Crime is soaring in Airports

With last minute vacations before school starts and business trips, there’s been crime soaring at airports. The New York Post states: “Larcenies are up nearly 30 percent from the first half of 2010 and the arrest rate is a pathetic 9 percent.” Included in the figures are thefts from baggage carousels, swiped property left unattended, and thefts by baggage handlers and other employees. The most frequently stolen items are laptops and iPads.

In order to prevent this from happening to your personal belongings there are some crime prevention tips to follow:

• Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Consider wearing a money pouch under your clothes.
• Never leave your bags unattended or behind your back where you cannot see them.
• Avoid displaying expensive items such as laptops, cameras, jewelry, and luggage that might draw attention. Your aim should be to blend in with the crowd, Not Stand Out.
• Stay especially alert and watch your bags carefully at all times. Don’t let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch your bags.

Turn off spriklers during freeze

Don't Forget to turn off any water that can cause ice in near or around road ways.
City Ordenence:



Sec. 9-4.5. - Use of water causingice to form on public ways.
(a)
No person, firm, or corporation shall usewater or allow the use of water under one's control in a manner that causeswater to collect on any public roadway, street, thoroughfare, sidewalk, oralley and form ice.
(b)
Any person who violates or fails to complywith any provision of this section shall:
(1)
Be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, uponconviction thereof in the municipal court of the city, shall be subject to afine of not more than $500.00 for each offense. Each day such offense iscontinued shall constitute a new and separate offense.
(2)
Be civilly liable to the city for all costsincurred by the city in removing or covering the ice on any public roadway,street, thoroughfare, sidewalk or alley, including, but not limited to, thecosts of labor, equipment, and ashes, sand, sawdust, or other material used tocover the ice.

What You Burglar Won't Tell You

THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake.. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.  If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in
--
Shelly Szenasy
Coordinator
Timberbrook Area 3 Crime Watch
Member Lewisville Crime Watch Board
http://timberbrookcrimewatch.blogspot.com

LET’S TALK ABOUT CRIME PREVENTION 

 Do you know what prevention means? It means making it harder for something harmful to happen.

Crime prevention means reducing the chances for criminals to victimize you, your family, and neighbors. It means protecting property and teaching kids and adults to be alert and aware. It means doing things that build communities up, and stopping things that tear communities down.

You need to go beyond watching out. You need to help out, too. When all is said and done, your safety, health, and satisfaction depend on the well-being of others. That’s why partnerships are such a key part of successful crime prevention. It takes everyone working together. Whether you’re 8 or 80, the best weapons against street crime are alertness and common sense.  October is Crime Prevention Month. Let’s actively practice crime prevention and helping out to make ourselves, our children, and our communities safer, healthier places to live.

THE BIG THREE

   1. Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings, wherever you are.

   2. Stand tall and walk confidently.

   3. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave quickly.

·        Remember that safety is the key to a safe Halloween…..

Safety Tips

Heat Wave Safety Tips

Summer heat waves can be dangerous. Older people are at the highest risk. People normally cool their bodies by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating isn't enough. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Some conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol use. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be done in a way to aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness.

Protecting Against Heat Injuries

To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high:

Drink Plenty of Fluid - Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in hot weather, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Consult with your doctor if you have been prescribed a fluid-restricted diet or diuretics. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. This is especially true for those over 65 years of age. Avoid very cold beverages to prevent stomach cramps or drinks containing alcohol, which will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

Replace Salt and Minerals - Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, which are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The best way to replace salt and minerals is to drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat. Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. If you are on a lowsalt diet, ask your doctor before changing what you eat or drink.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen - Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. A variety of sunscreens are available to reduce the risk of sunburn. Check the sun protection factor (SPF) number on the label of the sunscreen container. Select SPF 15 or higher and follow package directions.

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Pace Yourself - If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity, get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or feel faint.

Stay Cool Indoors - The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner or evaporative cooling unit, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Do not rely on electric fans as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the high 90s or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully - If you must be out in the heat, plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.

Use a Buddy System - When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative

call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know anyone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

Monitor Those at High Risk - Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:

• infants and children up to four years of age;
• people who overexert during work or exercise;
• people 65 years of age or older;
• people who are ill or on certain medications; and
• people who are overweight.

If you or someone you know is at higher risk, it is important to drink plenty of fluids; avoid overexertion; and get your doctor or pharmacist's advice about medications taken for high blood pressure, depression, nervousness, mental illness, insomnia, or poor circulation.

Adjust to the Environment - Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for the heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat. If traveling to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually.

Use Common Sense - Avoid hot foods and heavy meals; they add heat to your body. Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. Bring your pets indoors with you to protect them. Dress infants and young children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Limit sun exposure during the midday hours and in places of potential severe exposure, such as beaches. Ensure that infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids. Give your outdoor animals plenty of fresh water, leave the water in a shady area, and consider wetting the animal down.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

Two common problems are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:

• an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally);
• unconsciousness;
• dizziness, nausea, and confusion;
• red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating);
• rapid, strong pulse; and
• • throbbing headache. Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include:
• heavy sweating;
• muscle cramps;
• weakness;
• headache;
• nausea or vomiting; and
• paleness, tiredness, dizziness.

What to Do

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim:

• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place in a cool shower; spray with cool water from a garden hose; sponge with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101102°F.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.

These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

Had to cancel Block Party due to wet ground

    Resceduling to Block Party until a later date, possibly Oct 4th, 2011 / National Night Out,
It is too just darn HOT!!! As the date gets closer I will get ya'll more info.

   Be care driving though the Neighborhood since school will soon be getting out.
Every year Crime increase the first week after school lets out, so an eye out for any unuasul activities.
Call the Non Emergence # 972-2193640 if your just not sure, BUT CALL!

Neighborhood News letter 4-2011

Hi, Neighbors!


This is the inaugural issue of a newsletter I will be sending out to our block members periodically, or as I get information. It’s taken me a bit to gather enough news to make it readable. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to pass it along to anyone who might get a benefit out of it. If you know someone who might be interested in starting or joining a neighborhood watch program, have them contact me at the email listed at the bottom of the letter.


 Timberbrook Crime Watch Newsletter



NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PARTY I am thinking about having a neighborhood meeting on May 5th, 7:00pm about our “NCW Block Party” that I’m planning on May21st, 2011 at the open lot on the corner of Holy Oak Dr. & Live Oak Dr. to get the details of the block party. At a recent meeting for the NCW Block Captains we had discussed a few options we can do but I would LOVE to have y’alls input. This year I could really use some help so we can out do the last Block Party!

I will be bringing a container for donations of a can of food for the Food Pantry, which we do at every NCW event including meetings. FYI –the food pantry’s demand has gone up 65% in the last year.

LEWISVILLE PD GIVING FREE SAFETY ASSESSMENTS The officers that came to our meeting in November can come give you a FREE SAFETY ASSESSMENT of your home. The officers will go around your home and assess your safety level and recommend ways to improve the safety of your property. They will provide a form detailing what they found, corrective actions to take and I am told this form can be used to get a 15% reduction in homeowners insurance for 2 years. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company for more details on the insurance



CRIMEREPORTS.COM The City of Lewisville Police Department has joined forces with Crimereports.com. The purpose is to share information on crimes in our city with other cities and to share information with the communities about crime.



ANIMAL SERVICES ALERT It’s spring and there are signs of wildlife everywhere. The city’s Animal Services department is reporting an upswing in coyotes and bobcats in the area as well as copperheads and water moccasin snakes. In the case of the furry animals, rabies is a concern. Denton County had the most cases of rabies in the entire state of Texas last year. The disease is fatal in both animals and humans. In the last 18 months, the Lewisville animal services department has had positive rabies cases in two skunks and a bat. Since we live near a wooded greenbelt, it may not be unusual to see these animals. The City offers these recommendations for coyotes (and bobcats):


Do's                   Do keep small dogs and cats inside at night.

                            Do keep the covers secured on your trash receptacles.

                             Do keep your dog and cat on a leash (as required by City ordinance).

                              Do contact Animal Services if you spot a coyote in your neighborhood.

Don’ts               Do not feed your pets on the back porch.

                          Do not walk your small dog in wooded areas.

                           Do not approach, chase, or otherwise taunt a wandering coyote.

                             Do not approach a coyote if it appears trapped, injured, or sick. Contact Animal Services immediately at 972-219-3478.

                               Do not ever try to touch a coyote.

These animals are urbanized, and as such they are very difficult to catch. If caught, the animal will be euthanized.

In the case of copperheads and water moccasins, these snakes are venomous and will strike if they are stepped on or near. As the weather is warming up and since we live near a creek it is possible you may encounter one. The city will only remove a snake if it comes into your house or garage, so if you see one in your yard or in a park, it is recommended to give it a wide berth. If you are bitten by ANY of the animals mentioned it is urgent you get to a hospital for proper treatment.


POLICE STATION OPEN HOUSE The Lewisville Police Department has just finished remodeling their police station. Captain Deaver, Lewisville Police Captain has said that the LPD will have an Open House, offering hot dogs and free tours of the new remodeled police station. This may be the only chance you get to see the inside of the station as they have also increased security in the building and do not offer general tours to the public. Word I’m getting is that the date will be the first week of May, possibly May 3rd from 5-7pm. I will have firm confirmation on that date and time this week, hopefully and will pass this information along when I get it.


Feel free to contact me at shellyszenasy@gmail.com for more details on any of the items you see on this letter. If you have information you would like to share with the neighbors regarding crime or just general information, please pass it along to me and I can put it in our next bulletin. Know a neighbor’s email address that you don’t see on this list? Please feel free to forward this information to them, so it can be a benefit to everyone.

• Non-emergency Police # 972-219-3640, everyone should know this #. Program it into every members cell phones

• Our Neighborhood blog can be found at timberbrookcrimewatch@blogspot.com

                                                 Follow to keep informed!