The most apparent manifestation of this evil is burglaries and thefts that are committed to support the “Habit.”
It is the direct or indirect cause of over 90 percent of property crimes committed in our county. This evil crosses all socioeconomic lines and fundamentally changes the “user” forever.
Even if rehabilitated, the addiction remains, and so do the scars of the wrongs they have committed — be advised, the criminal who burglarizes your home, car or steals your property may well be a childhood friend, a close relative, or a person in the pew next to you in church. Bottom line, super-addictive substances like methamphetamine or cocaine can change a person as well as their thought processes and morals.
Once hooked on meth, a loved one no longer is that sweet little boy or girl you once knew and loved.
They morph into a person without morals or ethics, and are driven to do whatever they have to do to obtain their next high.
This includes breaking into your home, car, or even stealing from you when they are in your home with permission.
Many of the criminals know when you are at work, church, or on a trip or vacation.
While not all burglaries or thefts are perpetrated by known people, many are.
The bottom line is that very few people should be trusted to know your business, and your comings and goings.
Common sense should dictate the use of caution when revealing to others that you possess items such as artwork, firearms, precious metals or coins, jewelry, electronics or other highly desirable and easily disposed of items.
What can be done to provide some measure of security for one’s home and possessions?
There are several things that the individual homeowner can do unilaterally to improve his or her security.
A home security system is ideal not only as a deterrent, but as a method to notify law enforcement of a break-in.
Exterior motion lighting, deadbolt locks, decorative foliage height management, and lockable windows in good repair are a start.
Video surveillance systems are also highly effective in deterring crime and identifying subjects if a break-in occurs.
The best method to deter crime is to be a part of an active Neighborhood Watch program.
A Neighborhood Watch provides many eyes that can observe and report crime. It is the most cost-effective way to significantly improve your security.
Trusted neighbors that have your best interest at heart, can, and do, make a difference. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has active patrols in operation, city and countywide, 24/7. We can react quickly if notified of a suspicious vehicle, person, or a suspicious activity in progress. Our Deputies love to catch criminals in the act, and prevent property from being taken. A good Neighborhood Watch provides the early warning we need to do our job.
Violated!
Violated is how residents feel who have been a victim of a burglary.
They lose their sense of security in their own home.
Anxiety and worry invade their mind and they never quite feel safe again. This is the reason why it is so important to organize and start a Neighborhood Watch program.
Not only does it provide security for you, but it increases neighborhood cohesion, and results in a civic pride that you are doing the right thing and making a difference in your community.
Anyone interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program, contact me, Lt. Bob Hancock, by office phone, 728-7321, or e-mail bhancock@bradleyco.net.
Please feel free to contact me for information on installing a watch in your neighborhood.
Our goal is to drive down crime by installing as many Neighborhood Watches as possible. The more citizens participate in their own security, the safer their neighborhood, and the county will be as a whole.
The BCSO Neighborhood Watch program is available to the entire county. It doesn’t matter if your neighborhood is in the city, or the county, our program is open to everyone.
We are all in this together!
