If you are leaving town:
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" March newsletter:
In last months neighborhood watch article I wrote again about how our community has not had any instances of people checking for unlocked vehicles. Well, a couple of days after I sent the article to the editor, it happened. At approximately 4:30 in the afternoon of January 27, there was a case of attempted car theft at our neighborhood park. Brian, who was in the park with his family at the time of the incident, advised us of the details. There were several people in the park when a black car with temporary tags stopped in the street and passenger got out and tried door handles of cars parked adjacent to the park. He found one unlocked and entered the vehicle and found a purse, cell phone, and keys. Starting the car, he was attempting to drive away when an adult from the park ran toward the vehicle. The thief panicked and left the vehicle with the cell phone and purse. He got back into his car and they drove away. It appears there were three people in the vehicle - two black males and one female. The police were called and responded. VBPD detectives are currently investigating. They were able to locate the cell phone the same day it was stolen and obtain fingerprints from it. They are optimistic that it will help to locate those involved. There is no place safe to leave unlocked vehicles even in broad daylight in a public place like our park. Lock your cars, folks. I just found out that this was not the end of the story. The owner of the vehicle that they attempted to steal does not live in Virginia Beach, but the thieves had their address from the information in the stolen purse. The thieves went to the address and used the stolen keys to steal the husbands truck. Apparently, the victim was visiting friends in our area. Advise your visitors to lock their vehicles everywhere, all the time. If you leave something that looks valuable on the seat of your vehicle, that is in enticement and those with criminal intent will find a way to get it, even if it means breaking your window. These criminals are often armed with weapons that they stole from other unlock vehicles that had a gun hidden somewhere inside.
There was a recent incident, in a nearby neighborhood, where an owner tried to confront one of these people as they were in his vehicle, and they shot him in the upper arm. Luckily an all duty EMT just happen to come by, applied a turnip kit and saved his life as an artery had been hit. If he had not received immediate medical attention he would have bled to death in a matter of minutes. I just received word that another crime took place in a good point. Tools were stolen from the back of a truck. Police have been notified. I don't have anymore information as it happened just a day or so ago.
Always be aware that everyone is not as law-abiding as you are. Lock your vehicles, hide your valuables, and watch for suspicious people.
Sam Hribal, Civic League Vice President
Contact the Civic League President Copyright © 2022 LST/HP/GS CIVIC LEAGUE - All Rights Reserved. Contact the webmaster
Last updated - April 28, 2024