Meadowbrook Lane Neighborhood Watch

October 1, 2009 --- Fall Newsletter

Another summer has come and gone. Each year that I grow older, the summers seem to get shorter and the winters grow longer. For some fortunate few, this means closing up the house and heading for a warm climate destination for the winter. Please notify your block caption so they know your house will be empty for the next several months. Several lights timers are recommended throughout the house, to give it that lived in look while you’re away. Make sure the timers are not visible from the windows. DO NOT draw your curtains or window shades before you leave. Not only does it tell a passerby, your not home, it gives a burglar the privacy they need for home invasion. Make sure you have your mail stopped and lawn service continued. Fallen leaves in autumn, and un- shoveled sidewalks and driveways during the winter, is another signal to burglars that you aren’t home. Make arrangements with your neighbor to park their car in your driveway during your absence. And most important, give one of your neighbors a contact number just in case of an emergency.

Now for the people that are stuck in Michigan for the winter. Autumn is the time of year that we shut off our central air conditioning, and open our windows to let in the cool fresh air. Most breaking and entering happens during the day when no one is home. And most crimes are committed by someone in your neighborhood that knows your routine. So don’t let them get into your house by leaving windows open when you’re away. Don’t just close them. Lock them. And when you are home, be aware of your open windows. DO NOT leave entry doors or storm doors unlocked. You could be in your basement, garage, backyard, etc. and these unlocked doors could give someone a good opportunity to walk right into your home.

Halloween is a fun time of year for the kids. Make sure your walkways are free of leaves and porch lights are on, so you don’t have a slip and fall accident with the little ones. DO NOT let anyone in your house unless you are absolutely sure who it is, and someone is home with you. When you see your neighborhood growing dark, shut off your porch light too. Close and lock your door, and call it a night. Don’t be the lone house passing out candy. Not only are you going to get bigger kids coming around, it’s not safe to be passing out candy when all your neighbors are inside their homes with the windows and doors closed for the night.

As I walk around our neighborhood, I still don’t see a lot of neighborhood watch stickers on the windows. Place them in a highly visible window. Let those criminals know that we mean business, and they are being watched. Light up those porches and backyards at night. Take a bite out of crime.