09/24/2007

CEDARHURST ON THE BAY

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Call Brian Frist, He is Looking for Watch Team Members 410-867-8257...  You & Your Neighbors Are The Eyes & Ears For The Police, If Concerned Call Them...   Recently, More Police Presence In Our Area Was Requested, Since Two Break-In Attempts Occurred on Spring & Pine.  AA Co. Police Have Been Very Cooperative And More Frequent Patrols Have Occurred...  Each Month AA County Has A Public Meeting Called "The Police Community Relations Meeting"...  At These Meeting's Copies of Incident Report's Are Handed Out & Discussions Include: Crime Prevention, Crime Trends , Statistics, & New Programs... Cedarhurst Continues To Have Random Patrols of Hired Security...   For Those Who Have Concerns, Please Attend These Informative Monthly Police Meetings at The Edgewater Station, Dates & Times Are Posted In The Capital Newspaper...

"To increase community-wide response and communications about crime prevention techniques."

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:  (When in doubt call 911, its better to be safe than sorry!)
911 – Emergency     or     410-222-1961 -- Non-Emergency  (Southern District)

Did You Know Southern District Has The Lowest Crime Rate In Our County?  Lets Keep It That Way !

WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

Neighborhood Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching other neighbors' property during times when burglaries are likely to occur.  A police officer patrolling your neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in your yard - but your neighbors would!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Neighborhood Watch works through mutual aid --neighbors watching out for neighbors. Neighbors know who you are and what type of car you own. They may be the first to notice a burglar at your window, or a strange car in your driveway. But, remember, each neighbor can effectively watch only homes to each side, and to the front or back of his home.

TAKE ACTION, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS DO THIS:

Write down the description of suspicious person(s). Get the make, model, color and license number of strange vehicles. Call the police department (911) immediately.

LATE HOUR LOITERERS:

 Contact police (911, AND SAY IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY OR NOT) if you notice teenagers (or anyone suspicious) wandering around your street after reasonable hours. The Police Dept. is glad to check on kids who are away from their homes at late hours. Many times, the parents are not even aware that they have sneaked out. Don't hesitate to let law enforcement know about an unusual situation.

Neighborhood Watch Program

IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO BE A NOSY NEIGHBOR:

Looking out for your neighbor's house while they look out for yours is one of the best ways to help law enforcement protect our entire neighborhood.

The Neighborhood Watch program is designed to make you and your Cedarhurst neighbors aware of what you can do together to make your homes safer.

It is a good idea to talk with your neighbors and exchange information. Be familiar with every member of their family and the cars they drive. Then you can easily spot and report strangers or suspicious activities around their house. They will do the same for you.

In order to see intruders better, keep your houses and yards well lighted at night. Keep doors and windows clear of trees and shrubbery.

Tell each other when you're going away. But, don't tell others who don't need to know. (You can't always trust your hairdresser.)

Being a nosy neighbor is not always a bad idea. Neighborhood Watch can make your neighborhood a much safer place. The police department is helping Cedarhurst On The Bay organize the program in your area, the department will be glad to assist you.

DEVELOP YOUR DEFENSES...  NEVER GIVE A CROOK EVEN BREAK!   

You should take a serious look at making sure your home is as safe as possible,

Consider the following:

• Lock all doors and windows AT ALL TIMES (even when you are there.)
• Put lights on timers throughout you home to make it appear to be occupied when you are not there.
• Trim shrubs and tree limbs to make window and doors more visible from the street and to neighbors.
• Install security lights and use them (at least) after your timer lights shut off for the night.
• Tell trusted neighbors when you will be away and arrange for all mail and newspapers to be gathered. BUT don't talk about your travel plans with anyone, especially 'strangers' with whom you have casual dealings.
• Consider installing a security system purchased through a reputable dealer.
• Take notice of anyone you do not recognize who is loitering on the street, sits in a parked car (and doesn't seem to have a purpose) or does anything that seems to be suspicious to you IN ANY WAY. Contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department at 911 (even if it isn't an emergency).
• Keep the yard clear of tools, ladders or anything that could be used to gain entry to your home. Also make sure all sports equipment, childrens toys and bikes are picked up at the end of the day to avoid attracting attention.
• Contact your close neighbors and a member of the community association immediately if you have a break-in (after having called the Police Dept.) To alert others so that they can be aware of any descriptions of the criminal, automobiles, etc.
• Keep records of all expensive valuables and home furnishings. Take photos; engrave with driver's license numbers, and position valuable items in your rooms so that they will not be visible from windows.

Have a Concern?      Don't Just Complain...   

  Volunteer  & Follow Through ! ! !

 Interested Persons May Contact the Association President.

IF YOU ARE GOING AWAY...

Leave the following information with a trusted friend or neighbor:

1. Where you are going.
2. How you can be reached, in case of an emergency.
3. When you expect to return.
4. If anybody will be at your home... a gardener or repairman, etc.

What To Do When You're Going Away

• Stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up.
• Make arrangements to have your grass cut and watered while you are gone.
• Store extra cash and valuables in a bank safety deposit box.
• Arrange for a neighbor to watch your house. Give them a key, and let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
• Notify the police department.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR NEIGHBORS ARE AWAY:

• Know exactly when your neighbors are leaving and when they will return.
• Collect any newspapers, mail and advertising circulars if they are delivered.
• Make a daily check of the premises. Inspect all windows and doors.
• Don't tell any inquiring strangers that your neighbors are away on a trip.

Check in from time to time on this webpage

 for current information posted on the marquee about neighborhood security.

"Recently, the police dept. was called and we requested more patrol in our area. The officer was very cooperative with making sure that more patrol did in fact happen.

"We have received a few concerns from some homeowners, now that the weather is warm that there have been unfamiliar faces and teenagers in the area late when its dark and they are not sure what there are up to. One homeowner went out late one evening and chased them away so, we need to be aware, especially in areas where there are no street lights, of what is going on around them. It would be a very good idea to start leaving front porch lights on at night if you have them.

"If you join them and they will go away by themselves. It has worked for us in other neighborhoods. The presence of adults makes the area too busy for kids to hang out in.  It really works.  You don't have to be angry and order them out, just join the group, preferably with some other neighbors and the problem will solve itself."

"With the warm weather, we are out in our yards more often, putting the screens back up and keeping windows open. Remember to lock the doors and windows that you won't be able to see from where you are working. If you head to the front yard to continue gardening and you don't have a fenced in area, the back door becomes an easy way for someone passing through to dart in and take a purse or a wallet that's within easy reach. We all have quick errands to run sometimes and we forget that we've left the door, windows or our garage doors open or unlocked. Even if you're only gone five minutes, things can disappear. Lock up if you leave the house. Don't give thieves a break."

"Don't broadcast your vacation plans to the crooks!"

FROM THE OFFICIAL ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY WEBSITE:

The Anne Arundel County Police Department offers to the community the service of a Police Officer, who will come to your     home and perform a security survey.  The officer will give pointers on proper locks, landscaping, and lighting to make your home a safer place for you and your family.  To schedule an appointment for this free service, individuals must contact the Police District where they live.

   Contact Information for Police Districts

The Crime Prevention Unit is available to provide citizens of Anne Arundel County information about how to prevent burglaries at their homes and businesses.  The Crime Prevention Unit is also available to come to your Anne Arundel County home or business and conduct a free security survey. You may contact the Crime Prevention unit at (410) 222-0042 to request these services

In recent years, neighborhoods have experienced rapid change. The old, well-established neighborhoods, where everyone knew everyone, have been replaced by a highly transient community where people seek more and more privacy. This life style tends to promote unfamiliarity with neighbors and a corresponding lack of concern.  Unfortunately, this enhances the “opportunities” for the criminal element and increases the community’s vulnerability to crime.

The security of Anne Arundel County and its citizens depends greatly upon the people themselves. In today’s society no police department can effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the citizens it serves.

The police have limited capabilities. Therefore, it becomes as much a citizen’s responsibility as the police’s responsibility to curb crime occurring in their respective communities. It is time for the citizen to assume an active role in preventing crime.

The Community Crime WATCH Program offers this opportunity; it involves the joint efforts of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the communities. The program is designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the community’s power of observation, and to encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors. The Community Crime Watch Program has proven very successful.

You may contact your Anne Arundel County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit at (410) 222-0042 to organize your Community Crime Watch.

When it's 3:00 a.m. - Do you know where your car is?

Maryland 's WATCH YOUR CAR program is a free and voluntary national vehicle registration and theft prevention program. Vehicle owners sign an agreement stating their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The agreement states that if a police officer, anywhere in the United States observes a "WATCH YOUR CAR" vehicle being operated between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., the officer may stop the vehicle and verify the operator is the owner or has the right to be in possession of the vehicle.

Remember - a majority of vehicles are stolen during nighttime hours when you are asleep!

The Anne Arundel County Police Department has been registering vehicles for approximately two years. We find it to be another very useful tool used by law enforcement to recover stolen vehicles and also prevent the theft of registered vehicles. The "WATCH YOUR CAR" program is available at no cost and requires no actions from the vehicle owner after they register the vehicle in the program. When the vehicle is registered, a decal is placed on the front windshield and one on the rear window indicating participation in the program. The program is coordinated by the Anne Arundel County Police Department's Crime Prevention Section.

To register your car you can go to Police Headquarters or any of the four district stations between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Before going to the districts, call to arrange an appointment. You can also receive a registration form by calling the Anne Arundel County Police Department's Crime Prevention Section at (410) 222-0042 or on the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council website. Once the registration form is returned, the decals will be sent to you.

IT’S FREE, IT’S EASY, AND IT WORKS!!!!!!

CHILD SAFETY TIPS: 

Recent notorious child abductions have struck fear into every parent or grandparent's heart.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department Crime Prevention Unit can be contacted at (410) 222-0042 for specific ideas about protecting the children of Anne Arundel County .  

1. Check out babysitters, suspicious people in the neighborhood and anyone you hire to work in your home. Many states list convicted sexual predators on special Web sites. You can obtain information at the FBI’s Web site or by calling your local FBI office. Get references of people you want to hire and be sure to check them out.
2. After workers leave your home, check ALL windows and doors to make sure they are locked.
3. Never leave garage door openers or spare house keys “hidden” in spots where they might easily be found.
4. Tell your children that, “Strangers mean danger”. If someone stops next to them in a car, tell them to run away toward the rear of the car since backing up fast is difficult.
5. If youngsters are on a bike, hold it between them and the abductors car. If they are pulled into a car, they should jump into the backseat as soon as possible and try to escape through the window.
6. Develop code words for anyone you trust to pick up your children and teach your little ones the code. Tell them not to ride or go with anyone who doesn’t know the code.
7. Know the places your children play, learn about their friends and friends’ families - especially before they go to people’s homes to play.
8. Show children safe places in your neighborhood to run to if they feel threatened - the home of a trusted friend, the local police station or firehouse.
9. Tell children to trust their instincts. “If they think something’s wrong with someone they meet, they should run away.”
10. Warn children not to fall for common lures such as: needing help finding a lost puppy. Some molesters tell youngsters they are cute and want to take their picture, or that they have a toy or candy for them. When children hear these approaches from a stranger, they should run fast to a safe place.
11. If kids get lost while shopping they should go to the nearest security guard or cashier. DO NOT ASK A SHOPPER THEY DON’T KNOW AND DO NOT GO INTO THE PARKING LOT TO SEARCH FOR YOU.
12. Children can make a potential abductor panic and flee by screaming at the top of their lungs, “He’s kidnapping me!!!!!,”  or “Fire” will quickly bring attention to the attempted abduction.
13. Tell children to walk on sidewalks, as far away from the curb as possible against the flow of traffic so they can see who’s approaching. That will make it more difficult for them to be surprised by a driver and quickly snatched.
14. Never let your little children use a public restroom by themselves.
15. Warn older children never to hitchhike.
16. Review the security policy of your child’s school and day-care centers. Don’t be shy about speaking up if you see a flaw.
17. Avoid putting your children’s names on their garments and possessions. When children hear their names called, they let their guard down, thinking it’s someone they know.
18. For identification purposes, take a lock of your child’s hair for DNA.
19. Prepare your children well - these (abductors and predators) are anywhere - and it can happen anywhere! 

TEEN SAFETY TIPS:

• Keep your parents informed of your whereabouts. 
• When taking a trip have your route mapped out and travel time included. Call the party you are visiting to let them know your departure time and call home upon your arrival. 
• Don’t make a habit of traveling alone, i.e., walking, jogging, bike riding. 
• Stay away from things that may make you vulnerable, i.e., drugs & alcohol. 
• If you drive a vehicle - don’t pick up strangers or hitchhikers. 
• Stay away from remote areas that you are unfamiliar with. 

• Girls, don’t wear provocative or sexy clothing as this attracts older men. 
• Girls, Don’t flirt with groups of boys or strangers. 

PARENTS:  

• Know your child’s friends, their parents, addresses and contact numbers.
• Know where you kids are at all times, who they are with and check up on them. 
• Have a set of rules for your kids to follow and enforce them.  
• Working and/or busy parents must take the time to relearn their children and their habits. 
• Get involved in your children’s lives.  Be A Parent! 
• Don’t say  -  “You know how kids are today!”
• Kids are how you allow them to be!

SOME INTERESTING WEB SITES:

The Schlage Lock Company has do-it-yourself information and home security information. Check out their site at www.schlagelock.com. The site security tips is especially good.

The National Crime Prevention Council also has a web site with lots and lots of good information and links. These people (sponsored by Allstate) have built a site for everyone, even kids. Go to www.ncpc.org. Look for their Links, too.

Keyless Lock Store. This is an interesting site with locks like magnetic card readers and remote control readers (like your new car key or like the remote control for your garage door.) Very modern stuff and all the goodies to go with.

Note: We will post neighborhood crime information on this page.

We will also add a number of details about home security and alarm systems and links to other pages with useful information.

 ~ Cedarhurst Webmaster

Page Est.  17 AUG 2005