn how to handle a firearm. I have managed to take care of myself for 73 years without one and I will continue.

I am not against others doing it. I just do NOT feel it is necessary and particularly here in TV.

This thread will continue for pages and people will disagree with me, and they are entitled to their opinions but I see no reason to get all paranoid over what probably was teen vandalism.

Well put, I agree.

[travelguy]

if is is community watch, then what are they watching? and not doing anything about what they are seeing?

[downeaster]

What is LSL? I see the acronym being used but not explained.

Lake Sumter Landing

[Bogie Shooter]

if is is community watch, then what are they watching? and not doing anything about what they are seeing?

What do you mean "not doing anything"???

[Posh 08]

Good grief. What makes us all JUMP to conclusions that things are going to hell in a handbasket?

This is relatively the safest place you can find almost anywhere.

I imagine once all the security camera footage is examined whoever did the trashing will be in the trash themselves.

I LOVE the fact that bad guys are caught on camera these days.

Aaaaahhh a cooler head has finally arrived.

[travelguy]

they drive around, and only react when there is some sort of complaint. example: many homes are unoccupied for months at a time and the shrubs get overgrown and the community watch will do do nothing about it unless someone makes a complaint. isn't it obvious that the yard looks untidy and yet they will not file a report. and then there are the 'gatekeepers'; nogthing more than a wal-mart greeter...who needs them, and yet we all are paying their wages.

[janmcn]

they drive around, and only react when there is some sort of complaint. example: many homes are unoccupied for months at a time and the shrubs get overgrown and the community watch will do do nothing about it unless someone makes a complaint. isn't it obvious that the yard looks untidy and yet they will not file a report. and then there are the 'gatekeepers'; nogthing more than a wal-mart greeter...who needs them, and yet we all are paying their wages.

The 'gatekeepers' were a compromise the developer made with Sumter County when the county ordered TV to get rid of the gates or the county would not maintain the roads. The developer wanted to give the appearance of a gated community, but also did not want to pay for road maintenance.

[casita37]

The 'gatekeepers' were a compromise the developer made with Sumter County when the county ordered TV to get rid of the gates or the county would not maintain the roads. The developer wanted to give the appearance of a gated community, but also did not want to pay for road maintenance.

For what it's worth, that was all explained to us, by our TV sales rep, BEFORE we bought our house....what's the problem?

Gracie's post has already been quoted several times, and I too agree with almost everything in it, except the part about not having a problem with other people carrying guns. I DO have a problem with "regular joes" carrying guns...scares the bejeezus out of me! I'll take bathroom vandals all day over a bunch of yahoos, who maybe had a few drinks at the square, deciding to "stand their ground"!

[justjim]

Absolutely right - and they probably came in to illegally use our multi-modal trails the we pay to maintain. IF The Developer had the proper scanners installed on the multi-modal trails, they could read the RFID chips that were implanted in our necks when we were processed in at the time we got our ID pictures. The outsiders don't have the the chips and thus could be easily ousted from The Villages by the volunteer citizen patrollers on the multi-modal paths.

Buggy----LOL. A little vandalism and suddenly TV has a major crime wave. Most of the posts in this thread are nonsense. TV is about as safe as it gets anywhere. Are there bad people out there---sure but a lot fewer here in TV than found in most places. :bowdown:

[Bogie Shooter]

they drive around, and only react when there is some sort of complaint. example: many homes are unoccupied for months at a time and the shrubs get overgrown and the community watch will do do nothing about it unless someone makes a complaint. isn't it obvious that the yard looks untidy and yet they will not file a report. and then there are the 'gatekeepers'; nogthing more than a wal-mart greeter...who needs them, and yet we all are paying their wages.

Community Watch has nothing to do with identifying or enforcing deed restriction violations.
More factual information can be found at Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org)


Concerns about possible deed restriction violations may be provided to the Community Standards Deed Compliance Division by phone, fax, mail, electronic mail, or in person and may be made anonymously. The Community Standards Deed Compliance Division is entirely complaint driven.

The POA strongly supports the concept of Community Watch as they indicate in their Feb 2012 bulletin. In the article they go on to suggest ways to make the concept even better. The full article: http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin201202.pdf

[bmarlo767]

if is is community watch, then what are they watching? and not doing anything about what they are seeing?
They are looking for code violations

[redwitch]

Good grief! So, someone was bored or drunk and vandalized a bathroom. Get. over. it! I like the theory that a restaurant employee was desperate for gas and took some from the golf carts -- not like there's a gas station near that town square. We're not talking a major crime wave. We're talking about minor incidents. Yes, there have been occasional break-ins in the past here (haven't heard of any in past two years, though). Yes, clubs are stolen from golf carts and items from open garage doors. Don't know about the 3:00 am doorbell ringing but that sounds more like a con game than any type of threat -- you either give the guy gas money or you don't.

Bemoan the fact that some brats (teens or adults or whatever) chose to disrespect another's property but let's not make this to be the equivalent of murder or that TV is as dangerous as a large inner city. It has some crime, most of it petty, very little of a felony nature (other than cons and scams) and very little violence (except domestic violence, which, sadly, is common here).

I toodle around in my golf cart at all hours and, yes, frequently after dark and after the town squares are closed. I have no fear for my personal safety by any resident or neighboring resident of TV. I feel as safe here as I can anywhere except maybe a deserted island.

And anyone who thinks Community Watch is here to protect Villagers in any way, shape or form needs to take a good look at the people driving those trucks and SUVs. I'm not sure I'd even trust them to help carry a bag of groceries -- I'd be too worried they'd keel over.

[Indydealmaker]

Good grief! So, someone was bored or drunk and vandalized a bathroom. Get. over. it! I like the theory that a restaurant employee was desperate for gas and took some from the golf carts -- not like there's a gas station near that town square. We're not talking a major crime wave. We're talking about minor incidents. Yes, there have been occasional break-ins in the past here (haven't heard of any in past two years, though). Yes, clubs are stolen from golf carts and items from open garage doors. Don't know about the 3:00 am doorbell ringing but that sounds more like a con game than any type of threat -- you either give the guy gas money or you don't.

Bemoan the fact that some brats (teens or adults or whatever) chose to disrespect another's property but let's not make this to be the equivalent of murder or that TV is as dangerous as a large inner city. It has some crime, most of it petty, very little of a felony nature (other than cons and scams) and very little violence (except domestic violence, which, sadly, is common here).

I toodle around in my golf cart at all hours and, yes, frequently after dark and after the town squares are closed. I have no fear for my personal safety by any resident or neighboring resident of TV. I feel as safe here as I can anywhere except maybe a deserted island.

And anyone who thinks Community Watch is here to protect Villagers in any way, shape or form needs to take a good look at the people driving those trucks and SUVs. I'm not sure I'd even trust them to help carry a bag of groceries -- I'd be too worried they'd keel over.

Take a deep breath...count to ten...try reposting after remembering that one of your neighbors may be part of the community watch team.

[redwitch]

Indy, one of neighbors is and I do help him unload his groceries. I wasn't trying to be insulting, was just trying to that they are residents of TV and, thus, on the older side, have no weapons, have no authority, have no training for crime prevention. I'd say it's a good thing our crime rate is so low and that most of it is of the misdemeanor variety.

[downeaster]

They are looking for code violations

This is a common misconception that is constantly repeated. Read Bogie Shooter's post #57 for clarification.

[Jim007]

Unfortunately, as I tell my wife. All kinds of people age and retire. If they were vandals in their adult life chances are that they will be vandals in retirement. If they were thugs and thieves 's in their adult life chances are they are thugs and thieves in retirement. If they were real #$#@oles in their adult life chances are they are real #$#@oles in retirement. Just because people retire, doesn't mean they're going to change their stripes.

[Challenger]

IMHO gatekeepers and gates are good things , community watch provides valuable service, deed restrictions protect the value of my property by preventing the junking up of the community, a strong developer with deep financial interest in the project is vital to a successful build out, and responsible informed citizens will help sustain the
(almost) Eden in which we live. The conspiracy theorists and unknowing( many of whom post here) provide no useful service.

[784caroline]

I dont think it is a misconception that Community Watch looks for code violations...they gave me notice that a Statue of Liberty (which was a sprinkler for a small area) in front of the house was not in compliance with .... whatever.

[graciegirl]

If one more of you make any snide comments about older people I am calling out the girls posse.


As Patty would say................


What WOULD Patty say?????;)

[NotGolfer]

Unfortunately, as I tell my wife. All kinds of people age and retire. If they were vandals in their adult life chances are that they will be vandals in retirement. If they were thugs and thieves 's in their adult life chances are they are thugs and thieves in retirement. If they were real #$#@oles in their adult life chances are they are real #$#@oles in retirement. Just because people retire, doesn't mean they're going to change their stripes.

:bigbow: AMEN!!!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

I dont think it is a misconception that Community Watch looks for code violations...they gave me notice that a Statue of Liberty (which was a sprinkler for a small area) in front of the house was not in compliance with .... whatever.

When did this happen??

[mickey100]

Relative to the surrounding areas, The Villages is a relatively affluent area, and of course it will attract criminals. No, we do not have the violent crime that you get in Orlando or other big cities. But there is a pretty steady amount of nonviolent crime such as petty thefts and the like. If that sort of thing frightens you, then do what you have to do. I'm not worried about my personal safety here in The Villages, but you really have to be careful of personal possessions. There have been many many cases of golf clubs stolen off of golf carts, golf cart themselves stolen, vandalism of all sorts, homes broken into, etc. And we don't see half of what happens, because for a long time the Daily Fun wouldn't even print these crimes. We need to stay vigilant.

[gerryann]

Relative to the surrounding areas, The Villages is a relatively affluent area, and of course it will attract criminals. No, we do not have the violent crime that you get in Orlando or other big cities. But there is a pretty steady amount of nonviolent crime such as petty thefts and the like. If that sort of thing frightens you, then do what you have to do. I'm not worried about my personal safety here in The Villages, but you really have to be careful of personal possessions. There have been many many cases of golf clubs stolen off of golf carts, golf cart themselves stolen, vandalism of all sorts, homes broken into, etc. And we don't see half of what happens, because for a long time the Daily Fun wouldn't even print these crimes. We need to stay vigilant.

I'm thinking that you might be living somewhere else???? Many, many ????
More like few and far between!!!

[mickey100]

I'm thinking that you might be living somewhere else???? Many, many ????
More like few and far between!!!

I've lived here full time for quite some time. And going from what I've heard from the country club managers, and what is reported in the papers (Daily Sun, Orlando Sentinel) a person has their head in the sand if they think there is no problem with golf club thefts. Lt. Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has recommended that Villagers not leave valuables unattended in golf carts, and to remove golf clubs after a round of golf. That was posted in the Villages Daily Sun in early 2012.

[graciegirl]

I've lived here full time for quite some time. And going from what I've heard from the country club managers, and what is reported in the papers (Daily Sun, Orlando Sentinel) a person has their head in the sand if they think there is no problem with golf club thefts. Lt. Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has recommended that Villagers not leave valuables unattended in golf carts, and to remove golf clubs after a round of golf. That was posted in the Villages Daily Sun in early 2012.


Golf clubs are danged expensive, most of them, and you are foolish not to take them home before you eat or shop or have a lock on them.

But as for other things like break ins....not never, but rarely, and the Daily Sun prints the police blotter because I read it.

Two days ago it said a villager had his golf clubs stolen from Walmart parking lot. People need to NOT leave vaulables out and asking for them to be taken.

There are professional thieves waiting for just such an opportunity.

[mickey100]

For many years the Daily Sun did not report crime of any sort but lately they have been doing a better job of reporting the actual news. I think someone told me that the daily sun is under new ownership, perhaps that is the reason.

[Down Sized]

I've lived here full time for quite some time. And going from what I've heard from the country club managers, and what is reported in the papers (Daily Sun, Orlando Sentinel) a person has their head in the sand if they think there is no problem with golf club thefts. Lt. Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office has recommended that Villagers not leave valuables unattended in golf carts, and to remove golf clubs after a round of golf. That was posted in the Villages Daily Sun in early 2012.

I had a Country Club manager give me the same advise about whole bags of golf clubs instead of just putters and drivers be taken from carts. He advised me to leave them at home when not golfing. This just seemed like common sense to me.

I am also a FULL TIMER. Just saying.

[duffysmom]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm living in the same community as the nay sayers that seem to come out the minute someone mentions crime or has anything negative to say about TV. I was born and raised in NYC and lived in Miami so I know something about crime. TV is a safe place to live. Of course I'm always vigilent about giving someone the opportunity to take advantage of me. I've live here full time for a few years and I would NEVER leave my very expensive golf clubs unattened. It's just common sense. I would NEVER leave my garage door or any other door open. It's an invitation. If I see someone parked on my road I give them a second and third look. I ride in my golf cart all over TV daily and I don't see the trash that was mentioned. Maybe it's because I'm too busy looking at the magnificent wildlife and landscaping. I experience kindness each and every day from my fellow villagers and when I do encounter someone nasty it reminds me to be grateful since there but for the grace of God go I.

[gerryann]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm living in the same community as the nay sayers that seem to come out the minute someone mentions crime or has anything negative to say about TV. I was born and raised in NYC and lived in Miami so I know something about crime. TV is a safe place to live. Of course I'm always vigilent about giving someone the opportunity to take advantage of me. I've live here full time for a few years and I would NEVER leave my very expensive golf clubs unattened. It's just common sense. I would NEVER leave my garage door or any other door open. It's an invitation. If I see someone parked on my road I give them a second and third look. I ride in my golf cart all over TV daily and I don't see the trash that was mentioned. Maybe it's because I'm too busy looking at the magnificent wildlife and landscaping. I experience kindness each and every day from my fellow villagers and when I do encounter someone nasty it reminds me to be grateful since there but for the grace of God go I.

Completely agree!!! No one would say that TV is crime free, but it certainly is nothing like some here report, and I don't have my head in the sand.

[Down Sized]

Sometimes I wonder if I'm living in the same community as the nay sayers that seem to come out the minute someone mentions crime or has anything negative to say about TV. I was born and raised in NYC and lived in Miami so I know something about crime. TV is a safe place to live. Of course I'm always vigilent about giving someone the opportunity to take advantage of me. I've live here full time for a few years and I would NEVER leave my very expensive golf clubs unattened. It's just common sense. I would NEVER leave my garage door or any other door open. It's an invitation. If I see someone parked on my road I give them a second and third look. I ride in my golf cart all over TV daily and I don't see the trash that was mentioned. Maybe it's because I'm too busy looking at the magnificent wildlife and landscaping. I experience kindness each and every day from my fellow villagers and when I do encounter someone nasty it reminds me to be grateful since there but for the grace of God go I.

:BigApplause: Use Common Sense. :agree:

[John_W]

When I'm at one of the country clubs and have to go inside for a few minutes, I never park my golf cart on the car parking lot in front. It's too easy for someone to pull up and grab your whole set and throw them in the trunk of their car. I always park in the golf cart lot, I've read twice about this happening at Havana in the 18 months I've live here. I guess with Havana being so close to 466A it makes for an easier target. I just wonder why they don't have cameras in the parking lots, I've never heard anyone mention that, not even the recent thief of clubs at Haciena Hills CC.


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