BOARD ADDRESSES SECURITY IN WESTCREEK
CONSTABLE PATROLS
In June 2018, the Board approved the use of off-duty Constables to patrol The Villages of Westcreek on a trial basis. During the initial 3 month trial period, the patrols drove over 1060 miles within Westcreek’s boundaries, made contact with 54 pedestrians and 52 suspicious vehicles, and provided 30 assists to BCSO. With overwhelmingly positive resident feedback, the Board approved extending patrols through 2018 and later approved continued patrols in the 2019 budget. The Board has again approved continuing these patrols in the 2020 budget.
The Constables patrol all areas of Westcreek on random hours & nights. The schedule is customized to our area based on patterns they see with criminal activity in the surrounding areas. The schedule fluctuates from night to night so criminals can’t predict when they will be in any given section of our community. The patrol cars are marked with reflective “POLICE” signs on the sides, so they are easily identifiable to residents. When patrolling, the officers have access to all dispatch calls and are able to respond/assist BCSO. To date, this has shown to drastically reduce call response time within Westcreek when Constables are on duty.
The safety of our community is a Board priority. We feel these patrols are one of the best ways to hinder criminal activity in our community. We hope for continued success and homeowner support. Statistical updates are provided at Town Halls and some Board meetings. Please check the agenda for the next Constable visit/update.
IMPROVED SECURITY LIGHTING AT SPORTS PARK
The Board has also completed the lighting project at the Sports Park. This 3 phase project added light poles to the track, fields, parking lot, and pavilion areas. The increased lighting at the park not only allows for increased homeowner use and enjoyment in the evening hours, but also increases the security of the area. Homeowner feedback has been extremely positive and the number of residents enjoying the park in the evenings has greatly increased.
SECURITY CAMERAS
Another security initiative the Board has taken on is the installation of additional security cameras at the Sports Park and Community Center to allow for better coverage of the area. In the event of an incident, camera footage can be reviewed and turned over to law enforcement. As a part of the camera upgrades, license plate cameras have been added to both parking lots.
The Board, Association, and resident volunteers are continually looking for ways to improve our community. If you have ideas for ways to improve our community and want to become more involved, please consider joining the Suggestion and Recommendations Committee.