Additional Security Info

With the news that, in addition to the break-in, another resident "lost" a log-splitter from his yard yesterday, it's understandable that folks are edgy. I'm getting a lot of emails offering sympathy to the burglary victims yesterday, some notes on suspicious vehicle activity and some suggestions for better security similar to what's been posted.

Commissioner Kathy Holian sent me information just a couple weeks ago about rising crime in her neighborhood (Glorieta Heights) and notes from a talk her community had, also at Hondo 2, with Sgt. Clifton Coleman from the Sheriff's Dept. (986-2467).

Among his advice was the following: There is no such thing as a nosy neighbor. Know what your immediate neighbors look like and what they drive. Have meetings and share stories. He also encouraged residents to call or email him DIRECTLY rather than go thru dispatch for fast response. You can also email him photos of suspicious vehicles.

According to Sgt Coleman, the average age of the bad guys is 27; they scope out neighborhoods between 9:00 and 11:00 AM. If you see something suspicious at or near your home, push your car alarm button, use your car horn, take a photo with your cell phone of the license plate or the driver, or use a whistle.

On the other hand, Cpl Pacheco, who spoke to our community last week, said there's a lot you can do to slow down the bad guys but that doesn't mean you won't get broken into just the same. The main thing to consider is that they want to move quickly before someone comes home; if you make it hard for them to get in—and make it hard for them to find your valuables once they're in the house—you might have a better chance of deterring them.

If anyone remembers seeing anything or anyone out of the ordinary yesterday morning between 9:30 and 12:30 on the first half-mile of the road, be sure to let us know; we can pass it along to the folks at #47 and their detectives.

Thanks!
UPDATE ON THE LOG-SPLITTER: the residents found what look like ATV tracks.