Neighborhood Meeting a Success

Twelve LaFayette Ridge families were represented during a Neighborhood Watch Meeting held at the blogger’s home on Sunday. The meeting was held to discuss the recent vandalism in the neighborhood and to come up with ideas and solutions to combat the problem.

It appears that the kids vandalizing the neighborhood are entering via the Cobblestone subdivision (off McCuller's Road). Of course these are unsubstantiated claims, but a clear path is visible between the Camp's home and the Beverly's home. The vandals recently hit the Beverly's swimming pool, which is not clearly noticeable from the street. Also, the items destroyed, missing or moved seem to shift from the Chandler's home down to the front entrance. Perhaps they are entering from Cobblestone and hitting houses on their way out of the subdivision.

Here's some of what we came up with:

• Leave outside lights and front porch lights on (if only temporarily to deter the vandals)


• Move tempting items inside (like yard decorations and greenery)


• Set up motion-detected lights and cameras.


• Purchase a sign for the front entrance reading, "You are under video surveillance."


• Tell more than one neighbor if you are going to be out of town. Neighbors can look out for each other's homes.


• Call the police any time something suspcious is observed.


• Create a telephone chain when something happens or is noticed. Contact neighbors immediately when something happens and perhaps we can catch the vandals in the act or leaving the neighborhood.


• Get familiar with neighbor's vehicles and investigate or report suspcious or unrecognized vehicles.


• Bring in your garage door openers nightly from cars parked outside (after 22+ car break-ins in the Walton County area).

Helpful Web links:
Online store for purchasing home video surveillance systems: http://www.x10.com/

Walton County Sheriff's Department Crime Tube: http://www.waltonsheriff.com/crimetube.htm

In Other News Discussed at the Meeting:

• Paul gave the treasury report and indicated that there is currently $952 in the coffers.


• The annual power bill for entrance lights runs $116.


• LED lights will be purchased for the Christmas decorations for the front entrance.


• The neighborhood cookout will be held in late September/early October at Ms. Emma’s house.


• Get well wishes are being sent out to Autumn Myers.


• We have new neighbors (in the Parrish's old house). Tom and Shanda have 3 children, ages 10, 14 and 16.