For various reasons, some residents must park their vehicles in their driveway overnight instead of in their garage. Don’t be an easy victim! Here are some tips that may help us prevent crime, even for those of us who may park in the driveway for only a few minutes:
- Be sure to lock your vehicle whenever you park and do not leave valuables or any items that could prove tempting to someone looking into the vehicle.
- Criminals don’t want to be seen: keep your post lamp lighted and encourage your neighbors to do the same. We protect not only ourselves but also our neighbors by doing that.
- Be a “watchful neighbor” by reporting to the Sheriff’s Department (911) and informing neighbors of any unusual or suspicious activity in the community. Simply looking at what’s going on outside of our homes can be a big help to detect and deter crime.
Here is an example of crime prevention thanks to an attentive neighbor: One of our HOA homeowners contributed significantly recently by reporting an open garage door, one that had been left open for a considerable length of time. Reporting that was very important because if someone uninvited enters an open garage, they can help themselves to whatever is in the garage. The intruder also has easier access to the home’s interior. Also, if the door from the garage to the home is left unlocked, access into the home is simply a matter of turning the doorknob.
Please call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (911) right away when suspicious activity is observed. What occurs in our area may be connected to occurrences in adjoining areas. The deputies on patrol need to be informed. The Sheriff’s Department has been very cooperative in supporting our concerns.
✉ by Joe Steiner, SMVE HOA Safety and Security ChairPhone: