We moved into the neighborhood 5 years ago and sadly it seems that over the past few years things appear to be going downhill in regards to crime and safety.

In just the past year we have had, what I am assuming to be an attempted home invasion when our door was kick tested one evening, belongings stolen out of our car in the driveway, decorations stolen out of our yard, pumpkins smashed on our front step, and a neighbors dog that was struck and killed by a car and then carelessly placed in our yard for us to deal with. The last three of those happened in just one weeks time. Beyond the issues that we are having, I have also listened to several accounts of theft and vandalism from my surrounding neighbors. I was also told by a neighbor that there are drug deals going down in the pavillion parking lot!! I will also pass along something that was told to me by an Deputy that we called to the house on one occassion. He told me that the concentration of calls for their Dept was in our area!!

In addition to the crime, we are also having HUGE issues with people's blatant disregard for speed limits and stop signs. I cannot tell you how many times we have almost been hit while backing out of our driveway when another car decides to disregard the stop sign and make the turn onto our street at a rapid speed. I have taken the same actions which other neighbors seem to have taken to try to rectify the problem;  yell at drivers and speak with the Sheriff's Dept. on several occassions. My husband and I have even put our own lives in jepordy by stepping out in front of a few speeders and stop sign runners to get our point across. Sadly, these actions seem to have no effect.

It saddens me that I am not allowed the comfort of saftey for my family or for the families of everyone else in the neigborhood. We as a neighborhood need to come together and be the solution to our problems. I would like to propose that we allocate some HOA funds to pay an off-duty officer to patrol the neighborhood during high-crime hours. Rates can vary for this, but as I understand the going rate is around $30/hr. This should deter some of, if not all, of the crime that is taking place. Off-duty officers, unlike private security companies, have the right to investigate and arrest anyone thought to have committed a criminal act. As far as speeders and stop sign runners, the speed bumps sound like a good idea!

You’re also forgetting the dogs roaming around, and cars parked in the street blocking the sidewalks and views. I agree with speed bumps, the speeding is terrible and combined with illegally parked cars; a disaster is going to happen.  As for hiring security, I doubt that would get passed, money is tight. My security suggestion, a Glock 9mm will take care of any intruders.

Maybe it is the section of TLHS but I have not heard of it being that bad crime-wise in Centennal Place area.  But I don't doubt it.  It is the sign of times so I think everyone has to be careful locking cars and keep an eye on things and report it to the police if seem fit.  Hiring an off duty I think that is extreme.

As far as the speeders I agree!  People drive way to fast in our niighborhood!  Speed bumps would be good idea.  I had suggested it at a meeting and was told you need to get a petion signed from a majority of the neighborhood I believe in order for them to consider it.  Run with the idea if you feel that strongly.

I really don't think our neighborhood looks that bad.  You don;t see cars up on cement blocks, do you?  We have been here going on 9 years and we still like it here and think it is still a nice looking neighborhood.  I get compliments from family who come to visit.