Neighborhood Watch

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1. Do not leave your vehicles unlocked

• Do not leave anything of value visible from outside your vehicle
• Park in your driveway or garage if possible
• Keep sheds and garages locked
• Leave your outside lights on all night
• Become more involved in your community, join your Civic League

If you are leaving town:

• Alert a trusted neighbor
• Stop newspaper and mail delivery
• Install timers on interior and exterior lights
• Leave a car parked in your driveway or ask a neighbor to park their car In your driveway
  

If you suspect anything out of the ordinary, see suspicious people, or see suspicious activity in the neighborhood: call the VBPD non

emergency number, 757-385-5000. Give them a description of the person or persons and describe why you feel they are acting suspicious. If you see an actual crime being committed or about to be committed, call VBPD at 911 immediately.
Some of us may be hesitant to report suspicious people or vehicles fearing that we will be regarded as “snoops”. Your own neighbors are your single best security device. The greatest deterrent to a would-be criminal is the fear of getting caught. Each concerned citizen is another pair of eyes to let the criminal know that he is being watched. You are a vital part of Neighborhood Watch. One or two people cannot watch 907 homes. It takes all of us to do our part. Thank you for doing your part it’s paying off.

From the "Lake Smith Ripples" December newsletter:

Thank you for being the most important part of our Neighborhood Watch. It is because of your vigilance that we enjoy a safe low-crime community. For the Neighborhood Watch program to be totally effective, every resident must take an active role. This program will not work without you. Your job is to just be observant. Our Area Coordinators and Block Captains deserve a big

thank you too, but if you choose not to get involved then the job of keeping our community safe will become overwhelming.

The holiday season is a time of joy, but it is also a time of opportunity for the would-be criminal. Be extra alert. Don’t let someone steal your enjoyment of the holidays. Remind your out-of-town guests that everyone in this community keeps their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight.

Some safety tips for when you are out shopping:

• Shop with friends or relatives when taking a trip to the store. You may find safety in numbers.

• Keep your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside coat pocket or a front pants pocket. This may help you avoid thieves who might try to swipe them from your shopping cart or unmonitored back pocket.

• Select a central location to meet if you are shopping with children in case you are separated. Teach kids how to ask a security guard or employee for help if they are lost.

• Be aware of exit locations in case an emergency occurs.

• Remain alert to your surroundings and try not to be too distracted by your phone or carry an overwhelming number of bags.

Will you get involved if you witness criminal activity? Watch for the unusual – if you suspect anything out of the ordinary, see suspicious people or see suspicious activity in the neighborhood:

• Call the VBPD non-emergency number, 757-385-5000. Give them a description of the person or persons and describe why you feel they are acting suspicious.
• If you see an actual crime being committed or about to be committed, call VBPD at 911 immediately.

We hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the Holidays!

Sam Hribal, Civic League Vice President