car break-in

Tips On How You Can Aid In Winter Crime Prevention

While there is always a chance, you will be the victim of a crime, that chance increases during the winter months. Here are some tips on how you can aid in winter crime prevention.

Stay with Your Vehicle – It’s fairly common for people to warm up their vehicles in front of their homes during winter. But be careful! If you warm up your vehicle unattended, a passing auto thief may hop in and steal your vehicle. To prevent this, stay with your vehicle when warming it up. Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of your absence. In addition, never leave your vehicle running in your garage with the garage door closed! Having the engine running in a closed area can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lock Your Doors – Lock all the doors of your vehicle and home, including the garage door. Any opening is an invitation for crime. Thieves can infiltrate your garage and break into your car or, even worse, your home. You should make sure all entrances and exits are secure at all times (this includes windows!).

Keep Valuables with You – Whether you’re out shopping or in the comfort of your home, never leave your valuables out of sight. One common mistake people make is leaving their valuables in their car, only to find that their car has been broken into. Keep your valuables in a safe, if you own one, and hide it in a place no one would think to look. If you’re out shopping, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purse in front of you.

Stay in the Light – Many people take advantage of the darkness to perform their crimes. Staying in visible areas is one key to winter crime prevention. When in your home, make sure your outdoor lamps are lit at night, if you have them. When outdoors, try to stay in well-lit areas. You should never walk alone at night! People always take advantage of loners, and the cover of darkness makes it much easier.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Thieves and other crime-doers take advantage of distracted people. Nowadays, many people use their cell phones when they should be paying attention to their environment. Don’t use your cell phone too often, and appear confident in where you are going. There is a lesser likelihood that a predator will go after you if you appear confident and aware of your surroundings.

In Case You Are A Victim If a robber demands your property, give it up immediately. Resisting is a dangerous game, especially if the robber is armed. You can replace your property, not your life. Following the crime, you can contact the police right away.

You can reach the Community Resource Officer (CRO), Officer Charles Dreer, at 757.353.1268 or via email.

Remember, if you SEE something, SAY something!

News & Resources

Gosnold Ave – Gravity Sewer Repair

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Utilities has hired East West Construction to repair and rehabilitate the sewer line in your neighborhood along a section of Gosnold Ave. The project area is shown on the map on the back [see below images].

Planned Start of Construction: March 2024
Anticipated End of Construction: June 2024
Access: Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction with detours around the work zone. The City and our contractor will do our best to minimize the unavoidable disruptions associated with construction.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the city’s on-site construction inspector, Charles Davis. He can be reached by cell phone at (757) 647-9940 to respond quickly. You may also contact the project manager, Tiba Salim at (757) 266-9491.

For more info visit: www.norfolk.gov/utilitiesimprovements.

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General Members Meeting | March 11, 2024

Tommy Leeman, candidate for Norfolk City Mayor, spoke about his background and platform followed by a brief Q&A session including his thoughts on redevelopment of MacArthur Center, Military Circle Mall and the forthcoming Casino project.

Representatives from the Colley Community Center gave a presentation on their mission, initiatives timeline and how the many ways the community can contribute.

Jason Im spoke on behalf of Riverview Shell, pursuing an ABC permit in compliance with the façade grant recently awarded by the city. A motion to vote was brought forth from the floor, seconded and put to vote with all voting parties in favor and no parties vocally against

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General Members Meeting | February 12, 2024

Norfolk City Mayor, Kenny Alexander, and Norfolk City Manager, Patrick Roberts spoke about the recent updates from the city. Following the Mayor and City Manager’s engaging presentation, a brief Q&A session allowed for further discussion. Watch the entire meeting below. Congratulations to the new Secretary of the Civic League Board. – Stephanie Clark.

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Life is sweet because you live here!

Starting the first day of February, a “love note” from Cupid will magically appear on random doorsteps to kick off this heartwarming event. Inside the note, you’ll find a “Heart” sign and simple instructions to join the fun. For those familiar, this is the same idea as getting Boo’d at Halloween.

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