Share your thoughts on safety until these guys are caught.

[graciegirl]

We are going to have Lt. Wolfe send someone to tell us how our home can be made safer.


I am a big fan of motion detector lights. Our neighborhood lights up now when the wind blows. I also love cameras all around the house.


Motion detector lights are not terribly expensive. I am trying to remember, I'd say under $200 each installed. The slightest movement will turn them on.


Any other ideas to share?

[2BNTV]

The best security, is always having a LEO presence in one's neighborhood.

Other thoughts are:
1. Always be vigilant, in locking one's house.
2. Always be aware, if someone is suspicious, or you don't recognize, is roaming in your area.
3. Always have the phone numers of Community Watch and or police available, if you feel a break is imminate.

[Bogie Shooter]

Safety was covered in the "Our Place" column on Dec 26 by Scott Wilder, battalion chief of safety and Community Watch
for the Village Community Development District.

http://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/PDFMeeting.aspx?id=20131226000801

[duffysmom]

We never ever leave a door unlocked or leave our garage door unattended when opened. Our lanai sliders have a special lock won't allow the doors to be moved off tract. It's engaged each night and whenever we leave the house. We also have security lights. We have dead bolts on all doors.

When traveling we lock the garage door. Recently we came home to find our garage door open. We discovered that our neighbor's remote opended our door as well as theirs. We have lived side by side for many years and this was a first.

I'm always surprised at how many newspapers are left on people's driveways day after day. Our neighbor's would never let a newspaper sit on a driveway without taking action. Make an agreement with your neighbor's to remove them by a certain time and tuck it someplace discreet.

Our automobile doors are always locked, whenever we are not in the car the doors are locked.

If our cart is going to be parked for a longer time than usual, we throw the tow switch and it can't be started.

Garbage left out before the scheduled day pickup is a dead giveaway you're not home.

One thing I do that isn't recommended is open my door when a stranger knocks but I do have the telepone up to my ear when I open the door. I do pretend that there are other people at home.:shrug:

Many people keep their blinds open after dark and they, plus all they own are highly visible. Not a good idea....

I am constantly aware of my surroundings.
Yes I'm vigilent because I worked in a field that taught me bad things can happend to good people so I want to lower the odds of it happening to me.

[shcisamax]

Those are all very good recommendations.

[graciegirl]

We never ever leave a door unlocked or leave our garage door unattended when opened. Our lanai sliders have a special lock won't allow the doors to be moved off tract. It's engaged each night and whenever we leave the house. We also have security lights. We have dead bolts on all doors.

When traveling we lock the garage door. Recently we came home to find our garage door open. We discovered that our neighbor's remote opended our door as well as theirs. We have lived side by side for many years and this was a first.

I'm always surprised at how many newspapers are left on people's driveways day after day. Our neighbor's would never let a newspaper sit on a driveway without taking action. Make an agreement with your neighbor's to remove them by a certain time and tuck it someplace discreet.

Our automobile doors are always locked, whenever we are not in the car the doors are locked.

If our cart is going to be parked for a longer time than usual, we throw the tow switch and it can't be started.

Garbage left out before the scheduled day pickup is a dead giveaway you're not home.

One thing I do that isn't recommended is open my door when a stranger knocks but I do have the telepone up to my ear when I open the door. I do pretend that there are other people at home.:shrug:

Many people keep their blinds open after dark and they, plus all they own are highly visible. Not a good idea....

I am constantly aware of my surroundings.
Yes I'm vigilent because I worked in a field that taught me bad things can happend to good people so I want to lower the odds of it happening to me.



Thank you.


I just closed my blinds.

[njbchbum]

Keep anything that you own which is of value - read jewelry - in a bank safety deposit box instead of a dresser drawer!

[billethkid]

Repeating my post from another thread:

ANYONE can gain access to the streets in many/most villages without going through a gate....not driving....golf cart....walk in.

We are a population of 100,000 plus with many, many, MANY more outside service providers than in a non retirement neighborhood. Plenty of action for opportunists. And as much as we don't like to hear it, some think the elderly are easy pickings.

I think it is unfortunate that some feel the TV is more secure because it is "gated". The "gates" provide traffic control....of sorts?!! TV is not a gated community. It is open to anybody that wants to come down our streets, anytime they want.

We have less crime than most communities our size.
Our streets are safer than most communities our size.
Our homes are easier to get into than those in most communities our size.
Security is a function of one's lifestyle and or not a function of one's lifestyle.

One can take steps/actions to minimize or avoid being/becoming a victim....it does not come from anybody else.

[gomoho]

I'm counting on my two big dogs and if they fail the loaded gun in the nightstand. All kidding aside, we sleep as a pack in the master bedroom. I have the window open with no concern because my 85 pound Aussie is under that window and I can't imagine anyone trying to come in once they came face to face with him. They are both loud and obnoxious if anything doesn't seem right to them and I will live with that 'cause someday it might come in handy. I am very vigilant as to who comes and goes on our street and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to report something that didn't look right. In the meantime I refuse to live in fear and will continue to enjoy life in The Villages.

[Carl in Tampa]

I just completed a lengthy post (page 4, #33) on the Burglary at Miona Shores thread. I understand the Moderators don't want to see duplicate posts on different threads.

Those interested can see my suggestion there.

Carl

[graciegirl]

I just completed a lengthy post (page 4, #33) on the Burglary at Miona Shores thread. I understand the Moderators don't want to see duplicate posts on different threads.

Those interested can see my suggestion there.

Carl



Thanks Carl. It is good to have someone who has spent his life keeping people safe guide us.

[LndLocked]

I advocate for equal parts common sense safety measures and less paranoia.

[graciegirl]

I advocate for equal parts common sense safety measures and less paranoia.



I so agree.

[angiefox10]

One of my neighbors just sent me a note to say he received a call from a "security company" asking if he had a security system installed in his home. He of course answered YES! DUH... What better way to find out if you have a system installed, than to call?

If you are looking for a security system.... You call them! If they call you, tell them, you already have one!

[Doctommft]

I placed a bar in the inside groove of my sliding glass door preventing the door from sliding. I cut the wooden bar (available at Home Depot - it is a closet hanger bar 5" long 1 inch thick) short so that the door can be slid enough allowing my dog to go in and out but a skinny human scum can't.
Tom

[SanFranDianne]

My husband was in law enforcement (state and federal) for more than 33 years. We opted for a solid wood front door, had a peep hole installed, and also had a dead bolt installed that requires a key on the inside (because anyone can break the glass panel on the side, reach in, and unlock a regular lock). We keep the key in a handy place (but not in the lock) so we get out quickly if needed.

[scoutii]

Harbor freight sells a motion detector that is made to put in the drive way and let you know when someone drives up. I think a better use is in the garage. if placed inside the door it sends an alarm (like a irritating door bell to the indoor sensor) that goes off if anyone walks in or opens the door. While I try to never leave it open I am human. There is always a coupon for it. At black Friday they were $10 bucks but last week the best coupon was $14

[Carl in Tampa]

I placed a bar in the inside groove of my sliding glass door preventing the door from sliding. I cut the wooden bar (available at Home Depot - it is a closet hanger bar 5" long 1 inch thick) short so that the door can be slid enough allowing my dog to go in and out but a skinny human scum can't.
Tom

You have a false sense of security Tom. I guarantee that measure can be quietly defeated.

I won't say how on a public forum.

I'm sure that if you have the local Sheriff's Office do a security survey at your house they will explain the shortcomings of your method.

Carl

[NotGolfer]

I'm counting on my two big dogs and if they fail the loaded gun in the nightstand. All kidding aside, we sleep as a pack in the master bedroom. I have the window open with no concern because my 85 pound Aussie is under that window and I can't imagine anyone trying to come in once they came face to face with him. They are both loud and obnoxious if anything doesn't seem right to them and I will live with that 'cause someday it might come in handy. I am very vigilant as to who comes and goes on our street and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to report something that didn't look right. In the meantime I refuse to live in fear and will continue to enjoy life in The Villages.

Exactly!!!!!! :agree:

[Carl in Tampa]

I'm counting on my two big dogs and if they fail the loaded gun in the nightstand. All kidding aside, we sleep as a pack in the master bedroom. I have the window open with no concern because my 85 pound Aussie is under that window and I can't imagine anyone trying to come in once they came face to face with him. They are both loud and obnoxious if anything doesn't seem right to them and I will live with that 'cause someday it might come in handy. I am very vigilant as to who comes and goes on our street and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to report something that didn't look right. In the meantime I refuse to live in fear and will continue to enjoy life in The Villages.

Do you ever take your dogs for a walk in the daytime? (Don't tell me.)

Remember that most burglaries are daytime jobs and are quick smash and grab events.

:police:

[BobnBev]

The best security, is always having a LEO presence in one's neighborhood.

Other thoughts are:
1. Always be vigilant, in locking one's house.
2. Always be aware, if someone is suspicious, or you don't recognize, is roaming in your area.
3. Always have the phone numers of Community Watch and or police available, if you feel a break is imminate.

Joe,
I agree but calling Community Watch is just wasting precious time.
Especially if a break in is imminent, call 911.

[swimdawg]

Joe,
I agree but calling Community Watch is just wasting precious time.
Especially if a break in is imminent, call 911.

The heck with security systems, motion lights, etc. I want to put YOUR EYE AVATAR outside my front and back doors. That would scare any burglar away! :D

[Rickg]

If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriffs dept. let them decide. Too many times we are not sure so we don't call. A close friend just had his house burglarized in the middle of the afternoon (not in the villages). He returned home and came face to face with the guy. No one was hurt and the guy escaped. In hindsight he had seen the pickup truck the last couple of days and thought it was out of place but didn't do anything. Remember almost all of us have a camera in our pocket, if nothing else snap a picture of the person or vehicle that looks out of place

[graciegirl]

If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriffs dept. let them decide. Too many times we are not sure so we don't call. A close friend just had his house burglarized in the middle of the afternoon (not in the villages). He returned home and came face to face with the guy. No one was hurt and the guy escaped. In hindsight he had seen the pickup truck the last couple of days and thought it was out of place but didn't do anything. Remember almost all of us have a camera in our pocket, if nothing else snap a picture of the person or vehicle that looks out of place



I so agree.


Here is this morning's news





Bridgeport at Miona Shores home burglarized while couple sleeps

January 3, 2014 By Meta Minton (http://www.*******************/author/meta-minton/) 20 Comments (http://www.*******************/sheriffs-office-investigating-rash-villages-break-ins/#comments)
A Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores home was burglarized early Friday morning as a husband and wife were sleeping in their bedroom.
The wife attempted to wake the husband at 3:37 a.m. thinking she heard a noise, but they went back to sleep. The woman then got up at 4:15 a.m.
She immediately noticed that their dogs, usually secured behind a doggie gate, were roaming about the house, located in the 1100 block of Miona Shores Drive, according to Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
She and her husband soon discovered that a screen on the lanai had been cut. Entry was gained through a sliding glass door.
Items taken in the break-in included a 50-inch flat screen television, a digital camera and a Macintosh computer, Caruthers said.
This makes eight burglaries which have taken place in the past 60 days in The Villages.
Of the seven burglaries, four included forced entry by kicking in the front door, two gained entry through forcing open a sliding glass door and the final burglary was to an automobile, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
• Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
• Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
• Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
• Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
• Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
• Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
• Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
Villages Homeowners Association Director-at-Large Irv Markely, a resident of the Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores, has been trying to keep his neighbors aware of such incidents and sent out an email blast to his neighborhood encouraging vigilance.
Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe urges Villagers to take advantage of the sheriff’s free home inspection program. Through it, a member of the sheriff’s office will visit a home and provide tips on securing the home. You can schedule an appointment by calling 689-4600.
He added that neighbors looking out for neighbors is also effective.

[gomoho]

Do you ever take your dogs for a walk in the daytime? (Don't tell me.)

Remember that most burglaries are daytime jobs and are quick smash and grab events.

:police:

Excellent point - thank you for pointing this out.

[Cedwards38]

A home security system.

[gustavo]

My husband was in law enforcement (state and federal) for more than 33 years. We opted for a solid wood front door, had a peep hole installed, and also had a dead bolt installed that requires a key on the inside (because anyone can break the glass panel on the side, reach in, and unlock a regular lock). We keep the key in a handy place (but not in the lock) so we get out quickly if needed.

Pretty sure you're violating some sort of fire safety code by having to fumble around in the dark for a key and then inserting it in the lock to open an egress from a raging inferno.

[CFrance]

Pretty sure you're violating some sort of fire safety code by having to fumble around in the dark for a key and then inserting it in the lock to open an egress from a raging inferno.

We've had that kind of deadbolt in NJ, PA, and MI, and no fire code violation. It's a commonly recommended kind.

We are having one installed here soon.

[billethkid]

google and view some of the home entry videos that demonstrate how doors are kicked in.

I suspect there is not a door in TV that cannot be easily kicked in. The locks are not the deterrant here.

In addition know that glass sliders are the easiest way in because they can be lifted out of their tracks even when they are locked.

INterior motion activated lights and activated alarm systems with video. Many of the new technology security systems are easily self installed, cellular based technology that can be centrally monitored for a reasonable fee.

We spend a lot more money on things we could all easily do without to offset any additional cost.

Ya gotta do more than better locks.

[Philip Winkler]

I highly recommend a safety check by one of the deputy sheriffs; they came to our home twice and made numerous suggestions which we implemented.

When we travel I always disconnect the garage door openers.

[jackz]

Pretty sure you're violating some sort of fire safety code by having to fumble around in the dark for a key and then inserting it in the lock to open an egress from a raging inferno.

Please provide your cite for the code violation?

Remember there are other exits from the home other than the front door during an emergency.

[Doctommft]

You have a false sense of security Tom. I guarantee that measure can be quietly defeated.

I won't say how on a public forum.

I'm sure that if you have the local Sheriff's Office do a security survey at your house they will explain the shortcomings of your method.

Carl

My "false sense of security" will keep the punks out. A professional criminal will get into my place or yours if he wants to. My measure can be defeated but not without noise.

[gizmo]

What type of lock do you have on your sliders? I have been looking for something effective.

[TrudyM]

We've had that kind of deadbolt in NJ, PA, and MI, and no fire code violation. It's a commonly recommended kind.

We are having one installed here soon.

My brother has one like this that is a three digit code both inside and out but he doesn't don't know where the previous owner got it. Anyone ever seen one for sale?