Dear Oakridge Resident:
Oakridge, and the surrounding communities, have experienced an increase in car rummages and even car thefts. Management has been working with the City of Hollywood Police Department. A Hollywood Police Watch Order has been in effect – meaning that the Police Department is providing extra patrols.
However, the Police Department has confirmed that the common denominator for all the incidents is that the cars are left unlocked overnight, and in some cases the keys to the vehicle and the clicker that grants access to the community are left inside the vehicles.
Personal security and safety over your property is your responsibility. Everyone must be vigilant. Here are some basic, yet very effective safety tips, recommended by Police Department:
- Lock the doors to your vehicles
- Secure your homes
- Close your garage doors
- Remove all valuable/luring items (like electronics, cash, prescriptions, passports, wallets, etc.) from plain sight in the vehicles
- Maintaining a well-lit property, motion detection lighting, and security cameras
- Arm your alarm system – even if you will only be away from home for a short period of time
We need your help to keep our community safe. If you see any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please call 911 immediately.
Police Lieutenant Luis Ortiz of the City of Hollywood Police Department has provide this memo for distribution to the residents of Oakridge POA.
LIKE IT – LOCK IT – KEEP IT
During the past week, we have had an increase in vehicle break-ins due to unlocked vehicles. Vehicle Burglaries affect all of us. This is a crime of opportunity made easy by leaving valuables in plain sight. The Hollywood Police Department encourages everyone to hide and secure their valuables. It’s easy to prevent being a victim of car related thefts: Most burglars will not break into a car if they can’t see what they’re getting or if the vehicle is locked – Don’t leave valuables in plain sight!
Lock It: Lock your vehicle every time you leave it unattended and take your valuables with you. (Most important)
Hide It: Hide your valuables in your trunk, under the seats, in the glove box, or other compartments within the vehicle. Ideally, take your property with you.
Keep it: Personal responsibility is the best prevention to safeguard personal property and to prevent becoming a victim.
Do not leave valuables inside your vehicle. When you park your car, remove cell phones, cameras, laptop computers, briefcases, backpacks, wallets and purses. Do not leave gift wrapped packages or other valuable items lying on the seat. Lock all your valuables in the trunk or glove compartment before you reach your destination or take them inside with you.
Lock your vehicle. Always close your windows and lock your vehicle. Always assume a thief is watching you and outsmart them.