Brookwood Forrest V

Recent Vandalism and Burglaries Prompt Neighborhood Watch

Nov 05, 2002

Several recent acts of vandalism and burglaries have prompted that we take action to ensure our neighborhood remains safe and secure. The most recent events range from theft of tires on a vehicle, break-ins to vehicles, windshields being smashed in with bricks, thefts out of garages and eggs being thrown at home. This increase in CRIMW is indicative of what could be if we do not take ACTION NOW!!! So, Ms. Roberts our neighborhood watch coordinator had Officer Knox speak at our meeting on October 7, 2002. Officer Know shared valuable insight on what to do to make our neighborhood safe.

To begin our program we have been gifted with a ?“Neighborhood Watch?” sign that has been installed on Homard Blvd as you enter into our subdivision. This sign should act as a deterrent to CRIME in our neighborhood. However, the ultimate protector is YOU!!! You , the homeowners are our biggest asset. You must report acts of vandalism, theft and crime in general. You do not have to dial 911. Officer Know provided the Non-Emergency number 630-0500 for all residents to report crime that is not an emergency. Officer Knox also stated that we do not have to provide our names and address to the officers when reporting a crime. In fact, he stressed on several occasions that , ?“when making your call, you stress that you do not need an officer to report to your residence.?” This will deter any acts of retaliation from occurring.

A Few hints to help protect your home and family:

1.Know your neighbors: Get out and meet your neighbors. Speak to them. Learn the vehicles they drive, notice the guests that come and go at their houses. Meet their children. Let them know when you have seen someone suspicious around their property.

2.Operation Identification: Mark all possessions that are big in residential burglaries, (i.e. TV?’s, stereos, VCR?’s, DVD?’s, etc.) by engraving them with your FLORIDA Driver?’s License Number. This will enable the Sheriff?’s Department to return your items should they be recovered.

It also Helps to take pictures of your possessions, using a yard stick to accurately depict the size of the item. Also, you may make videos of your possessions. NOTE: Do not keep these photos where thieves may find them. Keep them in a secure area, not labeled, in easy to find places.

3.Reporting Crime: It is IMPERATIVE that you report any criminal activity. You may contact the Jacksonville Sheriff?’s Office at 911 or the Non-Emergency Number 630-0500.