Tuesday, November 25, 2008

REMINDER: Homeowner's Association Meeting

Mindy writes:

Please be reminded that our homeowner’s meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, December 2nd at 2335 Oberwood Drive at 7pm.

The meeting should be short, but please make an extra effort to attend as the treasurer position needs to be voted on.

Thanks!

Monday, November 24, 2008

UPDATE: Robbery "E-Lert"

From: Helms, Calvin B. [mailto:chelms@cmpd.org]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 2:26 PM
Subject: "Robbery E-Lert"

During this time of year Armed Robberies become one of our focal points. It is our goal to strengthen the community through awareness in hopes to prevent your becoming a victim of a robbery. Please read the following safety tips and be safe!

Personal Safety Tips:


1. BE ALERT!! Know who is near you and what activities going on around you.

2. Walk with authority, look ahead and scan your surroundings.

3. Do not walk in poorly lit areas.

4. Avoid standing at a bus stop alone, especially at night.

5. If approached by someone in a car, change your direction and enter a crowded store or business.

6. Carry a cell phone and some type of safety device (i.e.: flashlight, whistle, pepper spray. etc.) when walking at night.

7. Be alert to someone who asks for directions and/or continues to engage you in conversation.

8. Obey all of the robber's orders.

9. Keep all communication with the robber short and simple. Don't argue!

1o. Be identification conscious. Observe your attacker's personal appearance, type of weapon used, and type of vehicle so you can accurately describe them to police.

Immediately report the incident to the police and do not hang up until the police arrive.

OFFICER BRENT HELMS
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Independence Division Community Coordinator
9315-G Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28270
(o) 704-841-1477 (f) 704-841-1873
chelms@cmpd.org

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

UPDATE: "E-Lert" Larceny from Auto

From: Helms, Calvin B. [mailto:chelms@cmpd.org]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:35 AM
Subject: "E-Lert" Larceny from Auto

Dear citizens,

Please review the below prevention tips regarding larceny from auto. There has been a recent increase in car break-ins which is common every year this time. Law abiding citizens are out shopping more, unfortunately, so are the criminals. Remember criminals will take the path of least resistance (easy targets). Please partnership with us to “Harden the Target”.

When you get out of your vehicle take a moment, put yourself in the mindset of the criminal and determine if there is any reason why you would break into your vehicle. If so, take an extra step to move, secure, hide items...etc. Before you place items such as a purse, computer, gifts etc. in the trunk, look around and make sure no one suspicious is watching you. Criminals will sit back away in a car and watch for there targets, or “Hunting”. If it doesn’t feel or look right, it’s probably not! We hope you have wonderful and safe Holidays!!

Larceny from Vehicles Transportation Safety Tips

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department would like your help! Don’t allow someone to remove your valuables from the inside of your vehicle. Please consider the following tips to prevent YOU from becoming a victim.

1. Always lock your doors and roll up your windows.

2. Never leave valuable items in your vehicle.

3. Store packages in the trunk of your vehicle while shopping.

4. Remove items such as telephones, ipods, purses, briefcase, backpack, cash and even loose change each time you leave your vehicle.

5. Park in well lit areas at night.

6. Park vehicle in the driveway rather than the street.

7. Consider a car alarm for added protection.

8. Call 911 if you see any suspicious activity.

ENCOURAGE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS TO KEEP VALUABLES OUT OF THEIR VEHICLES AT HOME, WORK OR WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Crime In Our General Area

Email from the Giverny Neighborhood Watch forwarded to the KG email list by Chris:


Subject: Crime in our general area

Dear Giverny Neighbors,

The following email is about a crime that occurred Sunday night. I have abbreviated it in order to hide the identity of the victim. We all must take extra precautions in this economical climate and holiday season to avoid being vulnerable to crime. If you have to grocery shop at a late hour, always ask for help to your car. Keep your keys in your hand and be ready to throw them to avoid abduction and constantly be aware of your surroundings. Listen to your instincts and if you feel uncomfortable, quickly move to a safer location. Take extra precautions to be safe.

Karen Bailey
Giverny Neighborhood Watch


Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Hi, I just wanted to send out a note to let you know Shannon was robbed at gunpoint Sunday night at the Colony Place Harris Teeter parking lot at 9:55 PM. The burglar put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her if she did not give her cash and cards and pin number. She was driving the Honda Pilot and had the purse in the back so she had to get out and get it with a gun pointed at her. He did not physically harm her in any way, but she was frightened beyond belief. When she came home it was truly emotional. We were horrified by the experience and spent late Sunday night with police. It was reported by the Observer and the TV news stations as 3 burglaries with gun/knife happened between Metropolitan Trader Joes to Harpers at Southpark and Colony Place by a black man with dread locks within an hour. The thief was able to get $1,600 out of 3 different ATM machines and ended up at Gateway Village (edge of uptown on Trade and Cedar) for the final two ATM withdrawals.

PLEASE stay safe and be careful at dark and follow safer protocol than you have in the past. The police officer said these types of crimes are happening more and more in safe, non-crime areas because folks are getting more desperate in these tough times.

Shannon was honest and gave her actual pin number. The police officer said that is best practice because if you lie and get caught, it can be a bad thing. There have been reports of victims being taken to the ATM's to prove valid pin. I am sending this email so (1) you all know this has happened to Shannon and (2) so you have this education and can protect yourselves.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

HOA News: Home Owner's Meeting Rescheduled

Jill writes:

Hello!

We did not have a big turnout for the meeting tonight so we have decided to reschedule for Tuesday, December 2nd.

Please mark it on your calendar.

Fliers will go out this time, look for them in your box the week before the meeting.

Thank you.

Jill Tan

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

REMINDER: Homeowner's Meeting - November 11

From Jill:

Hello!

Just a reminder that the Home Owner's Meeting is next Tuesday, November 11th.

The meeting will be held at 2335 Oberwood Road at 7:00pm.

The most important piece of business we will be covering is looking for a new treasurer to replace Mindy Evans.

If you cannot make the meeting but are interested in taking over the position please email me at jillgtan@gmail.com.


Thank you and hope to see you next Tuesday.

Jill Tan

Thursday, October 30, 2008

UPDATE: E-Lert Project / Crime Prevention / Trends

From: Helms, Calvin B. [mailto:chelms@cmpd.org]
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 10:41 AM
Subject: E-Lert Project / Crime Prevention / Trends

Please notify your neighborhoods to be aware of recent increases in house break-ins around the South/East Charlotte area. It appears that burglars are striking during the day while you are at work. The targets are mostly jewelry, electronics and guns!

Below is a list of common tips regarding home security, but mostly please keep views from the outside in obscured as best as possible, like closing your curtains when you leave. A burglar likes to window shop prior to kicking in your door. Keep jewelry hidden as well as possible, maybe in a safe somewhere.

The latest trend: suspects usually steal a vehicle from across town, many have been minivans, and they will pull into the driveway of the target home or the one next to it. There is usually 2 or more suspects, one will go to the front door and ring doorbell. If no one appears to be home the rest will get out and quickly look around (window shop) then go around back to kick the door in.

If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, please call 911 immediately and express to the operator it may be a break-in in progress. Get a detailed description of the subjects and the vehicle including tag number if possible. You are the eyes and ears for your communities and we need your partnership!

OFFICER BRENT HELMS
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Independence Division Community Coordinator
9315-G Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28270
(o) 704-841-1477 (f) 704-841-1873
chelms@cmpd.org


Burglary Prevention Checklist

1. Keep the area around your house well lit.

2. Have a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) in your front door so you can see who is at the door.

3. Always acknowledge a caller at your door to determine who they are and what they want. Some burglars ring the door bell, and if there is no answer, they break in.

4. Secure any sliding glass doors. Put a steel rod in the door channel. Install 2 or 3 screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of the door being lifted out of the track.

5. Complete a home inventory list, complete with photos or video. Store this list in a secure location, preferably away from home.

6. Participate in Operation Identification - engrave your driver’s license number on your property. Burglars do not want marked merchandise.

7. Keep bushes and trees well trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides hiding places for burglars.

8. Make sure that the locks on your doors and windows are strong and secure and use them.

9. Consider into installing a burglar alarm system.

10. Display “warning” signs. If you have a dog or alarm system display signs that say you do.

11. Never leave a house key in an obvious place such as a mailbox or under a doormat.

12. Be careful with your keys. Put your house and car keys on separate key rings.

13. Have a security plan for when you are on vacation. Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up the mail, etc.

14. Be wary of wrong numbers and teach children what to say to strangers on the phone.

15. Know the steps to take if your home is burgled.

More information on how to secure your residence can be found a www.cmpd.org or you can contact the community coordinator in your area and they can assist you.

Friday, October 24, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Providence Commons Break-In

Forwarded from Chris to the Keller's Glen email list:

FYI – car break in, providence commons…which is why you’re not supposed to leave ‘things’ in your car.

From: Brent Pitman
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 8:39 AM
To: McDaniel, Monica
Subject: Contents of our SUV robbed last night

Hi Monica,

Our Honda CRV, parked in our driveway, was emptied out by someone last night.

Being a block captain, of course I feel a bit foolish. I did exactly what I’d communicated to folks not to do – leave a vehicle in the driveway packed with stuff. But there ya go, you live and you learn. My son and I had packed for a camping trip this weekend with his Cub scout pack. No items of remarkable value - just a small tent, sleeping bags, awning, etc.

But we’d planned to head out this afternoon and although we could scramble and replace everything, I’ve decided we’ll all stay at home instead. We’ve telegraphed to someone that we’ll be away camping and so I’m not particularly in the mood to leave my wife and daughter at home right now. We’ve placed a report with the police.

Please distribute this through the watch. I will email Kentdale Ct and have a slice of humble pie.


Thanks,

Brent Pitman
Kentdale Ct

Monday, October 20, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Incident In Another Neighborhood

Chris forwarded the following to the Keller's Glen email list:

From: Linda Lee Davis
Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2008 5:23 PM

We had an attempted break-in on Glenridge around 10 am this morning. The police think it was done by professionals and that they attempted to remove a door with tools, though they were unsuccessful. As Halloween approaches remember to use a flashlight and if you are out and about and remember to watch for kids that might be all over the place!

Also you should check out the family watch dog site to see if there are any houses you might not want your children to go to (http://www.familywatchdog.us/). You can also use the CMPD website to check traffic and see what type of crime is happening in the area at http://www.cmpd.com/.


Also, while this did not occur in the neighborhood and I don’t want to alarm you, just be vigilant in looking around you:

Carjacking in SE Charlotte driveway
09:52 AM EDT on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
By Steve Lyttle / The Charlotte Observer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Police are investigating a robbery and carjacking in a part of Charlotte which normally doesn't experience such crimes -- the southeast side. The incident happened about 9:20 p.m. Tuesday in the 2100 block of Sedley Road. That is northwest of Fairview and Providence roads, in what is considered the Foxcroft area.

Police say a man pulled into his driveway and was approached by three men, each of them wearing stockings over their faces. The victim said one of the suspects had a handgun. The three men took the victim's wallet and his car keys, then drove off in his vehicle -- a grey 2002 VW Passat. The stolen car has N.C. license tags XVA-4629. The victim was not injured, police say.

If you have any information in the case or spot the stolen vehicle, call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers, 704-334-1600.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Fall Homeowner's Meeting Scheduled

Jill writes:

Hello!

Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather!

We are planning to hold a fall home owner's meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00pm.

We are looking for a volunteer to host the meeting so if you are willing please let me know. Also, we will be looking for someone to take over Mindy's position as treasurer. If you are interested in taking over this position please cometo the meeting or you can email Mindy at mevans@gulfstreammgmt.com.

Thank you and hope to see you at our meeting!

Jill Tan
jillgtan@gmail.com

Sunday, October 12, 2008

REMINDER: Slow Down!!!

Jill forwarded the following note, from Blair Bryson, to the KG email list:

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder to please think about how fast you are driving when you are in the neighborhood.

Here is an email from a concerned resident:

I was out walking my children with my neighbor and her son this evening and experienced a situation where a driver was going WAY TOO fast on Elfreda Rd. I ran out and tried to get his attention to slow down as my son was riding his tricycle in front of me and I was afraid that he was going to be hit. This is happening entirely too much on the these two streets as we do have small children that walk up and down in the evenings when people are getting off of work and coming home. PLEASE FORWARD THIS NOTICE TO EVERYONE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD… SLOW DOWN, PLEASE.

I am tired of having to worry about this!

Thank you,

Blair Bryson

Friday, August 29, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Break-In Hampton Leas

The following was sent to the KG email list by Chris:

FYI – been very quiet lately on the crime front around our area, but the problem still exists… As always, keep your eyes open for anything suspicious or unusual, and when in doubt dial 911.



From: Leslie Vilh
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:01 PM
Subject: Break In - Hampton Leas

Hi all,

A home was broken into today between 12:00 - 1:30 this afternoon on Hamilton Mill Road. The side door was kicked in. Based upon the type of items taken, police suspect it was a younger criminal. The homeowners were not home at the time.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Events in Plaza Midwood

The following came from another neighborhood, and was forwarded by Chris to the Keller's Glen email list:

Late Sunday 27th or early am the 28th~ A car had its front window smashed in and an Ipod and stereo were stolen on Braeburn Rd.

Please try not to leave valuables out in the open in your car.

This occurred in Plaza Midwood area but thought we should know about it in case.

I was going to inform you of an incident at my house (Thomas Avenue) on Wednesday July 22. I had two white guys in a white Toyota truck with AT&T on the side come to my house and I was not home. My neighbor saw them and called me, I informed her I did not have AT&T. She watched the guys and they rang the doorbell and no one was at home so they then went and opened my fence gate and started in the backyard.

She yelled and questioned the guys and they gave her a story about a work order, etc. They did not have the work order or my name. She called me and I spoke with the gentlemen and nothing was making sense. I called AT&T and their security division called me back and informed me they do not have Toyota trucks nor was anyone scheduled for a service call in the area yesterday at that time. AT&T has alerted their drivers and security division to be on the lookout for this truck. David at AT&T left his number to call in case anyone sees this truck 704-724-6243. David said all AT&T reps wear khaki pants and an AT&T shirt with a ID around their neck which these guys were not wearing. I filed a letter of concern with the police department. Hope this info helps with the neighborhood watch.

A few people have sent me a notice saying to use your car key panic button for a house alarm at night. Put your keys by your bedside and if you hear something ominous you can hit the panic button and hopefully scare away the perpetrators.

Monday, July 7, 2008

CRIME NEWS: Events at Olde Stonehaven

Chris emailed the Keller's Glen email list with the following news about events in the Olde Stonehaven neighborhood:

This occurred in Olde Stonehaven so thought we should also be diligent in keeping our eyes open to this type of occurrence or this person.

On Monday, June 2nd a man parked his car at the end of Larkhall Lane. The car was white, and the man was black, dressed in a suit and tie with a name tag around his neck. The man walked down streets and knocked on doors. We know that, when one neighbor answered the door, the man asked if they wanted a pizza delivered. Another neighbor became suspicious and called 911. By the time the police came the man had left. The neighbor had given the police the license number however and the police stated that the car was registered to a man who had a very long rap sheet and was a convicted felon. The man came back one other time and then left again.

The man was in a white Ford Taurus license plate number was XWD-2573. Please keep an eye out for this vehicle and call police if you see it stopped in the neighborhood.

The police commented that small incidents like this are frequently followed by large incidents.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Keller's Glen: Crime Update

A note from Chris (also emailed to the mailing list):

Nothing really new to report, just didn’t want you thinking I had forgotten the neighborhood. Actually been very quiet on the crime front since late March during the peak of the ‘home break-in season.’ However, I was told this Saturday that Providence Commons and Beverly Crest had several cars broken into over the past week (2-3, something like that), and the thieves were targeting GPS units (both in-dash and portable units). Again, just be careful about what you leave in your cars that are parked in driveways. Other than that, all is well!