There’s no question, the existing cancer ‘criminal’ element is real and growing exponentially in Washington State. There is also a growing awareness of concern evolving in Jefferson County, Port Ludlow, and Timberton. “Awareness” is an important guide for individual resident and village preparedness.
Last week, hosted by SBCA, there was a home and neighborhood ‘security’ presentation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. The discussion presented a process which would guide how an active/involved crime prevention program could be implemented – individually and as a community.
Currently, the only active neighborhood level ‘organized structure’ is (either or both) the ‘block captain program’ and/or ‘the emergency preparedness’ program. Neither of which are at the level of the suggested ‘Neighborhood Watch’ program. If a Neighborhood Watch program is to be pursued, it will one organized block by block and supported within the entire village as a whole. It could well incorporate both the block captain and emergency preparedness, structured to become one of cohesive, active viability.
Some Presentation Highlights – Target Hardening
Target Hardening, … the strengthening of the security of a building to protect it or reduce the risk of theft. Intended outcome to deter the offender from burglarizing your property.
- Weather is not a determining factor for a well organized criminal element.
- Burglars surveil the neighborhood to ‘find’ predictable patterns; when people come and go and what’s parked in the driveway. Make your home less attractive to burglars. Be a bit more aware of who’s cruising the neighborhood and when. Make note.
- Burglars don’t like security cameras, alarm systems, well-lit areas, irregular routines, strong doors and dogs.
- Consider additional lighting – motion sensing exterior lighting (be aware of Timberton lighting restrictions).
- Lock your car; your house. Don’t leave keys or garage openers in the vehicle. Park cars in garage. Be wary of where you place a ‘hide a key (under mat, above the door, fake rock – obvious and known).
- Install window locks or place dowels in window and sliding door tracks.
- Alarm Systems
- Camera Systems
- KNOW Your Neighbors – A good idea beyond security – “It takes a neighborhood”. Offers a periodic hello and smile.
- Trim trees and shrubs – reduce and eliminate hiding places; offers a better line of sight.
- Replace or add additional door locks; deadbolts that extend into the door frame.
- Monitor known deliveries. Have a neighbor pick them up if you’re away.
- Disconnect garage door opener if gone for an extended period of time.
- Don’t ‘advertise’ your vacation of Social Media.
- Know your Block Captain and Involve Your Block Captain
Contact The Sheriffs Department and get a copy of the published Residential Security Survey.
Roger Bryan
President TVHA