Neighborhood Watch

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• 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"May newsletter:

I hope everyone has a pleasant and safe summer. Thisis the last “Ripples” until September.

If you are going away for vacation let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep an eye on your home. They can pick up deliveries and any flyers that are left on your door so it looks as if someone is home.

Summer is almost here. Please keep in mind that along with the warm weather and fun activities we also see a rise in criminal activity. Remember to call all suspicious activity to the police department’s non- emergency number (385-5000). If the circumstance requires immediate police, fire or rescue response, do not hesitate to call 911. You are not bothering the police when you call, they would much rather respond and have it turn out to be nothing, than not be called when they are actually needed.

Our neighbors are our best security devices. Acknowledge your neighbors when you see them. Just a wave or a friendly hello will do. Unfortunately, many people simply do not make an effort to know their neighbors. They are hesitant to report suspicious people or vehicles, fearing that they will be regarded as “snoopy”.

Enjoy the nicer weather and while you are out take time to enjoy the effort that your neighbors have put into their yards and tell them. Neighborhoods that have well-tended yards have less crime.

May is National Water Safety Month. We are very fortunate to have access to many kinds of water in this area. We have the ocean, the bay, rivers, and lakes enjoy them when you can but do it safely. Can you swim well enough to save your life? 80% say they can swim. But... less than half of Americans can perform all of the 5 basic skills that could save their life in the water. Can you swim well enough to save your life? 

1. Step or jump into the water over your head. 

2. Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute. 

3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit. 

4. Swim 25 yards to the exit without stopping.

5. Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder. 

Even if you can do all these skills you should not swim alone, swim impaired, or leave children unattended in or near the water. Children and non-swimmer adults must wear a personal floatation device when on a boat. Enjoy the summer but do it safely.

Sam Hribal, Civic League Vice President