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Lock Vehicles, Deputies Say

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By JASON GEARY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 15, 2007

Updated: 09/15/2007 03:11 pm

WESTCHASE - Crime could be further reduced in Westchase if residents would simply lock up their vehicles and not leave valuables inside.

Representatives of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office came to Tuesday's meeting of Westchase's community development districts with that message.

Detective Joseph Garcia told supervisors that Westchase's crime statistics are very low compared with surrounding areas.

The sheriff's office generated a map showing crimes from last month. Most of the incidents shown in Westchase appeared to be thefts and vehicle burglaries. There were only a few stolen vehicles and burglaries of residences.

Garcia said many incidents could be prevented if people would lock their vehicles and not leave valuables inside them.

Deputy Jennie Matera said a thief only needs about five minutes to get in and out of a vehicle.

Anyone can easily become an identity theft victim if a thief grabs credit cards or checkbooks left inside a vehicle, Garcia said.

'If that happens to you, it's going to be a nightmare,' he said.

To help recover stolen items, Garcia encouraged residents to put markings on their tools, copy down serial numbers from their electronics and take pictures of their jewelry.

The deed-restricted community has been proactive about combating what crime does exist within its boundaries.

Westchase and Apollo Beach were chosen to take part in a program where resident volunteers in uniforms and patrol cars help keep an eye on the neighborhoods.

In addition, the Westchase Community Development District continues to have a fund of about $80,000 to hire deputies to perform extra patrols within its boundaries. The Westchase Community Development District East does not have such a service.

A deputy who was patrolling earlier this week reported that the garage doors of five Westchase homes were left open at 3 a.m., and notices were left in their mailboxes to warn the homeowners.

Some CDD supervisors spoke favorably about trying to find space within Westchase for a small office where deputies could perform paperwork, park their patrol vehicles and increase law enforcement presence in the community.

'I think without question a substation would be worth exploring in this area,' Mark Ragusa said.
Matera said neighborhood crime watch groups have been notifying her of problems, and she has been able to pass along this information.

She encouraged any concerned residents to attend a public meeting with Sheriff David Gee at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Sickles High School, 7950 Gunn Highway.

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.

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