Merrill Pines Condominium Association

Safety is in Question: A Response from the Violations/Safety Com

Apr 01, 2008

Dear Residents,

I would like to thank all those who attended the Violations/Safety/Access Control Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the clubhouse. Several issues were addressed, including the armed carjacking on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 4:40 A.M., the status of the front gate, the security camera system to be installed, a public safety and awareness briefing and the beginning stages of a Neighborhood Watch program.

Although crime is down at Merrill Pines over the last few months, crime in Jacksonville is up. As the mortgage crunch and gas prices continue to affect our wallets, crime will continue to rise. Generally speaking, violent crimes and crimes of opportunity (i.e. purse snatching, thefts, carjacking, armed robbery, etc.) tend to occur when people are struggling financially. As our economy is currently ?“slowing,?” we need to plan accordingly in order to prevent these crimes of opportunity from happening in our community.

If we do not work together as a community, we give criminals the upper hand. We may not be able to stop every crime in our community, but we can make it extremely difficult for a criminal to commit a crime at Merrill Pines. Each and every one of us must become aware of our surroundings. Together, we are the eyes and ears of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office (JSO). Some ways to accomplish this are:
?•Get to know your neighbors
?•Be on the lookout for suspicious activity or anything out of the ordinary
?•Vehicles or individuals passing by numerous times
?•Anyone taking property from a unit where no one is home.

It is proven that having an organized Neighborhood Watch program reduces crime. In addition to the reduction in crime, the biggest positive thing that will happen, is that people in our community will start getting together to share ideas, and will also get to know one another better. The idea is to start small and think big. I would like each resident in this community to be on the look out for things out of the ordinary. Become ?“window watchers.?” If something doesn?’t look right, contact JSO immediately.

Emergency#:911
Non-Emergency #: (904)630-0500

This letter is asking for the support of every person who lives in Merrill Pines. It does not matter if you are an owner or a renter, young or old, male or female. Everyone can make a difference. I have contacted JSO regarding the setup of am official Merrill Pines Neighborhood Watch. In order for JSO to recognize us as a Neighborhood Watch community, we must have community involvement. A high percentage of the residents that live in Merrill Pines must participate. Participation will include two community meetings with a JSO officer.

Once the Merrill Pines Board of Directors has coordinated with JSO, additional information will be sent to you advising meeting times, contact information, volunteer applications for positions, and any safety and crime prevention materials.

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to merrillpinesboard@hotmail.com (ATTN: Jason Bifolck) or call Property Manager Michelle Brown at (904)273-9832. If Michelle is not available, please leave a message to include you name, telephone #, email address, unit #, and best means to reach you (email or mail).

Sincerely,
Jason Bifolck
Vice President - Board of Directors
Chairman ?– Violations/Safety Committee
Merrill Pines Condominium Association