CRIME WATCH ALERT
In the AIKEN area today (March 28, 2007), a burglary occurred which matches the method of operation of Travelers (sometimes referred to as “gypsies”). This is relevant to us here in Charleston because often these criminals go from town to town rapidly and they have a history of coming here. It has been more than a year since we had one of these incidents.
In previous years they have struck here in the following areas: The
Crescent, South Windermere, Wappoo Heights, Charlestowne (South of
Broad), Country Club, Riverland Terrace, Wespannee, Sandhurst and
elsewhere (I may have left one or two out, but you see the trend). They
target houses in the 9am-4pm range, usually affluent, older,
established neighborhoods. They target homes where they either guess or
determine they will find “good silver” and “good jewelry”. In years
past they have waited a few weeks between burglaries, and jumped
neighborhood to neighborhood making it very hard to prepare for.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
Probably females, often what one might describe as an “olive
complexion” with dark hair., BUT They can look like anyone, drive
anything. Be particularly wary of people knocking on your door or
walking the neighborhood, especially side and back-yards. When
confronted they respond with stories like “doing a survey…”, “selling
magazines”, “looking for a lost dog or puppy”, “thought this house was
for sale”. They are very smooth talkers, in spite of a usually very
thick accent. Look for cars parked for no reason, occupied or not; cars
riding slowly through or taking pictures, people knocking on neighbor’s
doors, walking to or from the side or rear of someone’s house.
WHAT TO DO:
If you see any of these things or something else that you think is odd,
CALL the POLICE at 577-7434 or Dial 911. Give as complete information
as possible regarding vehicle descriptions and tags, people’s
descriptions, and direction of travel.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME:
- The best things you can do revolve around awareness and good security habits:
- Know your neighbors – become active in area Crime Watch
- Use your alarms! Call if you hear a neighbor’s alarm.
- Lock windows and doors, every time you leave.
- Use Deadbolts.
- Trim bushes to limit hiding areas.
- Secure Valuables - Keep them away from view of windows and the front door – safes are good.
- Don’t open the door to strangers. An innocuous sounding visitor can “case” your home’s potential from the front door.
- Consider alternate storage of valuables – victims’ silver has
been stored predictably in dining room drawers and china cabinets;
jewelry stored predictably in master bedroom jewelry boxes.
- VARY YOUR SCHEDULE – victims have usually been at routine, weekly appointments or on trips.
For more information you may contact Sgt. Shelor in the Crime Prevention office (720-2438).
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