We’ve noticed an increase in recent weeks in social media posts from the neighborhood regarding crimes such as car break-ins and shed break-ins. 

There are a number of measures that we can take to deter these types of crimes.

SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS:

 

Safety officials recommend the following:

 

For your home, it is recommended that there be:

1. Sufficient lighting in your yard (such as: motion lights, flood lights, motion sensor lights
2. Surveillance cameras (Ring or Nest) are very helpful 

 

For your car, it is recommended that vehicles:

1. Be locked at all times
2. Are Empty of visible belongings

 

To protect yard equipment, it is recommended you:

1. Keep these items in a locked location (shed, garage, crawl space)
2. Have locks on Fence gates and doors
3. Have sufficient lighting in your yard (such as: motion lights, flood lights, motion sensor lights)
   

 

 

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PAID PATROL:

 

Since November of 2018, we’ve had a paid security patrol program in place, staffed by off-duty DeKalb County police officers, who patrol the neighborhood. The number of patrols that occur is directly related to the number of members who pay for that service. There’s a yearly renewal and membership drive every fall — anyone who is not yet a member of this program who wishes to join can do so now for a cost of $80. That will pay for your membership until our next renewal period.

To join the Paid Patrol start by filling out this form.

The Midway Woods Association has a paid patrol liaison who works with our paid patrol officers to keep them informed and they in return provide advice on ways to deter these crimes. They also will work on the investigations when victims can provide police report case numbers to our liaison to forward to them.

 

Benefits of a Paid Patrol:

• The off-duty police officer will be in full uniform, will patrol the neighborhood, and conduct drive-by checks of participating homes.
• The off-duty police officer will have radio contact with 911 and respond to all calls within Midway Woods and will arrive at the location within minutes.
• House alarms that are called in will be responded to immediately.
• Vacation Checks – officers will physically check the perimeter of your home while you are on vacation.
• As cut-through commuters are a big concern, officers will keep an eye out for speeders and reckless drivers who may endanger pedestrians and other drivers.
• Officers will perform a safety survey of participating homes to identify any potential concerns.
• Pet alert: The paid patrol officer will receive details about lost animals and will be an extra set of eyes to help locate the pet.

More information on the paid patrol program can be found on our website:
https://www.midwaywoodsassociation.org/safety/

 

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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM:

 

We currently do not have a formalized program, but this would be one more way to protect our streets.

If there are any volunteers who would like to be block leads, please respond to the following email:

 midwaywoodswatch@gmail.com

If you are part of an informal neighborhood watch group, please contact us via that email as well and we’ll work to connect everyone together.

 

We hope that everyone is remaining safe and healthy during the current covid epidemic.  Stay well!