General Info

A Discussion Regarding Timberton Village Residential Security

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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

Annual Irrigation Backflow Testing

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Hello Timberton Neighbors!

This message is for all homeowners with an irrigation system or Sublevel laundry set up. Spring is fast approaching which means it is time again to have your irrigation backflow valve inspected. For new residents, Washington State law requires that all irrigation backflow valves be inspected on an annual basis. For the past seven years, Don Lichten of DC Backflow in Port Angeles, has been performing this service for anyone in Timberton that wishes to have it done. This year he will once again be charging a group rate of $32.00 per valve.  Don will inspect your valve and perform any minor adjustments. If any repairs are required, there will be an extra charge for the parts.

In the next few days Don will send an email to each of you. If you would like for Don to inspect your backflow valve, simply reply to his email. He is planning to do the Timberton work on beginning on about March 22nd & 23rd* weather permitting. When the work is complete, he will email an invoice and you can pay him directly. Upon receipt of your payment he will send a report to OWSI. If you have questions about the process, please email Don at dcbackflowservice@olypen.com

Roger Bryan
TVHA Board

Village Update

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Regarding a possible Neighborhood Watch program, the past 2 eBlast discussions generated just 8 interested responses (8/76). Because the concept is of interest for all South Bay Villages, we’re now looking into involving the co-joined ‘overlaying’ involvement with the existing ‘block captain’ program and the existing ‘emergency preparedness’ program. Foundation clarity has to be established first … and then sustained … before a comprehensive crime prevention program is implemented. Eventually, if sustainable and on-going, it’s going to involve the village community at large, not just a couple of short-term volunteers, i.e., key word ‘involved’.

SBCA set up a village Presidents meeting this past week. Invited were all of the South Bay villages to attend. Crime prevention was a key topic and there is a universal concern. Implementation and participation have to be addressed on a sustainable basis. If we can do it at Timberton we can export a viable and continuing concept.

Near term for Timberton will be attendance at board meetings where village interests are presented and discussed. Our next Board meeting is March 27. Please note that 3 board member terms are coming to an end. Carry over terms for one more year are Chuck and Roger. We’d appreciate that a strong interest toward becoming a board member – term 2 years – is of interest. Alternative 3rd party involvement is both expensive and remote. Elections to be posted June. Inquiries and interest are welcome.

The TVHA annual meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2023, at 5:30. The status of a “Social” following the meeting has not been resolved. It has been suggested that if a resident or group of residents wish to organize such an event the Board will support the effort. A reasonable amount of funds will be available for amenities, but the program needs a proactive leader to get it established.

Roger

Vehicle Break-In Reported

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Two neighbors have reported that vehicles parked in their driveways were broken into with items stolen. This occurred last night (Monday 10 Apr 2022) on Timber Meadow  and Timber Ridge . Police reports are being made.

If anyone has an active security camera that possibly recorded unusual activity, please report it to police and the TVHA Board (use the Contact the Board form).

Also look for anything that may have been discarded by the perpetrators along the roadway (items of personal value).

Keep alert (unfortunately) and lock your car.

Daffodils!

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In October of last year, the Timberton Village Volunteer Committee planted daffodil bulbs at the top of Timberton Drive.

And now, they have bloomed – at least on the north side.

The ones on the south side are close to blooming, according to resident experts.

Thanks to all that played in the dirt last year!