Spring, that time of year where parts of the country are still dealing with cold and unpleasant weather while we bask in our Shangri-La known as Desert Ridge.
We are now in that sweet spot where we can enjoy outdoor activities and all of the beauty that surrounds us before it gets really hot outside. However, I want to caution you not to let your euphoria over our beautiful weather turn into complacency when it comes to your home and property. At this time of year there is a noticeable spike in crimes of opportunity. People are more apt to leave bicycles, yard tools and other personal property lying around. They also leave garage doors, gates, and sheds open. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard about someone walking into an open garage and stealing a bicycle or golf clubs. Unfortunately, many of those stories were right here in Desert Ridge.
This time of year is also the best time to make sure that your trees and bushes are trimmed back so that there is a clear view of your windows and nowhere for criminals to easily hide around your home. Speaking of windows, spring is also the time when people are most likely to leave their windows open. When you leave the house, even if it’s to run a “quick” errand, make sure that you close all of your windows. For those who have screened security doors, make sure that the security door is locked when you have the front door open. Don’t forget to set your home alarm when you are going to be away from home and even when you are in the home. If you do not have a home alarm, please consider one. The price for a home alarm system has become very affordable with or without central security monitoring. Also, when going out of town, the City of Phoenix Police Department has a free vacation watch where you can sign up to have your home checked up on by a patrol car from time to time. To request a Phoenix Police Vacation Watch, please call 602.495.5002.
Desert Ridge has some of the lowest crime rates in the Phoenix metro area but we can do even better. The best way to lower the crime rate and keep it down is through prevention. We need to stay vigilant and keep an eye out at all times, not only for our own homes, but for those of our neighbors as well. That will help us keep property values up and continue to make Desert Ridge our “Shangri-La”.
We have fantastic anti-crime programs in Desert Ridge with our off-duty City of Phoenix Police Patrols, our Silent Witness matching grant program, and even our Urban Tactical security patrols. But these programs simply can’t cover everywhere in the community at once. Therefore, it is important to know and communicate with your neighbors and to keep looking for things that are out of place in your neighborhood. You can help make Desert Ridge a safer and better place to live by starting or participating in a neighborhood block watch program.
If you’re interested in learning how to start a neighborhood block watch program, please contact the Desert Ridge Community Association office at 480-551-4553.
