Community Awareness Meeting March 9, 2004
This special meeting was called to order because to date there have been 6 breaking and enterings in our community. In excess of 60 residents attended this meeting. The police department is heavily involved with our security officer Tim Burke in trying to solve these issues. It seems that the majority of the break-ins happened between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm , and in some cases doors and or windows were left open. Teenagers were seen at the scene of one B & E , but an adult male was also reported. If the perpetrator lives in the community , it is an automatic eviction for that family. A $500.00 reward has been issued for information leading to the capture and conviction of the criminal involved.
The Security and the Police need our help to ensure this does not continue. We as a community need to be more aware of the happenings around our homes. If you see a suspicious person report it, with as much identifying characteristics as possible. Talk to your adjoining neighbors and watch each others homes. Make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave your home. Alarm systems can be installed. Having lights on in your home, or putting some on timers so that it seems someone is home may also be helpful. If you have a dog put a Beware Of Dog sign outside your home as the thought of a barking dog may deter the thief. Keep porch lights on so that entryways are visible to your neighbors. Make sure newspapers do not pile up if you will be away from home for an extended period. Any deterent used will help keep this problem away.
Questions were raised as to the possibility of adding more security personnel, Rudgate is not willing to provide funds at this time for more help. It is apparent the issue of security is going to fall on our shoulders. A meeting is being planned to organize a Neighborhood Watch program. The police department has given us some information on how to form a community watch and we need everyone to be involved to keep our community safe.