Neighborhood Watch Safety Information
Make Sure to lock your vehicles and remove the keys. If they suspect that the keys may be in the car, they will pop the window to get in and steal the vehicle. Especially vehicles with "Keyless Fobs". Some vehicles with folding side view mirrors do not fold the mirrors back if the Fob is in the car. This is a clear invitation saying "Take Me, I'm easy".
Please look at all the information below as provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office November 2023.
1. As most of you are aware we sent out an Alert Martin message on November 6th warning residents of residential burglaries that occurred over a couple days. The message is listed below.
a. Over the past several days, deputies have responded to six calls of residential burglaries. These crimes have occurred in Hobe Sound, Palm City and in the unincorporated parts of Stuart. Forced entry was used in all cases. However, in five of those cases, the burglars walked away with nothing because of crime prevention measures citizens have undertaken such as alarms, cameras and remarkable vigilance. We must continue these efforts. It is likely that the suspects are traveling criminals with no ties to our area, and we can expect to see more burglary attempts in the future. We are urging all residents to remain vigilant, utilize cameras, set alarms, lock valuables and firearms in a secure safe, and call 911 if you see or hear anything suspicious at any time of day or night. We will respond immediately and work to apprehend the burglars.
b. Thankfully we haven’t had a rash of burglaries since we sent out the alert on November 6th.
c. Remember to keep your houses and vehicles locked and set alarms any time you are away from your home. Always report suspicious activity, you can remain anonymous, just get us the information!
d. If you did not receive the message, you can sign up for the alerts at https://www.martin.fl.us/AlertMartin
2. ‘Tis the season and everyone is gearing up for holiday shopping! Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your shopping ventures!
a. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and again, report suspicious activity.
b. DO NOT leave your shopping bags in plain view while you shop at other stores. Be sure to lock your vehicle doors and set the alarm.
c. If you are shopping for expensive items, make it your last or only stop for the day.
d. When you are finished shopping and returning to your vehicle, get in and leave promptly. Do not sit in your vehicle for long periods of time before leaving.
e. Shop during daytime hours. Try to avoid shopping in the evening and nighttime hours. Most parking lots are poorly lit, allowing criminals to move about undetected.
f. When visiting the bank, please do not leave cash envelopes in your vehicles. There are criminal watching you and committing what we call “Bank Jugging.” They will watch you walk out of the bank with your envelope and then follow you to your next location, hoping you will leave the money in your vehicle. If anything, take the money with you or make the bank your last stop before you head home.
g. If mailing any type of gift, take the mail to the post office and drop it off inside the Post Office. DO NOT mail those gifts from home, as we have had mail theft during the holiday season in the past. If you can, try not to mail cash or checks.
3. Online Holiday Shopping, if you are like me, most of your holiday shopping is done online.
a. Use trusted and verified websites. You will know if you are using a secure website if it starts with https: or has a lock in the address bar. Avoid clicking on targeted ads on social media, even if it looks like the cutest gift ever! If you have shopped from them before, great! If not, don’t do it.
b. When making those purchases try to use a credit card or a preloaded Visa gift card. This way if it is a fraud or your information somehow gets hacked, they do not have direct access to your checking account.
c. Know when your packages are coming. If you will not be home to receive your package, have a trusted neighbor get the package for you and secure it until you arrive home. You do not want to leave unattended packages at your door for a long period of time.
4. HOA/Community Meetings
a. Remember, if you would like us to come out and speak to your community, we would love to do so! As many people we can reach and speak to the safer our community is!
