Letter from Councilman Tackett: Warm Weather Brings Added Dangers

Councilman David Tackett (D-11th District)

As the weather turns warm and we all are ready to spend some time outside, I would like to advise you all to be mindful and cautious at all times, no matter where you are.

During a recent meeting with Police Chief Gregory, I was briefed on how the warmer weather also increases their calls for service. The Chief showed me a report with the increases. Some people just left their windows open, the doors unlocked, and/or simply forgot to close their garage doors. I know often, and I am also guilty, we need to run a quick errand and think we will only be gone a few minutes. The robber looking to enter your home only needs a few minutes as often these are career criminals. They know where to go and what to look for.

Another area the Chief shared with me, and I want to share with you, was that in at least two cases, teens were walking in and close to their neighborhoods when passing motorists made unsolicited offers to the kids for a ride. No one took the ride, everything was fine, and the police were notified of these incidents. I am sharing this with you only as a reference so that the next time you have the opportunity, please share this information with your children, family and friends that they always need to be aware of their surroundings.

Here are a few tips and guidelines to follow that will keep you safe:

1. Lock all doors and windows. Open garage doors, windows and unlocked doors provide easy access for any burglar. Statistically your home is most likely to be burglarized on a Monday or Friday, between late morning and late afternoon.

2. When you are not home, try to create the illusion that you are there by placing lights and TV’s on timers.

3. Use motion sensors in and around your home. A thief likes to remain invisible.

4. Place alarm stickers on windows, even if you don’t have an alarm.

5. Keep an eye out for solicitors. Many times a burglar will pose as a solicitor. Don’t let anyone detain you at the front door as they may have an accomplice trying the back door.

6. Employ the buddy system. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity to the police.

7. When on vacation, suspend mail and newspaper delivery. These items are an indication to a burglar that your home is vacant.

8. Always lock your car and garage door. Never leave the garage door opener in your car. Recently the County has seen some cases where the remote door opener has been removed from the car and then used to gain access to the house through the garage.

As always, your safety is a major concern for me.

Councilman David Tackett
11th District