With this being the last Community Safety article for the year. I thought it would be a great idea to offer everyone a security update and a few safety tips for holiday shopping.
While the final community statistics have not been compiled, there is every indication that major residential crime numbers are down. To date, major crime such as residential and auto burglary, auto thefts and vandalism in PGA National have decreased by 53% from last year. We experienced twenty-two home burglaries in 2010, which have dropped down to eight this year.
As a means of increasing our presence and our impact within your community, I felt it was necessary to modify our patrol functions. This year we decided to step out of the patrol vehicles and step into the community. One of the best assets for deterring criminal activity is to have security be as visible as possible. We have conducted over eighty random foot patrols throughout PGA National. The feedback and information that we have received has been outstanding. As I have stated before in previous articles, the strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in the community.
As your security provider, I would like to offer a few more tips to help ensure that you have a happy and safe holiday season. Whenever possible do your holiday shopping during the day. Always be aware of your surroundings when walking to your vehicle. Never leave valuables in your car in plain sight and always buckle your seat belt.
Remember for those with plans to visit friends and family this holiday season. Please stop by any one of the gatehouses (or click here) and pick-up a “Property Check Form”. This will allow us to check your property while you are away. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.
It has been the pleasure of my staff and myself to provide security and service to you all. We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!!!