In 2023, residents received a tri-fold pamphlet created by Ranger Mike Wedding that addressed the South American Theft Group (SATG) burglaries in the Village. While we had a relatively quiet summer, we experienced three burglaries in September (2024), two of which are most likely SATG-related. What’s important to remember is that while we are diligently investigating these crimes, it is vital that you as a homeowner take the necessary steps to make your home a hard target. Below are the recommendations to enhance your home security and hopefully deter an unwelcome visitor.
- You pay a lot of money to have an alarm system…# IT!! Arm your system even for a quick trip to dinner. Consider adding a glass-break alarm on all levels, as the SATG has made second-story entries in some of their visits.
- Have quality locks & deadbolts and again…USE THEM!! Anything you can do to delay or deter the burglar from getting inside may make all the difference, especially if they trigger the alarm and we are already responding.
- Interior and exterior lights should be utilized between 6:00 PM and 11:30 PM (adjust as needed to ensure dusk coverage). The appearance that someone is home, by using smart plugs or timers is an easy and inexpensive way to light your home. Leaving a television or music playing is also a deterrent. Smart Plugs can be ordered from AMAZON and are user-friendly. ON/OFF times, and random patterns can be created and controlled through online connecting apps.
- Interior and exterior cameras are a great addition to home security. Outdoor motion-activated spotlight/camera systems that provide direct alerts to your cell phone are the first line of defense as they may detect someone before they attempt entry. In a few of our cases, the homeowner was alerted to a burglar’s presence by a camera alert which led to a quick response from the Rangers. Your alarm company may be able to provide some guidance, but many of these systems are available online.
Another concern heard lately is why the Rangers aren’t sharing burglary information immediately after it happens. I’ve learned over the years that once a homeowner hears about a burglary in the area, they become hyper-vigilant about home security, but like everything it only lasts for a short time. Once the shock wears off, people become complacent about locking doors or using their alarms regularly. We would rather our residents use the tips noted above ALL THE TIME, and remain aware of home security, no matter when the last burglary occurred. Most residents have received a CODE RED in the past, maybe for a major road closure or other unique event, but overuse of this system will reduce effectiveness in the long run. CODE RED needs to be reserved for Village/neighborhood-wide notifications or emergencies.
Our officers and detectives have arrested SATG members and assisted law enforcement in several states in solving their cases and recovering property, and are still working on several investigations. We’ll continue to take care of your family and home, but we ask that you make an effort to give a potential burglar a moment of pause that may make all the difference.
Most Sincerely from your new Chief of Police,
Col. Mike Dressell