Great Northwest Community Improvement Association, Inc.

Security Corner, Roger Burton, Security Chief

Sep 26, 2003

SECURITY CORNER

VEHICLE VANDALISM: In the last 30 days we have seen a trend of vandalism to vehicles parked on the street. It appears that someone is driving down streets and randomly throwing bricks and rocks through vehicle windows. SAPD has not received any leads on who is doing this. Please watch for any suspicious vehicles driving in the neighborhoods. If you observe anything please call and report them to our on duty security officer.

When this happens there are normally multiple vehicles that are damaged on one drive through of the neighborhood. Also it appears the suspects may have a bat or something similar to where they only need to drive-by and hit a vehicle and leave the area. It very well could be someone in a pick-up truck with someone in the bed of the truck. This way they have easy handling of bricks, rocks or an object that is easy to swing. So please keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or people you see in the neighborhood. Please try and get a make, model, color and license plates of the suspicious vehicles. Most importantly call our Security staff and the San Antonio Police.

TALKING WITH THE CHILDREN: On Friday, September 19, 2003 I talked with the children prior to the monthly movie at the lodge. I discussed the importance of them learning their addresses, home telephone numbers and the telephone numbers of their parents at work. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the most of the children already knew this information. There were still plenty of the children, especially the younger ones that did not know this information. Some of the younger children were telling their older brother or sister to help them out. Please parents, take a few minutes to make sure that your children know this information. Someday it may be something they need to know for their own safety. It might just save heartache to you.

We also talked about to the children about what to do if a stranger tried to get them to come with them, most all knew what to do. However, when I added money into the equation, you would be surprised how many of the children?’s eyes lit up. I dare to say that the majority of the kids really had to think about what they would do. One little girl stated she would take the money and then run. Most predators are only looking for the children to extend their hands out so they can grab them. Please make your children understand that under no circumstances will they leave with a stranger or accept anything from one.

OUT OF TOWN PROGRAM: Please, if you are going to be out of town for a few days or an extended period of time, contact the on duty security officer and have him place your home on our ?“Out of Town?” lists. While you are away a security officer will check your home at least once every shift. Recently, we had a burglary of a home that wasn?’t on out list and we had no way of contacting the homeowners or any family members. Potentially the home would have been left insecure until someone checked on it. Please contact us. This is a service we offer to our residents at no cost and it helps to reduce your worries while you are away.

STREET LIGHTS: If any of the residents see any street lights that are out in the community, please let the on duty security know. We will contact the appropriate agency to make sure the lights are replace. Don?’t under estimate the importance of having a well light street.