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" October newsletter:
We are very fortunate to live in a community with very low crime.
I have not heard about any crime since someone broke into a few vehicles that were unlocked around the end of May. The police were notified, and they increased patrols in the early mornings. Our neighbors are our best security devices. Unfortunately, many people simply do not make an effort to know their neighbors. They are hesitant to report suspicious people or vehicles, fearing they will be regarded as “snoopy." Acknowledge your neighbors when you see them; just a wave or a friendly hello will do. We needn’t be close friends with our neighbors to look out for their interests. We can begin to build better neighborhood security by becoming acquainted with our neighbors and their every day living patterns. By knowing when they are at work, on vacation, and so forth, we will be a better able to judge whether a stranger should legitimately be at the neighbors home. Inform your neighbors when you will be away and ask them to let you know when they will be gone. It is a win–win for everyone except would-be burglars. A burglar's greatest fear is being observed. Each concerned neighbor is another pair of eyes to let the criminals know they are being watched. Neighborhood Watch supplies these eyes in our community. For the program to be totally effective each member of the household should take an active role in both observation and security.
The speed limit on every street in our community is 25 mph. With the cooler weather there is an increase in the number of people walking, jogging, and biking on our streets, along with the kids walking to and from school. Give them a wide berth if possible. If you are someone who walks, jogs, or bikes in the late afternoon or early evening, please wear light colored clothes that can be easily seen. Bikers on the right, walkers and joggers on the left.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. We are almost through the hurricane season. October is usually the worst month for us in Virginia Beach. In the event of extended power outages make sure your generator is ready to go now. Do you have emergency supplies? You should have a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food (don't forget the can opener), first aid kit, medications, lights (not candles), a cell phone portable charger. If we should get hit with a major weather event and you and your family are safe don't forget to check on your neighbors.
Sam Hribal, Civic League Vice President
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