BY JENN SAMSEL
Special to the Monitor
On Tuesday, January 28, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office hosted a crime prevention class at the Mission of the Dirt Road.
Sergeant Diana Coxen from the Office of Community Affairs began the presentation by stating that her agency considers Clay County one of the safest in the state.
The sergeant then explained to attendees the difference between property crimes, violent crimes, and fraud.
“Scams are the largest growing crime that you’ll see in the United States and the world actually,” she said, “but in Clay County itself, fraud has up ticked because it’s so easy to commit fraud these days, and with social media and all the electronics and technology, frauds have become rampant.”
Community Affairs Deputy Dimitri Santiago gave the crowd tips for safeguarding their property.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings. Monitor your neighbors and the neighborhood and report any suspicious activity.
- Secure Your Home: Always keep your garage door closed, and do not leave doors or windows unlocked. Use curtains to prevent outsiders from looking in.
- Avoid Hiding Keys Outside: Do not use mats, flowerpots, or fake rocks to hide your house key, as these are easily discovered.
- Install Security Systems: Consider placing an alarm system in your home and vehicle.
- Use Cameras and Signage: Install security cameras and display signs, such as “Beware of Dog” or “This property is protected by [Security System].”
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard tidy and trim hedges low. As law enforcement has noted, high hedges can create ambush points.
- Utilize Defensive Plants: Consider planting thorny or prickly plants near windows for protection.
- Install Motion Sensor Lights: These can deter intruders by illuminating your property when movement is detected.
- Use Timers for Appliances: Set timers throughout your home to turn on lights, TVs, etc., giving the impression that someone is home.
- Parking Precautions: If you don’t have a vehicle, ask a neighbor to park theirs at your property to create the appearance of occupancy.
- Keep Your Vehicle Secure: Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables or keys inside, especially weapons. Do not make your vehicle an easy target for theft or break-ins.
“If you plan on leaving on vacation,” Santiago advised, “notify the Sheriff’s Department to add you to the step-up program. A step-up is when deputies visit your house every shift to check your property. If your house is on a step-up date, it’s mandatory that day.”
The deputy also offered advice to break-in victims.
“If you return home and find that your house has been burglarized,” he added, “don’t go in. Don’t go back out, don’t touch anything, and call the sheriff’s office immediately.”
The officers also informed residents of a new trend involving SunPass-related emails and text messages. They said it’s important to avoid opening these communications, as scammers are skilled at stealing your identity. Remember, SunPass will not send you a text message.
If you are a victim of fraud or spam, here are some tips to follow: • File a police report.
- Contact the credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Block scammers on your phone.
- Do not open emails from unknown senders.
Deputy Santiago concluded by saying, “Regardless of who they are, everyone’s afforded safety. If you’re displaced and have important property, find a secure place to keep it.”
Some residents of High Ridge expressed concerns to the Sheriff’s Department on multiple topics.
The Sheriff’s Department reassured everyone at the meeting about these concerns.
“High Ridge has come a long way towards improving its community,” Santiago said.
