PONCE INLET POLICE DEPARTMENT

Contact: Inv. Max Binz                                                                      

Ponce Inlet Neighborhoods

Property crimes are among the most common in our neighborhoods, including vandalism, theft and burglary. Thieves are usually after TVs, computers (especially laptops) and printers, DVD players and DVDs, stereo equipment, weapons, jewelry and watches, tools, cameras, credit cards and sports equipment, such as golf clubs. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

• The best defense against a break-in is good neighbors. A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on things while you're away. You can also ask this person to park a car in your driveway on occasion so that it looks like people are coming and going, and pick up your mail. A pile of newspapers on your driveway or front porch is a dead giveaway to anyone passing your house that nobody is at home.
• The post office and newspaper can stop deliveries while you are away.
• Always lock your house when you go out. Lock all windows and doors securely, especially the sliding glass door.
• Outside doors should be metal or solid wood with a strong dead-bolt lock using at least a 1½ inch bolt.
• All porches and other entrances should be well lighted.
• Do not hide a house key under the doormat or near-by flower pot. Its much wiser to give a house key to a trusted friend or neighbor.
• Install a peephole on outside doors at the proper level and use it.
• Check the identification of any sales or service personnel who enter your residence.
• Never give the impression that you are home alone. No matter what the reason, don’t let strangers in your residence when you are alone. Offer to make an emergency telephone call for them or call the police.
• If you return home and find a window or door open or believe that a forced entry has been made into your residence, DO NOT go inside. Go to the nearest telephone and call the police.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• If doors do not fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them.
• When moving into a new house or apartment, rekey the locks immediately.
• Clearly display your house number on the residence so police and emergency vehicles can respond quickly.
• If traveling or away from home, use light timers in different parts of the house.

• Easy-to-install motion-detecting light sensors can light up a door or area of a house. If a thief is illuminated the minute he walks onto your property, he'll keep moving.

• Make a list of valuables---VCR, stereo, computer, jewelry, etc. Take photos of these items listing their serial numbers and description.

• Keep your yard clean of brush and cut back limbs or shrubbery so windows and doors are not hidden.

• Consider an alarm system, or motion detectors around the exterior of the residence.

• If you park your vehicle outside overnight, remove your garage door opener from view. Burglars could use it to enter your home while you sleep.

• Individuals must obtain a solicitation permit from the Town prior to soliciting door-to-door. The permit will include a photo of the solicitor. Charitable or political organizations do not need a permit.

Ponce Inlet Condominiums

Know your condo's security system and rules. Ask your condo association for their suggestions. Here are some to consider.

• Make sure that background checks are done on new tenants.
• Your condo management must enforce compliance of all security rules. A condo watch program is a good idea.
• Lock up your bicycle. Many thefts take place when tenants assume that unlocked bikes are available for all condo residents to use.
• Your entry door lock should be re-keyed or the deadbolt lock replaced when you move in.
• Exterior doors should fit their frames tightly.
• Windows accessible from ground level should be protected by bars that can be only opened from the inside.
• Windows and sliding glass doors should have anti-lift devises to prevent them from being lifted out.
• Do you have an alarm system or barking dog? Put alarm company decals on your windows and doors - even if you don't have a security system installed.
• Put only your first initial and last name on your apartment/condo directory and mailbox.
• Hallways and walkways in and around your building should be well-lit.
• Install mirrors strategically in hallways that allow you to see around corners.
• Never “buzz” a stranger into your building no matter how good their reason may be!
• Use a wide-angle, 160-degree peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches on your door. Use a cover on your peephole to prevent people from seeing in your home.
• Look inside the elevator before entering it. If you feel uncomfortable with the occupants of the elevator, follow your instincts…do not get in, wait for the next one, notify security or call the police.
• Use timers to activate lighting, radios, or TV when you are not home.
• The laundry room, gym and parking areas must be well-lit and patrolled.
• Anytime you suspect that a crime may be taking place or "something looks fishy", don't hesitate to call the police!

Getting Involved

The Ponce Inlet Police Department provides ways for residents to get involved in crime prevention.

Citizens Watch The Ponce Inlet Citizens Watch is an important and valuable asset to the Ponce Inlet Police Department.  The members are dedicated citizens who generously donate their time to assist the Police Department as extra sets of “eyes and ears” for the police department.  Member’s duties include residential security checks, miscellaneous pick up and delivery services for the police department, and regular patrols throughout the town.  Our members are provided with a vehicle consisting of amber warning lights, police radios, flashlights, traffic vest, rain coats, first aid kits and fire extinguishers.   We are always looking for new members.  If you wish to join, contact Detective Max Binz at 386-236-2168. Vacation House Watch Vacation House Watch is a program of the Ponce Inlet Police Department that provides part-time surveillance of homes while residents are away, by uniformed officers and Citizen Watch volunteers. This is not a guarantee of surveillance, but checks will be made as resources allow. The Vacation House Watch period is no longer than 30 days, after which information is used for contact purposes only. Upon return, residents are asked to notify the police department at (386) 236-2160. To download the Ponce Inlet Vacation Watch Form (in PDF file format), click here. Bicycle Registration The Ponce Inlet Police Department has developed a bicycle registration program which will allow Ponce Inlet bicycle owners to voluntarily register their bicycles with the Police Department.  This program is free of charge and will assist the Police Department in the event that your bicycle is lost or stolen.  Anyone wishing to have their bicycle registered may bring it to the Ponce Inlet Police Department anytime between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm Monday through Friday.  If you should have any questions please call Detective Max Binz at 386-236-2160. Community Notification Enrollment (Code Red) Please take a moment to fill in the form to be notified by your local emergency response team in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Examples include: evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child reports. To download the Community Notification Enrollment Form, click here.