crime

No matter how old or young we are, using computers has become a part of our daily lives. We use computers for everything from online banking, paying bills, booking vacations to purchasing movie tickets etc.. Even though computers make our lives convenient, they also come with a risk.

We have all heard the horror stories associated with identity theft. How hard it is or how much the victim has to go through to get their life back to normal. Unfortunately those with criminal intent are hard at work seeking for victims online. I would like to share with you some information I received from Palm Beach Gardens Police Department about an ongoing scam.

They are seeing a big increase in email scams lately, as well as viruses delivered by clicking links in emails or opening attachments in emails. The viruses are designed to steal your passwords and logins, such as to your bank account etc.. To keep yourself safe; DO NOT click any unknown links in emails and attachments. Even if you receive an email that appears to be from your bank or from some business that you routinely work with, DO NOT click the link in the email.

Many of these are spoofed emails, designed to look like the real thing but will actually lead you to a web site that gives you a virus or steals your information. Instead open your web browser and go to their web site yourself. For example, if you bank with Washington Mutual, and you receive an email from Washington Mutual that says you must click a link in the email to login and resolve some problem; DO NOT click the link. Instead open your web browser and type in www.washingtonmutual.com to go directly to the Washington Mutual web site and resolve the issue. This way you are sure that you are going to the proper web site and you’re much less likely to get a virus or have your information stolen. The bad guys often try to make the problem sound urgent to get you to click the link quickly without thinking. Do not fall for these tactics.

As your security provider we are committed to our pledge to provide community safety and awareness. Sharing information is vital, remember never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

Remember to report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Being a proactive community will make the most significant difference.

From a security point of view, PGA National had a great year in 2011. As your security provider we are ready to face 2012 head on, and tackle any and all challenges it may bring. I am confident that with your continued support, we will continue to do our best.

As we prepare for 2012. As PGA National residents, you must continue to be ever vigilant. There is a tendency to relax a bit after the holidays. Please continue to call and report any suspicious person, vehicle, or activity.

At the time this article was written, PGA national experienced eight (8) residential burglaries in 2011. Each one of the burglaries shared a common cause. No, it was not the point of entry or the time of day in which the burglary occurred. In each burglary the common cause was that the home alarm was not set. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm.

As I have mention in some of my previous articles. The strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in safety awareness at home as well as a community. Never hesitate to call security at 627-1600. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. . I will continue to work with my staff to make sure we are doing everything in our ability to make this a safe environment for you and your family.

In closing, please remember, you can have a real effect on crime by simply getting in the habit of locking your car doors when you arrive home and when you leave, making sure you have properly secured your home and set your alarm.

I am optimistic about 2012 and we, as your security provider, will continue to do our best to make sure your community is a safe one.

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!!!

Wow, it’s October already and the year is nearly up. Before you know it we’ll be bringing in the New Year. I would like to take a moment to revisit some topics from some of my previous articles.

In August, Hurricane Irene threatened to make landfall here in South Florida. Thankfully we were spared by her wrath. Unfortunately we all saw the destruction and chaos Irene caused to the Northeast. We are not out of the woods just yet. Hurricane season ends in November, yet we are still susceptible to many tropical storms and severe weather. Remember to check your hurricane supplies by ensuring you have ample amounts of water, batteries, candles and non-perishable food items. Remember to place important documents in waterproof containers. It is also of great value to have an emergency contact list available and ready.

Last month, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department made a significant amount of arrests pertaining to vehicle burglaries. Although living in a gated community may give you a false sense of security, it is up to every resident within PGA National to remain vigilant. Remember to always secure your vehicles and remove valuables that may be in plain sight. As your security provider, we continue to promote the Car Smart Program, informing residents of their potential to become the next victim of an auto burglary. Last year we inspected over 1300 vehicles in PGA National, finding 4 % of those having valuables able to be seen by anyone with criminal intent. This year, we are on track to see that percentage nearly cut in half.

As your security provider, we will continue to provide optimum security service with your assistance. So far this year in PGA National we have seen a reduction in our major crimes, in such areas as residential burglaries and auto burglaries. The strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in safety awareness as a community.

As a PGA National resident, you must be ever vigilant. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Being a proactive community will make the most significant difference. Remember never hesitate to call security. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Never leave valuables in your vehicle.

As your security provider, it is our duty to make PGA National residents aware of any potential problems that could lead to opportunities for crime. The subject I want to discuss is one that I have already touched on in previous articles, which remains important, so I think it is appropriate to bring it up once again. Last month, Palm Beach County experienced some violent crimes of an unfamiliar nature. These crimes included carjacking and armed robberies.

It has come to my attention that criminals, not only in our immediate area, but also throughout the country, are using a number of “white collar” scams. One scam in particular is the “Grandparent scam”. Con artists have swindled the elderly out of hundreds even thousands of dollars by posing as a grandchild in need. According to local law enforcement agencies, the scam works like this:

You receive a phone call from someone who greets you with, “Hi grandma.”

“Do you know who this is?”

“Johnny?”

“Yeah”

Now the con artist claims that they’ve gotten into some kind of trouble and need money to fix the problem. “But please don’t tell mom or dad. Please help!”

Scammers are very cunning and are good at what they do. They have fooled many people by choosing their targets carefully. If you receive this type of phone call, do not fill in any blanks for them. Ask some of your own questions, such as to which grandchild this is or what’s your mother’s name. This should expose the scam; the con artist will most likely hang up the phone. Call Palm Beach Gardens Police and provide them with any information that you may have.

As I previously mentioned it is part of my duty to make PGA National residents aware of any potential problems that could lead to an opportunity for crime. You must remain ever vigilant. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Make sure your garage door is closed.

Remember never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600.

Last month Palm Beach County experienced some violent crimes of an unfamiliar nature. There were armed carjackings and robberies in areas, such as Abacoa, which you as a resident of PGA National could be affected by.

The criminal’s method of operation is to bump the back of a vehicle. When the driver exits the vehicle to check for damage, they are robbed at gun point for their valuables. In some cases victims were forced to drive to an ATM machine and withdraw money. In one of the cases, the victims were robbed and forced into the trunk of their own vehicle. Local law enforcement advises that if you find yourself involved in minor situation where you are rear-ended. Drive to a well-lit and populated area and call 911 immediately.

Here are some other tips law enforcement agencies recommend to reduce your chance of you becoming a victim.
• Be alert of your surroundings
• Use extreme caution when using a ATM machine (avoid using ATM’s at night at all costs)
• Be wary of people asking for directions
• Keep your purse and other valuables out of view while driving or parked
• Do not stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down

Another issue of great concern facing Palm Beach County is the water shortage. There have been irrigation and watering restrictions placed in effect to help conserve the limited supply we do have. As a reminder, if your address is an even number, you can water Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. If your address is an odd number, you can water Thursday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. Each one of us has a responsibility to comply with these restrictions.

As the 2011 Hurricane season progresses, you should make plans to secure your home. Clean your yard of any items that could pose a threat to you or your neighbors in hurricane force winds. Be sure that all trees and shrubs around your home are trimmed. Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. These supplies should include several containers of water, non-perishable foods, batteries, a radio, flashlights and candles. It is also very important to place papers and documents in waterproof container.

Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Make sure your garage door is closed. Remember, never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600.

Last month, as many of you may know we experienced a few residential burglaries. The intent of this article is to raise awareness and offer some helpful advice that may potentially prevent you from becoming a victim.

The majority of residential burglaries happen during the daytime and criminals are looking for easy targets. A residence with newspapers pilled up in the driveway or a package that has been at the front door for a few days are easy sings that the house is vacant. By taking a few precautions you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim. For example, discontinue your newspaper delivery service. If you are expecting a delivery while you are away, have a family member, friend or neighbor pick up the package for you.

As your security provider we offer a property check service for those residents going out of town. Whether for two days or two months, we will conduct a check of your property at least twice a week until you return. A Property Check form can be picked up and dropped off at any gatehouse. You can also submit a property check form using the Internet at www.gateaccess.net.

In addition to submitting a Property Check form, there are other steps that you can take to avoid becoming a victim. One is to have a security system installed if you do not have one already have one. If you have a home security system, consider upgrading your system. Contact your security system provider and inquire about motion detectors and glass break sensors. Another option is to inquire about the instillation of high impact glass, especially for the glass windows and doors located in the rear of the home. In most cases of residential burglaries, the rear of the home is the point of entry.

Many homes in PGA National have landscaping designs that enhance the appearance of the property. For a criminal trying to burglarize your home, these designs provide them with excellent cover. In some cases, windows or the entire side of a home is completely blocked by the landscaping. Keeping your trees and bushes trimmed may prevent you from becoming a potential target.

As a PGA National resident, you must be ever vigilant. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Make sure your garage door is closed. Remember never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Report all suspicious persons, vehicles or activity to security immediately at 627-1600.