San Juan County Sheriff: ‘Lifestyle of trust’ makes us easy prey for criminals

Even in "normal times," basic security of your property should be practiced. We all know we have not been in "normal times" for some time now, both locally and nationally. I am asking our entire community to stop and assess your personal practices when it comes to protecting your property. Our island community has recently been subjected to those who don’t give it a second thought when taking advantage of our neighbors and friends. Our lifestyle of trust, slow pace, and resistance to even the basics of personal security makes it easier for them. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to steal a boat when the keys are left in the ignition or hidden but easily found. Many homes, though not all, that have been broken into are isolated, without alarms, and inhabited only part-time. Neighbors are not apprised of your scheduled departures and arrivals. They have no idea when someone is authorized or not to be on your property. We have routinely found businesses with doors or windows unlocked, easily breached locks, and with large amounts of easily discovered cash. Many of us still leave the keys in our cars. It is time for all of us personally assess ourselves when it comes to security. We can do this. Get to know and talk to your neighbors. Let them know your schedules. Lock your house, and those who are isolated, consider alarming your house. Alarm your business. There are many very reliable home and business alarm systems that notify the Sheriff’s office immediately of an activated alarm. We do respond to all alarm activations, 24/7. Be sure to install those systems that are reliable so we can avoid "false" alarms. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle OR your aircraft. Turn off fuel sources in your boat and aircraft. Upgrade your locking systems wherever you want to prevent someone from entering. Wipe down all your surfaces that a criminal may leave evidence. Windows, counters, doorknobs, are just a few of the places that physical evidence may be left. Gravel surfaces that my leave foot prints or tire tracks should be smoothed if possible. Most of all, we need to think security. The Sheriff’s Office is working very hard to help and protect our community. Without a doubt, “law enforcement is everybody’s business," and working together, we can make a difference.

February 16, 2010 12:27 pm

Web editor’s note: The following message comes directly from San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming.

Even in “normal times,” basic security of your property should be practiced. We all know we have not been in “normal times” for some time now, both locally and nationally. I am asking our entire community to stop and assess your personal practices when it comes to protecting your property. Our island community has recently been subjected to those who don’t give it a second thought when taking advantage of our neighbors and friends. Our lifestyle of trust, slow pace, and resistance to even the basics of personal security makes it easier for them. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to steal a boat when the keys are left in the ignition or hidden but easily found. Many homes, though not all, that have been broken into are isolated, without alarms, and inhabited only part-time. Neighbors are not apprised of your scheduled departures and arrivals. They have no idea when someone is authorized or not to be on your property. We have routinely found businesses with doors or windows unlocked, easily breached locks, and with large amounts of easily discovered cash. Many of us still leave the keys in our cars. It is time for all of us personally assess ourselves when it comes to security. We can do this. Get to know and talk to your neighbors. Let them know your schedules. Lock your house, and those who are isolated, consider alarming your house. Alarm your business. There are many very reliable home and business alarm systems that notify the Sheriff’s office immediately of an activated alarm. We do respond to all alarm activations, 24/7. Be sure to install those systems that are reliable so we can avoid “false” alarms. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle OR your aircraft. Turn off fuel sources in your boat and aircraft. Upgrade your locking systems wherever you want to prevent someone from entering. Wipe down all your surfaces that a criminal may leave evidence. Windows, counters, doorknobs, are just a few of the places that physical evidence may be left. Gravel surfaces that my leave foot prints or tire tracks should be smoothed if possible. Most of all, we need to think security. The Sheriff’s Office is working very hard to help and protect our community. Without a doubt, “law enforcement is everybody’s business,” and working together, we can make a difference.