SECURITY ALERTS
Updated 2/10/10
When scam artists, thieves and other troublemakers are in the area, please let us know at sharpstownscan@yahoo.com or contact the SCA Office at (713) 789-2312. We'll post it here to let everyone know to be on the alert. If you see something suspicious CALL OUR CONSTABLES IMMEDIATELY & FIRST -- 281-463-6666.
CONSTABLE KUDOS
We got an email recenty from a resident who was the victim of a burglary and wanted to express appreciation to our Constables on Patrol. HPD came out, took the report and left, but our own Deputy Horton went the extra mile in assisting the resident's daughter who was at the house while they were on the road back from an out of state trip.
February 2010
We are still receiving many alarming reports of thefts, break-ins and home invasions on the west side of Country Club Terrace 3 (Between Bellaire, Gessner, Beechnut and east of Corporate). Patrols have been stepped up in the area, but officers need your help to stop these criminals. SCA sent letters to residents on the west side of CCT-3 with safety information and tips (click here to read the LETTER). We've already received thanks for this letter, and concerns that the crimes could shift to other areas. Burglaries occur everywhere in Sharpstown, Houston, Sugar Land, Texas, USA, etc., so these tips are good for everyone. For more information, be sure to come to our February 25th General Membership meeting to hear from our Constables on Patrol.
One resident emailed us suggesting a reminder to be cautious when hiring people to do work on your property and in your home. It's a good idea to get as much information from these workers as possible (name, address, phone, social security number, if possible). And DON'T hire people who just show up on your doorstep--they may be there to help do work and help themselves to your stuff.
A Section 5 resident reported that 2 Middle-Eastern looking men came to her door selling electronic equipment and said they had previously talked to her husband--except she doesn't have a husband. DON'T buy items from solicitors you don't know.
We've also received another report of a catalytic converter theft in Section 2. This theft occurred during daylight hours. For safety's sake, best place for your vehicle is in your garage.
Remember, the best defense we have are ALERT NEIGHBORS WHO IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. Recognizing something suspicious requires knowing what "normal" looks like. This is a good time to get to know your neighbors and be able to recognize them, the vehicles they drive and other regular visitors to their homes (maid, yard service, son/daughter who drops by).
Other clues that something might be amiss:
* Someone working on a car in a driveway where the person is elderly or not mechanically inclined (they take cars to the shop, they don't usually have someone come to them).
* Yard crew in the yard of someone who has always done their own yardwork.
* Mysterious trucks in driveways.
* People at the home of someone you know is gone (at work, vacation, hunting, etc.).
January 2010
We are receiving many alarming reports of thefts, break-ins and home invasions in Country Club Terrace 3 (Between Bellaire, Gessner, Beechnut and east of Corporate). Some reports are of pilfering and theft from garages, others are doors being kicked in and several reports of people being home and asleep while the thieves come in!
Patrols have increased in the area, but your eyes are needed! If you see ANYTHING OR ANYBODY suspicious contact 281-463-6666 AND 911 -- program these numbers into your cell phone and keep them handy next to your home phones. These criminals are getting bolder and bolder and they need to be stopped before somebody gets hurt or killed.
If you don't live in CCT-3, don't think you're off the hook -- anyone seeing suspicious persons or activities are advised to call it in. And please keep SCA in the loop so we can keep others informed as well
Reminder: CHECK your windows and doors to be sure they are locked. We've had more than one report from victims stating the criminals entered through a place the resident THOUGHT was locked but was not.
As you consider safety, consider your total safety: remember that burglar bars can keep thieves out, but they also keep the fire department and rescuers out if there's a problem in the house.
December 2009
From Terry Thurman, Asst. Chief Patrol Division:
Residents are urged to program the Constable’s phone number 281-463-6666 into their cell phone and their home phone. It is critical that any suspicious activity be reported immediately.
Residents who will be out of their home for any extended period of time should contact the Constable’s office at (281) 463-6666 to place a vacation watch on their home. The Constable’s office advises that vacation watches must be turned in at least three days prior to departure.
We received an email about an exprensive and apparently not that unusual theft in Country Club Estates:
Our Toyota 4Runner was parked in the driveway and the catalytic converter valued at replacement about $2,000 was hacked off with a saw. Apparently only Toyota cars are being targeted, particularly 4Runners, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers. The thieves either want a replacement for their car or they want to resell the valuable Platinum in it. Repair shop said they can only replace with new converters. The repair shop said one customer had his stolen while at an hotel for lunch - BOLD. Also, someone told me with an electric battery saw, thieves can get finished in a minute. We did not hear anything!
Apparently, I'm only the second case according to the Constable Pct. 5. The other case was 2 weeks ago, south of here. The repair shop said this type of theft has been going on 4-5 years now.