IT IS TIME TO ''FISH OR CUT BAIT''

   

The title of this post is an old saying, which simply means,---''DO SOMETHING OR GET OUT OF THE WAY !''

We are all aware of the TV news story that came out over the weekend.There may be some that do not agree, as to all of the subject matter in the news story.----BUT--- The story pinpointed the main weakness in the Fairways security system, and it is the FRONT GATE ! 

There has been a lot of conversation lately as to how to catch the perpetrators of the crimes, after they enter our community. A much better solution to our problems is to keep them from entering our neighbor hood. We hear things like---''they are coming out of the woods''---maybe in isolated instances that is true,--BUT-- THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR PROBLEMS, COME RIGHT THROUGH THE FRONT MAIN GATE --AND--THE NON LOCKING,PEDESTRIAN GATE ! 

There is indisputable proof that non residents have been entering our park, on bicycles between 1am and 2am ---through the unsecured pedestrian gate !----who are they, where do they go ?

It seems logical to assume that the last two burglaries, were NOT committed by people on bicycles or  ''walking, woods people''  I can not imagine, someone ,on a bicycle or a person walking, going down the street, carrying a big flat screen  TV.!----NO--they came in to our park, through the ''easy to penetrate''  front gate system, in cars or trucks!
  I would ask readers to scroll back through my posts, to one titled--''time for a new beginning''. Please read the details of the proposed options.--- NO --The options would not guarantee total success, in keeping the bad guys out, but it sure would improve our overall security.
  The proper approach to improving our security, should be themed,---TOGETHER WE CAN!.---the residents, and the board need to reach out to Hometown America and attempt to get the gate security that is urgently needed. ----TOGETHER--- not only means the residents ,side of the coin, but HTA as well!
  Lets start with a clean slate, and forget what may have been voted on 20 years ago.-----2014 ---is right around the corner.
  In recent days, I have communicated several times with Captain Meade, the commander of sector 2. We can ask for no more than what this officer, is doing for us, and has done for our community. The captain has assigned extra uniformed patrols to the Fairways, and other forms of  surveillance.. Yesterday in a phone conversation the Captain said, and I quote--''I will do everything I can, but I can not put a deputy at the Fairways gate 24 hours a day.'' ---It is the responsibility of all of us to put a guard system at the gate---not the Captains.
  When Fairways Watch sent the 13 page packet of gate security options to Chicago, we sent a cover letter with the information. We closed the letter on a positive note, saying ''TOGETHER WE CAN''---We still firmly believe in that statement !

UPDATED CRIME REPORT FOR ZONE 22A

THE REPORT COPY,SHOWN BELOW IS A REPRINT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFFS CRIME REPORT FOR OUR AREA, KNOWN BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AS ZONE 22A. THE FAIRWAYS STREETS AND COURTS ARE MARKED BY RED XX.
  WE BELIEVE THAT THESE REPORTS, ONLY REPRESENT ABOUT 30-40 % OF CRIMES COMMITTED IN OUR COMMUNITY. IT SEEMS OUR RESIDENTS ARE RELUCTANT TO FILE REPORTS, AS THEY SHOULD.
  A SPECIAL NOTE---THE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY, SHOWN ON ''FIDDLESTICKS'' WAS THE THEFT OF A MOTOR CYCLE.

Case Number	Crime	Location	Date
130101851	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] FOREST OAKS DR       XX	11/20/2013
130101297	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[3600 - 3898] CHULUOTA RD	11/19/2013
130100941	AUTO BURGLARY	[12201 - 12399] E COLONIAL DR	11/18/2013
130100784	COMMERCIAL BURGLARY	[15050 - 15098] OLD CHENEY HY	11/17/2013
130100866	AUTO BURGLARY	[14100 - 14198] BENT TREE CT         XX	11/17/2013
130100872	AUTO BURGLARY	[14400 - 14498] PINE VALLEY RD      XX	11/17/2013
130100688	AUTO BURGLARY	[14601 - 14773] E COLONIAL DR	11/16/2013
130100354	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] FIDDLESTICKS CT     XX	11/15/2013
130099749	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2200 - 2698] BONNEVILLE DR	11/14/2013
130099960	AUTO BURGLARY	[1951 - 2099] WARWICK HILLS DR      XX	11/14/2013
130099338	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14901 - 14999] SUSSEX DR	11/13/2013
130099345	STRONG ARM TO PERSON	[2101 - 2199] SORORITY CT	11/13/2013
130099350	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2200 - 2698] BONNEVILLE DR	11/13/2013
130098617	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[12500 - 12636] PARKBURY DR	11/11/2013
130099320	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] ALLISON DR	11/11/2013
130098368	AUTO BURGLARY	[16701 - 16909] E COLONIAL DR	11/10/2013
130098095	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2800 - 2898] BONNEVILLE DR	11/09/2013
130098142	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14900 - 14998] LYMINGTON CI	11/09/2013
130097316	COMMERCIAL BURGLARY	[13701 - 13783] E COLONIAL DR	11/07/2013
130097125	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[1500 - 1698] RIVER REACH DR	11/06/2013
130096830	STRONG ARM TO PERSON	[UNKNOWN] WARWICK HILLS DR       XX	11/05/2013
130099318	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] ALLISON DR	11/05/2013
130096202	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[1451 - 1699] CRICKET CLUB CI	11/02/2013
130095834	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[11001 - 13099] LAKE CYPRESS CI	11/01/2013
130095318	COMMERCIAL ROBBERY	[11801 - 11999] E COLONIAL DR	10/31/2013
130095572	AUTO BURGLARY	[2300 - 2322] JUSTIN AV	10/31/2013
130097031	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[11001 - 13099] LAKE CYPRESS CI	10/31/2013
130095055	HOME INVASION	[12603 - 12619] VICTORIA PLACE CI	10/30/2013
130095434	AUTO BURGLARY	[1952 - 2098] WARWICK HILLS DR      XX	10/30/2013
130096209	AUTO BURGLARY	[1952 - 2098] WARWICK HILLS DR     XX	10/30/2013
130095092	AUTO BURGLARY	[12200 - 12398] E COLONIAL DR	10/29/2013
130095170	STOLEN VEHICLE	[12641 - 12899] PARKBURY DR	10/29/2013
130095632	AUTO BURGLARY	[1451 - 1699] CRICKET CLUB CI	10/29/2013
130094397	AUTO BURGLARY	[1200 - 1498] SHERMAN ST	10/28/2013
130094304	AUTO BURGLARY	[14401 - 14959] FIRESTONE ST          XX	10/27/2013
130094335	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2061 - 2099] PEBBLE BEACH            XX

IT IS ESCALATING !

The criminal elements are steadily at work in the Fairways! Last night , November 20, two residences were burglarized on Forrest Oak Dr. This time, the targets were not some petty change, in an unlocked car, but it was cutting screens and stealing a flat screen TV.
 As most folks know, Forrest Oak is over a mile from the front gate. It would seem that the thieves had transportation, and entered through the front gate. 
  Both victims reported the crimes to the sheriffs office. The method of entry was similar to some thefts, several years ago. The perpetrators, cut a screen,near the door latch and gain entry by simply unlatching the door.
 Everyone asks---HOW CAN WE STOP THEM?---WHAT CAN WE DO?----The answer is ---STOP THEM AT THE GATE!
  As this post is being written, there is a 13 page,  gate security option list, laying on the HTA presidents desk . Would this option list make the FAIRWAYS as safe as FORT KNOX ?---Absolutely not.----- BUT  the options listed, would stop, identify and record, those coming in our community.
  WE NEED THE SUPPORT AND THE VOICES OF RESIDENTS TO IMPLEMENT A BETTER FORM OF SECURITY AT THE GATE.
  WE DO NOT WANT THE FAIRWAYS TO END UP LIKE OTHER 55+ MOBILE PARKS IN ORANGE COUNTY [Gulfstream and Star Light Ranch]
   THINK ABOUT IT---WOULD A FELON, PULL UP TO A KIOSK,-- THEN BE QUESTIONED BY SOMEONE,THAT HE CAN NOT SEE AND THEN BE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY HIS DRIVERS LICENSE ?----THAT IS THE WAY ONE OF THE OPTIONS WOULD WORK.---MAKE YOUR THOUGHTS HEARD!

THIS IS NOT AN HONOR ROLL!

The information below is a reprint of a portion of the Orange County Sheriff;s office, lost property crime report. This report only pertains to zone 22A of sector 2.
  The intent of this reprint is to inform residents of happenings in and around our community. This report does not reveal all of the activity, in our park, due to some residents choosing, not to file a report with the sheriff.
      PLEASE, FOLKS--LOCK YOUR CARS !
      + = FAIRWAYS LOCATION

Case Number	Crime	Location	Date
130100941	AUTO BURGLARY	[12201 - 12399] E COLONIAL DR	11/18/2013
130100784	COMMERCIAL BURGLARY	[15050 - 15098] OLD CHENEY HY	11/17/2013
130100866	AUTO BURGLARY	[14100 - 14198] BENT TREE CT      +	11/17/2013
130100872	AUTO BURGLARY	[14400 - 14498] PINE VALLEY RD       +	11/17/2013
130100688	AUTO BURGLARY	[14601 - 14773] E COLONIAL DR	11/16/2013
130100354	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] FIDDLESTICKS CT     +	11/15/2013
130099749	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2200 - 2698] BONNEVILLE DR	11/14/2013
130099960	AUTO BURGLARY	[1951 - 2099] WARWICK HILLS DR      +	11/14/2013
130099338	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14901 - 14999] SUSSEX DR	11/13/2013
130099345	STRONG ARM TO PERSON	[2101 - 2199] SORORITY CT	11/13/2013
130099350	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2200 - 2698] BONNEVILLE DR	11/13/2013
130098617	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[12500 - 12636] PARKBURY DR	11/11/2013
130099320	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14301 - 14399] ALLISON DR	11/11/2013
130098368	AUTO BURGLARY	[16701 - 16909] E COLONIAL DR	11/10/2013
130098095	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2800 - 2898] BONNEVILLE DR	11/09/2013
130098142	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[14900 - 14998] LYMINGTON CI	11/09/2013
130097316	COMMERCIAL BURGLARY	[13701 - 13783] E COLONIAL DR	11/07/2013
130097125	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[1500 - 1698] RIVER REACH DR	11/06/2013
130096830	STRONG ARM TO PERSON	[UNKNOWN] WARWICK HILLS DR    +++	11/05/2013

THE SYSTEM CAN AND WILL WORK !

    Most residents are aware of the past weekend surge in criminal activity in the park .Saturday night, it was reported that a motorcycle was stolen on Fiddlesticks. The theft was reported as a residential burglary. The largest number of criminal acts occurred on Sunday night. Reports came from all over our community of auto burglaries. Most resident victims admitted to leaving their vehicles, unlocked. The exact number of auto burglaries is unknown, due to the reluctance of owners to file reports. The number of crimes is estimated at between 8 and 12. The areas of violation include,--KINGS MILL, WARWICK HILLS, WINGFOOT, BENT TREE, PINE VALLEY, PEBBLE BEACH, and INVERARY.
  There were two bicycles, reported stolen on Bent Tree. Thanks to an alert neighbor, Fairways Watch, was able to have them returned to the owners.The bicycles were found and recovered near the front area of the park, across from the Geenbrier.
                                                 
                                                                          

   Another good example of the system, working is as follows. On early Monday morning an observant resident saw a black SUV, going up and down Warwick Hills. The vehicle was very suspicious, turning the headlights on and off, pulling in and out of driveways. The good resident rightfully called 911. Shortly the ''good guys '' arrived. The suspicious vehicle had disappeared from view. This thoughtful resident left a 3;15 am detailed voice mail for Fairways Watch. Due to a good description, we found the SUV at 7AM on Inverary. It was parked, empty with keys in the ignition. OCSO WAS CALLED AND THEIR INVESTIGATION ANSWERED MANY QUESTIONS. The SUV was registered down on Orange Blossom., however,they found that the owner was a ''guest, visitor'' in the park. When the deputies arrived at 3;15, they found the suspicious vehicle and its impaired owner. The driver apparently had became confused and lost his way. The deputy directed the driver to leave the vehicle and continue walking to his destination. The deputy at 7;30AM found that there was no connection to the auto burglaries. Fairways Watch, with the permission of the deputy,removed the keys and gate clicker, and took them to the office. Our gated community and private streets, dictate unusual DUI rules.

                                            

 FOLKS--FOR THE SYSTEM TO WORK, IT TAKES YOU!
WE HAVE TO START CALLING 911 AND FILING REPORTS

AN EXAMPLE OF SEVERAL THINGS !

The photo below was taken on Sunday morning November 10, by a concerned resident observer. The subject in the photo ,had several plastic bags of unknown contents.The subject did not appear to be a resident. When asked ,her intentions, she replied that she had been in here for the ''garage sales'' The good residents escorted her to where she came in --our wide open ''gated entrance''
                                            

This photo is a good example of several things, in our community. First it shows the type of people ,entering our park, unchecked. Secondly it is a great example of what an observant, caring resident can do to help improve security for us all,---thank you very much!

Thirdly, it once again illustrates, how much we need a form of security monitoring at our entrance

At the last residents home owners meeting, the director of the homeowners committee said that she told HTA, ''there was no way that the residents would support any funding for gate security'' The directer ,went on to say that there had already been two ballot elections, and both times the residents voted it down . What the director , did not say was that THE ELECTIONS WERE HELD AROUND TWENTY YEARS AGO !

Folks---it is a reasonable statement to say that a great number of those voters from twenty years ago are no longer with us, voting on anything.The population of our community has naturally changed and also possibly the opinion on the security issue,REST ASSURED THAT AT SOME POINT ALL OF THE RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE AGAIN !

AFFORDABLE PROTECTION FOR EVERYONE?

Recently, there has been several comments about self defense in our community. This all seems to stem from the recent mugging incident at the Warwick Hills dog walk. We have heard claims of people walking their dogs while carrying a ball bat, and others being legally armed with a gun.The reprint from SNOPES below offers a less violent form of protection.We do not recommend or endorse this non lethal method. This reprint is placed here for informative purposes only.The average price of this product is around $3.00 at Publix or Walmart.

Wasp Spray

Claim:   A can of wasp spray is a preferable alternative to pepper spray for protection against assailants.

MIXTURE

Example:   [Collected via e-mail, May 2009]

Wasp Spray

I have a friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area who was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead. The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use... 

Read more at http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp#8oW6EHIfTuWmdvg7.99

LATEST CRIME STATISTICS FROM SECTOR 2

Orange County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit

Good Morning:

Please see the below stats for October 2013.

SECTOR 2
Zone	Auto Burglary	Residential Burglary	Commercial Burglary	Auto Theft
20	17	44	9	1
21	7	9	2	2
22	62	53	21	21
23	6	17	7	4
24	8	19	9	9
25	13	18	25	8
TOTAL	113	160	73	45

THE FAIRWAYS IS IN ZONE 22
Let's reduce our numbers! Take that extra moment to ensure your vehicle is secured and your valuables are removed from sight. If you are leaving your home for the day, close and secure your doors and windows. If you use a garage door opener to close your door, wait for it to close all the way before driving off. 

Thanks,

DFC Melissa Belmont 

Orange County Sheriff's Office
Crime Prevention Unit
Sector Two
Office:  407-254-4838

THE CAPTAINS MEETING

                                                                     

                                                           

On the evening of November 6,  your Fairways Watch coordinator, along with 2 residents, attended Captain Meade,s annual pre- holiday security briefing.The invited group included other neighbor hood watch organizations and security officers from the private retail sector.We would like to give a brief summary of the meeting,along with some of the safety pointers that were offered.

In addition to the captain,in attendance was Detective Christine Shaw, and special projects officer Deputy Jason Murrill. The captain led off the program with a summary of how they are planning increased security for the Waterford Lakes shopping area and all of East Orange County..The sector 2 commander will bring in all available resources for the holiday season. Along with uniformed officers and marked vehicles, will be plain clothes and unmarked units The captain cautioned all shoppers ,that thieves will actually follow people home ,who buy big ticket items, such as,flat screens.One very clear concern is people leaving their purchased gifts in their cars.----Remember, the thieves are doing their Christmas shopping too!

Next to speak was Detective Shaw. Christine had a special message for the ladies, Right now the hottest theft item going is--- SMART PHONES. Most purses have a handy pocket on the side of the purse.----BULLS EYE---they will be gone. When out shopping, put the phone inside the purse and close it tight.

The final speaker introduced by the captain was Deputy Murrill The captain explained that Jason is his special projects officer. Jason Murrill ,only answers to Captain Meade and no one else. I have had the pleasure to work with Jason several times. Believe me he has done a lot of good things for the Fairways.Jason will be one of the officers ,watching ,from the background in the big ticket shopping areas. Jason says, he always sees people doing ,stupid things---like putting  purses and gifts in the trunk and leaving the car. He says if he can see stupid behavior, so can the bad guys!

Fairways residents can personally meet all of the above officers, on Thursday January 30, 2014, at our annual security seminar. PLEASE PLAN TO BE THERE----You will be glad you did !

O

MUGGING IN THE FAIRWAYS !

Criminal Investigation Unit

SPECIAL ALERT

The following event was reported by a resident and confirmed by the sheriff;s office. On Tuesday. evening about 8;45 pm, a resident was on a golf cart,traveling south on Warwick Hills Dr,between the 2 ponds. He was stopped by a ''scruffy'' appearing white male, est age of 20 yrs. the resident was pulled from the cart and threatened to force him to empty his pockets.Almost immediately 2 more young ''scruffey'' white males appeared out of the darkness and joined in the assault.
  The resident was carrying no valuables. The assailants were upset that they could get nothing of value, so in frustration, one of the attackers, struck the resident in the chest with a fist !
  Fortunately a cars lights appeared and the assailants disappeared in the darkness, speaking threats as they left.
  The victim, continued to his residence and called 911. A complete police report was filed  with O.C.S.O..


Last evening I attended a special annual holiday meeting at sector 2 headquarters with Captain Meade. I was greeted at the door by the captain. He was well aware of this incident ,and had all the details of the crime. The captain has already set in place extra patrols for the Fairways. In addition to that he had me meet with his ''special project'' officer, Jason Murrill. And Detective Christine Shaw. I had a detailed discussion with the officers. 
  There is some thinking that this attack came from homeless people. Jason has been here once, looking for signs of the homeless and is coming back today [ Thur ]
  THIS CRIME IS CALLED ''STRONG ARM TO PERSON

UPDATES ON PREVIOUS POSTS AND SUBJECTS

UPDATES

AUTO BURGLARIES IN PARK---It is estimated that we have had 15 to 20 attempts or burglaries in the last 10 days. Most victims have been reluctant to file police reports due to their perceived negligence in not locking their cars. Fairways watch has been in direct contact with Detective Christine Shaw, on these crimes. At this time, there have been no arrests. Fairways Watch has reason to believe that there are 2 thieves, working together, they may be young ,with one possibly being a female.
  Their method of operation is always the same--they quickly go into a carport, try to open the passenger door,rummage through the glove box, console, and grab any loose objects of value.Objects found of no value are strewn over the parking area. 
  These thieves have had some success. Their ''loot'' consists of an   I pad, prescription pain medications, GPS s, cash, and a valuable designer purse.
  PLEASE, PLEASE folks,lock your cars --THEY WILL BE BACK!
  We have extra patrols in the community--but its like looking for a ''needle in a haystack''
  BELOW IS REPORT FROM O.C.S.O.-- 22A--FOR PAST WEEK
          

2/2013
130095834	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[11001 - 13099] LAKE CYPRESS CI	11/01/2013
130095318	COMMERCIAL ROBBERY	[11801 - 11999] E COLONIAL DR	10/31/2013
130095572	AUTO BURGLARY	[2300 - 2322] JUSTIN AV	10/31/2013
130095055	HOME INVASION	[12603 - 12619] VICTORIA PLACE CI	10/30/2013
130095434	AUTO BURGLARY	[1952 - 2098] WARWICK HILLS DR     X	10/30/2013
130096209	AUTO BURGLARY	[1952 - 2098] WARWICK HILLS DR      X	10/30/2013
130095092	AUTO BURGLARY	[12200 - 12398] E COLONIAL DR	10/29/2013
130095170	STOLEN VEHICLE	[12641 - 12899] PARKBURY DR	10/29/2013
130095632	AUTO BURGLARY	[1451 - 1699] CRICKET CLUB CI	10/29/2013
130094397	AUTO BURGLARY	[1200 - 1498] SHERMAN ST	10/28/2013
130094304	AUTO BURGLARY	[14401 - 14959] FIRESTONE ST       X	10/27/2013
130094335	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY	[2061 - 2099] PEBBLE BEACH BV       X	10/27

  GATE STUDY----The gate study was completed and 13 pages of information, prices and graphics were sent to HOMETOWN AMERICA in Chicago. Any and all response will be reported to ALL residents as soon as received.

  HOA LAWSUIT--The lawsuit is slowly starting to wind its way through the court system. Both attorneys [HOA and HTA ]  have filed motions to dismiss the pending actions, filed by a resident against them.
 Every piece of legal paper,--every minute of the attorneys time used--is being charged against US--THE HOME OWNERS
 We as home owners stand unjustly accused of being liable for this ''HOME MADE FIASCO''
 Our small legal defense fund will soon be gone---THEN WHAT?

FAIRWAYS WATCH WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE RESIDENTS ON ALL MATTERS FROM PREVIOUS POSTS!