Block Watch Meeting

Monday July, 6, 2009
at 6:00 p.m. at 1955 Pole Ave

440-244-9449 for more information

bring a chair

We are being targeted

There have been a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood mainly the thieves are stealing from garages and sheds. One neighbor had a standard pad lock on her shed cut off and her snow blower, lawn mower, weed whacker and edger stolen. The robber then tried to sell these items to another neighbor. I was approached by a man claiming to need money for a bus ticket and he was selling a red craftsman lawn mower for $12.50. it belonged to my neighbor down the street. The thieves are targeting easy access items, lawn mowers, lawn equipment, etc. Please don't leave your garages unattended. Make sure the kids know to close the garage every single time they open it or tell you they have opened it. These are crimes of opportunity. If we present the opportunity they will take it.

Winter Brings New Challenges

Many homeowners stay indoors during the winter months and fail to walk the perimeter of their property on a regular basis to watch for vandalism or entry in to sheds and garages. It's important that we walk around the house and yard to spot anything unusual or disturbed. Snow proves to be a good indicator of unwanted visitors as their tracks are left in areas we may not walk but they did. Being aware of our surroundings is an important tool in protecting our homes. During the winter months, leaving clippings and leaves around access windows can be an easy way to hear visitors that may not be welcome. The crunching sound of the debris underfoot proves to be a inexpensive way to hear where you can't see. One of our homeowners was working late and heard two males outside her window trying to get in. She was alerted by the branches crackling under their feet. Instead of panicking, she said very loudly, lets go outside dog's and opened her front door to see the intruders running away from the house.

These trying economic times don't help. The tougher things get the more bold and blatant criminal behavior gets. Theft and robbery is a crime of opportunity. If we make sure we don't present the opportunity by closing and locking doors behind us and checking sheds and garages on a regular basis and by not leaving valuables out with the assumption, it's our property and people will respect it, we can spare ourselves the victimization.