Watch out for latest crime threat
By Thomas Covino
Watch Your Back!
Neighbors, if you live next door to a residence that’s up for sale, keep an eye out for people in the back yard of that house.
There is apparently a man and woman acting as if they’re interested in purchasing the house, go to the back door and knock and wait for the owner to appear. If no one answers, they proceed to break in and take whatever is readily available. This exact scenario took place recently in one of our Fairfield Glade Community areas.
In this scenario, unfortunately, the owner delayed in responding, only to be confronted by the female going through their valued items before coming into contact with each other. She then bolted from the residence and got into a minivan and sped off without any items. Needless to say, had the circumstances been different, a serious confrontation might have ensued resulting in possible injury to the owner.
Here are a few suggestions on how to help prevent the appearance of a vacant home, even if it is for sale.
Leave a light on or certainly have lights go on with the use of timers at various times of the day and evening, this way it appears there’s activity in the house.
DO NOT allow mail, newspapers or delivered packages to build up giving the appearance no one is home.
Stop all mail and newspaper delivery schedules and/or have a neighbor or relative stop by to pick up anything that’s been left.
If it’s between the Spring and Fall and you’re leaving for a vacation, have your lawn mowed by others, leaves blown or anything else that gives the impression that you’re still home and normal activities are taking place.
Finally, if you’re selling the house or you’re going to be away for any length of time, place you most precious valuables in storage or a bank safety deposit box.
The less you have lying around, chances are perpetrators will leave empty-handed.
Another scenario revolves around residences of those who leave for warmer climates or go on a lengthy vacation and fail to notify any law enforcement agency or even neighbors asking them to keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious activity around their home.
That’s the whole purpose of a Neighborhood Watch Program, we call it “Neighbors helping Neighbors” telling the owner, “I’ve got your back.”
Final thought, if you’re going to be away for just a couple of days and you have an alarm system, notify the security company of your departure, the length of time expected to be away and finally inform them when you’ve returned, especially during holiday periods.
These few suggestions of taking care of what you have means “peace of mind” while away knowing they’re “Watching Your Back.”