Eagle Eyes (Forest Hills Grid 18)

December, 2010

It’s here already . . . . . . and the light displays are going up in full force! If your neighbors have a particularly nice Christmass display set up, how about taking a picture and posting it on the web site? Contact the web master for instruction on how to go about it.

Keep in mind that traffic will increase as folks cruise around town viewing the outside decorations, but this also provides an opportunity for the criminal element to case houses and neighborhoods for burglaries – hoping to “fly under the radar” of our Eagle Eyes. Don’t think twice about memorizing or jotting down tag numbers along with vehicle descriptions, if you see the same vehicle drive by more times than usual. The same advice holds true for individuals on foot or bicycle --- daytime or night. {“If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t”. Trust your instincts!} Criminals assume that if you have a tree, you’re going to have packages under it. So, if you display your tree in front of a window, you might want to avoid placing packages under it far in advance of Santa’s arrival, in order to avoid the opportunity for burglars to “smash and run”. Terrible to have to think this way, but fore-warned is fore-armed.

Remember to keep your doors and windows locked, to the house as well as the vehicles, and keep all valuables out if sight – even change for the toll booth. Put a Club or a lockout band on the steering column. Remember to set the car alarm. Park in well-lighted areas. Keep the litter picked up along the roadside on your street, especially along the two primary streets, Ola and Floriland/Patbur – a dirty neighborhood attracts the criminal element. Don’t forget to double check your garage door to be sure it is closed – it’s easy to forget, and they’re watching for an opportunity to make us victims. Remember if you have a situation where you need to get someone’s attention, you can press the alarm button on your vehicle’s remote, and the alarm will both signal for help as well as (probably) scare the criminal away.

                       www.NeighborhoodLink.com/Tampa/EE

Watch the web site’s “Discussion” page for announcements of criminal incidents – we’ll post them if such information becomes available. Also, watch for announcements of TPD Roll Calls being held within our grid. Roll Calls are a great way to meet the men & women who patrol our area and keep us safe, as well as for you to address any concerns you have with them.

Some streets are discussing the idea of displaying lumenaries this Christmass Eve. Keep an eye out for that beautiful sight. If your street would like to put out lumenaries, and you’re looking for a source to obtain them, contact Aquarius9721@VERIZON.net for information. Or Google “Lumenarias” for a list of web sites to place an order. They aren’t expensive, and it’s a good way to meet and greet your neighbors.

If you’re leaving town for the holidays, consider filling out a Vacation Form with TPD (instructions are on the Eagle Eye web site). Be sure to leave contact information with a trusted neighbor, and make arrangements for mail as well as newspaper/package pick up during your absence. Set an inside light or two on a timer; consider doing the same with your outdoor lighting as well.

The January 2011 NHW meeting will be held on Thursday, January (date not yet confirmed) @ 7pm @ Forest Hills Presbyterian Church --- the same hall where you go to vote.

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.

See you on the sidewalk . . . . . .