I still haven't seen anything in the newspaper or online news site about this latest break-in. Has anyone else?

Nah.

Redchariot, don't be so alarmed. Home prices have skyrocketed here and if you find that you're uncomfortable with the safety level, moving vans are always available. Lest you think I'm telling you to go home, I am not. I hope you enjoy everyday in The Villages and do not have too much angst about crime levels within our community.

Some of these reports are unverified and there are other ghastly things, supposedly, that occurred but apparently aren't serious enough for the observers to have the situation checked out. It's hard to lend credence to those reports given the lack of action taken by the observers. Are there drugs in The Villages? I'm sure there are, we even had discussions on this forum whereby potheads felt marijuana should be legalized and some indicated they were enjoying it now. There are drugs problems everywhere, no hiding from that.

I think one would have to lock oneself in a room 24/7 to avoid the world happenings. You could run to a gated community but those may be the most vulnerable as they think nothing can happen within their walls and may be unprepared, access can be gained at any time. Smell the flowers and enjoy the day. If crime reports increase and you do not feel comfortable in The Villages, that is the time to consider your next move. Please don't waste your precious life hours worrying about things that most likely will never happen.

The SWAT tear gas incident was the wife shooting the husband domestic incident - both were retired police officers. It was very late 2009.

Please cite all the violent crimes you can recall in The Villages. I honestly cannot recall other than the few I mentioned.

Nope, sorry but that is a different incident. The occasion I am mentioning is a 59 year old man off his meds allegedly attacked an 80 year old woman. When SSD went to arrest him, he barricaded himself in his home. Several weapons were removed also. Happened a couple of years ago.
As I said before, still a safe place to live but this stuff does happen.

Regarding access to investigative reports compiled by the Sumter county
Sheriff office .. Does anyone know what the law actually says in terms of
public access to those records? Are citizens or taxpayers etc
legally entitled to copies of crime reports upon request ?

Great sight to check crime in any area nationwide. Go to advance setting, and change to 30 days and all crime. Pretty accurate.
https://www.crimereports.com/

Prepared? Concealed carry? Stand your ground?

For the prepared Villager I recommend the "E-Z-GO Gun Holder with Removable Floor Mount" [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zK5rcFehbI]How to Install an E-Z-GO Gun Holder with Removable Floor Mount - YouTube[/ame]

For the intermediate to long shot I would go with the Ruger Mini 30 stainless. At 7.62x39 it packs more of a punch than the Mini 14/.223 cartridge. And the stainless is best for the Florida weather and open exposure that comes with a golf cart.

For close in I'm still a Ruger guy. I'd go with an SP 101 357 with a 2 1/2 barrel. Personally I'd go with an ankle holster rather than sticking it in my waist band. If I'm going to shoot something off I'd rather it be a toe. I have 9 of them left.

I tried mounting a 50 cal to my cart (think "Rat Patrol") but every time I shot a round the cart flipped on its side. I fired off a "burst" once and did cartwheels down Moorse Blvd. But I felt prepared for anything.

Some people are prepared to shoot other people at a moments notice, some people aren't prepared or equipped mentally to do that. :shrug:

Yippie Kay yay mother ...

And some are devoid of humor.:1rotfl:

You too funny...

Best. Advice. Ever !!

:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

I think one would be very naive to think there was no crime of any kind............anywhere you might reside.

The Villages is not on a downword slide and to say this is just wrong. I don't know how to read between the lines, could you explain?

Your are right about on thing. Those who think they are seeing drug dealing are doing themselves and all their neighbors a dis-service by not reporting to the Sheriff.

Yeah, that happened to me once before on this forum; someone advised people to wear a bullet proof vest to a contentious local meeting and I thought suggesting shooting people at a public meeting was disgusting and I missed that humor too. Guess I don't get all giggly at the thought of gun violence, ah well.... somethings I just don't want to get over. :eek:

You do know what read between the lines means. Getting the essence of what the person is feeling. Not always taking every word and tearing it apart. I am disappointed that there is/are addicts and drug dealers in a retirement village. Did not see that coming for sure. Retirement village! Even in NJ they would find that hard to believe.