Watch Jefferson County

Hello Neighbors,

We had a great Neighborhood Watch meeting! Our meeting was attended by Sheriff Boober and Deputy Edwards. We have their full support and encouragement in taking the steps to protect ourselves and look out for each other as a community. The county’s population is growing yet the number of law enforcement is not. It’s up to us to be proactive.

The below information was discussed at the meeting. The Sheriff talked about alot of things that you can do to protect yourself, your home, etc.

The Sheriff has offered to pay for 3 new Neighborhood Watch signs to be posted in the neighborhood! These will be ordered very soon. Our HOA approved a $1000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and convictions of anyone damaging any property in Breckenridge. The Sheriff said he will help by posting notices from the Sheriffs office in the local paper about the reward.

We have alot that needs to be done prior to our next meeting.

At this point we need volunteers for:
-Block/street captains
-Driving/walking patrols, there will be training classes
-Window Watchers
-Scheduling
-Anyone can participate and all participation is welcome.
-If you live near the entrances your participation is greatly needed.
***You can also help by simply being OBSERVANT. Drive in and out of the development a different way, look around. If something seems unusual it probably is.

Keep a paper and pen by the front door or window so if you see unusual activity you can jot it down. Stay calm and try and focus on what you are seeing:
How tall
Color of hair
Type of clothing/color of clothing
Facial hair
Distinguishing features
Type/color of car
Tag number
What the person is doing/carrying etc.

Did you know that 80% of home invasions occur through unlocked doors and windows?
-make sure all windows are doors are locked even while home.
-use a key lock deadbolt if you have side light windows. A deadbolt is only as good as the frame it locks into, so make sure it’s strong.
-turn on outside lights at night
-keep bushes and scrubs trimmed so no one can hide behind them while trying to break in.
-if you are away, let a neighbor know you are out of town
-arrange to have your newspapers/mail picked up
-set light timers to make your home look occupied
-shut your blinds at night
-take pictures or video of valuables and write down serial numbers. If you are robbed, having this info may get your items back to you.
-know your neighbors, exchange phone numbers/emails

Reminders on personal safety:
-Use your keys to protect yourself walking through parking lots
-Be aware of your surroundings. Look around, stand tall. You are less likely to become of victim if you look alert and confident.
-Secure your purse and wallet while out.

We have joined in with other neighborhoods in the county by registering Breckenridge at http://www.jefferson-county.net/. I encourage everyone to check out the site. Please register with them so you can see what kinds of crime is happening all over the county. When you register, be sure to list that you live in Breckenridge.

Some of these neighborhoods have well established programs and there are a couple of “newbies” like us. I feel like they have taken us under their wing to help us out. I’m going to be posting a copy of this under the county website as well as our Breckenridge site so I’d like to say THANKS to Ron and Art for your assistance so far….I’m sure you’ll be sick of me soon enough!!

Thanks!

Julie

REMEMBER!!! No one is asking you to be a nosey neighbor, just an observant one!
Feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas, or suggestions!