Suspicious Trespassing in Creekside!

Property Manager Tiffany from Argus has relayed another trespassing situation from a homeowner on 73rd street east in Creekside.

"I have been looking for someone to get in touch with to let them know about our experience on Saturday night Aug.7th. My husband and I heard a couple of large thuds, which has led us to believe that someone hopped over our wooden fence and was in our back yard, luckily we have a very large dog with a even bigger growl and bark who seemed to have scared them away after hearing the noises. However the person/persons were long gone once we got up and made sure noone made it into our home, but our gate to the back yard was left WIDE open (we are assuming that is how they exited our yard since it opens from the inside). So we know someone was in our back yard. This all happened around 1:00am even with 2 cars parked in our drive. Can you please pass this info along as well that way people in Creekside know that it was not just a one time thing with the other home owner and that it happened several days after the first break-in and everyone should be aware.... I have a feeling the same people were probably involved."

Unfortunately, the Manatee County Sheriff's website has not reported any dispatched calls in Creekside, but there was one in Lakeside on 72nd Ct. E. on Aug. 4th for a Burglary report. Please remember if anything suspicious occurs call 9-1-1. Only the Manatee County Sheriff's office can properly process crimes, not the homeowner's association or our property managers. As a community its our responsibility to watch out for our neighbors, so keep an eye out.

Break-In in Creekside!!!

An e-mail message from the Creekwood Property manager:

"Creekwood Master Board,

I received a call yesterday from an owner at Creekside whose home had been broken into and items taken. Her neighbors saw two white males in their late teens walking behind homes during the day on August 3rd. This owners' home was broken into the next day. She called to let me know and for me to pass this information on to you in hopes that it can be mentioned in the next newsletter for all owners to be on the lookout for any strange activity.

Tiffany

Tiffany Cox, CAM

Argus Property Management, Inc.

2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 118A

Sarasota, FL 34231

office: 941-927-6464

fax: 941-927-6454

e-mail: tiffany@argusmgmt.com"

Hedges & Trees hacked in Creekside

Last Thursday someone maliciously hacked up hedges and tree branches all along 72nd Ct E. in Creekside. The branches were left lying on the sidewalk or in front yards. This is an unsanctioned and unacceptable act of vandalism. The perpetrator may be a Creekside resident as this occurred sometime in the middle of the night and only in Creekside. The damaged trees and hedges line the sidewalks along 72nd Ct E as if the perpetrator felt inconvenienced while walking. This selfish behavior is reprehensible. Its disrespectful to other homeowners and a crime! It also makes our neighborhood look worse.

If you see any suspicious activity late at night in Creekside, such as an individual with hedge trimmers walking around, please call 911 immediately. Its better to be safe than sorry.
Furthermore, please contact AMI with any complaint about landscaping so the violations procedure can be used to enforce compliance.

Suspicious White Van in Creekwood

From Elizabeth Sullivan, Chairperson of Security Committee, Creekwood Master Association:

If anyone sees a suspicious white van similar to an Econoline model, please call the sheriff's dept. The first letter is a G and the rest are number. Please don't be shy or say it is nothing....The Sheriff department is looking for this vehicle to know who is the occupant. This van has been seen with one or two guys in it....It is not a short van. It has no windows on the side except for the driver and passenger and back windows. The tag number they have does not register. It is missing one number.

A year and half ago a woman was walking and was almost abducted and it was a white van. Recently, I walked my dog and a white van was following me, now a neighbor just informed me she was walking and a white van was following her. Notice to all women, please carry mace, your cell phone and if you suspect anyone following you, call immediately and report it. Use your keys as a weapon.

White Van, similar to an econoline, and the tag number begins with the letter G

Thank you....

Sincerely and always,

Elizabeth M. Sullivan

Crime Watch meeting Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist

From the Bradenton Herald.com website-

Crime Watch meetings at Trinity United Methodist
By VIN MANNIX - vmannix@bradenton.com

BRADENTON — The first of two Neighborhood Crime Watch meetings will be held Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3200 Manatee Ave. W.
The topics are residential security and how Crime Watch works.
The second meeting is May 12 and the topics are personal safety, identity theft and scams.
It is presented by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
The target area is 20th Street West to 51st Street West, north of Manatee Avenue, but all citizens are welcome.
For details, call (941) 747-3011, ext. 2500 or 2587.
Or call Trinity at (941) 747-3704

Heads up!

I went to the Bank of America by Publix, on state road 70 today to transact some Creekside at Creekwood business. I was very pleased with the response from them. In addition they told me there had been reports of mail being stolen from mailboxes in Creekwood as recently as several days ago.

This is not new but is a recurrence of desperate measures by desperate people in times of economic stress. Be vigilant and do not put mail in your mail box for handling as postage that contains personal identifiers such as date of birth, social security number etc. OR any financial instrument such as a check or money order that could be used as a vehicle to steal money from you or your account(s)

Sheriff's E-Watch Meeting Tomorrow

The public is invited to the monthly Neighborhood Coalition meeting tomorrow Thursday, March 19^th at 1:30pm. The meeting will be held in the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention conference room located at 600 301 Blvd. W. Guest speaker will be Deputy Dawn Stroup presenting information on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Vehicle Break-Ins in Creekwood!

THIS IS TO INFORM ALL MY CREEKWOOD RESIDENTS THAT ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MARCH 5th, BETWEEN 1:00 AM AND 6:00 AM., ON 72ND STREET EAST IN WESTBROOK, TWO (2 ) VEHICLES WERE BROKEN INTO USING A SLIM JIM.....STOLEN POWER TOOLS AND ONE CAR STEREO......

REMINDERS FROM THE CREEKWOOD SECURITY COMMITTEE/NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH:

• PLEASE REMOVE ALL VALUABLES FROM YOUR VEHICLES. PLEASE INFORM YOUR NEIGHBORS OF THE SAME. I WOULD LIKE EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT THE BREAK-INS ARE STARTING AGAIN.
• ALSO, IF YOU HAVE A LAMP POST, PLEASE MAKE IT FUNCTIONAL, POSSIBLY ADD A MOTION SENSOR OR DAY/NIGHT SENSOR TO IT.
  
• SECURITY PINS FOR SLIDING GLASS DOORS COST ABOUT $1.98 AND ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
  
• WHEN LEAVING OR COMING INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, IF YOU NOTICE A GARAGE DOOR OPEN AND IT IS BEFORE 10:00 PM, YOU CAN RING THEIR DOORBELL AND INFORM YOUR CREEKWOOD NEIGHBOR....THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT, TRUST ME. IF ITS AFTER 10:00 PM, CALL THE SHERIFFS AT 747-3011, ASK FOR A PATROL OFFICER FOR DISTRICT ONE, GIVE THEM THE ADDRESS.

LET'S KEEP CREEKWOOD SAFE. LET'S GET TO KNOW OUR NEIGHBORS.

THANK YOU....

Sincerely and always,

Elizabeth M. Sullivan

SECURITY CHAIR

Message from Creekwood Security Committee re: Sliding Glass Doors

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's department, no vandals have hit Creekwood yet, but nearby subdivisions have experienced home robberies were access is gained through the sliding glass door. The Sheriff's department feels the best tool to use is a security pin for the sliding glass door. About $2.00 at Lowes....Installation is required with drill.

A motion light for the lanai, the side or the rear of your home is also recommend . One can be purchased at Home Depot, Ace or Lowes for around $35-$50.

This is where it is important to know who your neighbor is, if you see one or a group of people that you don't know behind your neighbors home, please call the police with a description.

RBC Bank Robbed on Wednesday

From Manatee County Sheriffs E-Watch:

The RBC Centura Bank was robbed Wednesday. If you recognize the man in the attached photo, please call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011 ext. 2522 and refer to case number 09-6061.

Sexual Offender Registry Notification

This is to inform you that the following updated address information was reported to the Florida Sexual Offender Registry and falls within the specified 2 Mile radius:

Offender Name: BRADLEY MICHAEL KASZUBA

DOB: 10/26/1984

Reported Offender Address: 9019 61ST AVENUE DR E, BRADENTON, FL

View Offender Flyer

To change your subscription information, go to FloridaOffenderAlert.com and select "Tracking Addresses."

It is unlawful to misuse public records information regarding a sexual offender or predator as defined by Florida Statute Section 775.21(10)(c).

Thank you,

The Florida Offender Alert System

The Florida Offender Alert System is being provided in partnership between the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Tomorrow

Compliments of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit:

The public is invited to attend a Neighborhood Coalition meeting tomorrow Dec. 18 at 1:30 pm. Guest speaker will be Frank Brunner with Manatee County Crime Stoppers to explain how you can leave an anonymous crime tip to receive a cash reward.

Meeting will be held at 600 US 301 Blvd. W. in the Crime Prevention Office.

View Larger Map

Manatee County Sheriff's Warning

Compliments of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit:

DOOR KNOCK NIGHTMARES

KNOCK, Knock… Who’s there?... The BAD GUY!... If only it was that easy to see them coming. When someone knocks on your door, are they there soliciting for good reasons or for bad? If you don’t know, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

- If you don’t know who it is, don’t open the door
o Talk to them through the door
o If they won’t leave, call 911
- Don’t ever show them any money, your wallet or your purse
- Don’t allow them to enter your home
- Don’t give out any personal information
o Don’t assume they know you if they use your name
- If they use your neighbor’s name, call your neighbor to confirm they sent them
o Some neighbors put their name on the exterior of their home
o They can also get a neighbor’s or even your name from the mail
- Use common sense and good judgment before you unlock and open your door to someone you don’t know

Remember, if you open the door, you have just jeopardized your and your family’s safety. Beware of suspicious people who solicit by knocking on your door. If they act suspicious or get demanding, call 911 immediately! Don’t ever hesitate to report any suspicious people or activity: It could make the difference between preventing/stopping a crime or becoming a victim.

Recent Security Notices from eWatch

The following postings are from the Manatee County Sheriff's eWatch e-mail notifications. If you aren't currently receiving e-mails, please sign up at the Manatee County Sheriff's website:

1.
Please read the following. It applies to FedEx as well. Thanks.
================================================
The newest virus circulating is the UPS Delivery Failure. You will receive an email from UPS Packet Service along with a packet number. NOTE: The word packet is mis-spelled on this line as Paket. It will say that they were un-able to deliver a package sent to you on such and such a date. It then asks you to print out the invoice copy attached. DON'T TRY TO PRINT THIS. IT LAUNCHES THE VIRUS! Pass this warning on to all your PC operators at work and home. This virus has caused Millions of dollars in damage in the past few days.

Snopes confirms that it is real and is up to date (11/11/08):
http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp


2.
We just received a call from a lady who received a telephone solicitation. The person stated that they were calling from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and were asking for donations to buy toys for needy children. When she stated that she only had $20 dollars, the caller said that would be fine and asked for her home address so he could bring her the information.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office NEVER solicits donations over the phone. If you should receive a call like this, check your caller ID and get the number that is calling. If you get a number please call 747-3011 ext. 2589 with the information.


3.
It's that time of the year!! Shopping season is upon us and with that comes the crimes. This weekend a victim was walking to her car from the Macy's store at DeSoto Square. A faded green Honda style car pulled along side of her and grabbed her purse then sped off. The victim held on to her purse and was pulled to the ground.

A good tip while out shopping this season is to take only what you will need to shop into the store with you. In other words if you don't need your purse lock it in your trunk and take only a credit card in your pocket into the store. And more importantly, if someone grabs your purse, Let GO of it. Your life is more important that what is in your purse.

Never leave your purchases visible in your car. This is only a temptation for thieves to break into your car. Put all purchases in your trunk out of sight.

If at all possible shop only in the day time or shop with friends. If you are suspicious about someone in the parking lot, ask a mall security person to escort you to your car.

Drug Warning from Sheriff's E-Watch Program

for those with young children and/or for those who know of someone with school-age children:

This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '.

There is a very scary thing going on in some schools right now across the nation that we all need to be aware of.

There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that sizzles and 'pops' in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in school yards. They are calling it strawberry meth or strawberry quick.

Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.

Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy) and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc. immediately.

Pass this email on to as many people as you can (even if they don't have kids) so that we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies from occurring.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/02/health/main2752266.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_2752266

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271215,00.html

2 Bank Robberies on Friday 9/12 in East Manatee County

Bank Robbery #1
The Bank of America at 5315 39th Street East ( 39th Street East & SR 70) just got robbed at 5:10 PM. Description is a White/Male with a White T-shirt, Blue Jean Pants or Long Blue Jean Shorts, and a Camouflage or Khaki Hat with some type of logo on the front. He had a tattoo by his left ankle on the inside of the calf. No facial hair, 5’ 8” tall, thin build. Last seen running east on foot through field to the east of CVS Pharmacy. The suspect did get into a truck at CVS Pharmacy, just east of the bank. However, the truck was blue in color. It was an older work type truck with some black writing on it. Unknown if it was a small or large size pickup truck. The only further description on the suspect: He was in his mid 30’s in age. Also, the truck fled south on 45 Street East ( Lockwood Ridge Road ) and the suspect got into the passenger’s seat, which means there was a second suspect in the robbery.

Bank Robbery #2
Here is a picture of the suspect from the bank robbery at RBC Bank, located at 3275 University Parkway , from Friday (9/12/08) around 3:00 PM. The suspect is described as a White/Male in his 30’s, 5'10" to 6'00" tall, white button up short sleeve shirt, blue jeans, light colored fishing type hat, and sunglasses. He fled the scene in a 90’s model blue Toyota Corolla, that he backed into a parking space out front, west towards the Albertson’s parking lot.

If you can help, please contact the sheriff’s office at 747-3011. If you want to remain anonymous and/or possibly collect a cash reward, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-634-TIPS (8477). If you do not call Crimestoppers, you will not be eligible for a reward so call them first if you want a reward.

More Vandalism in the Culvert

Posted by Sami Bisharat, Creekside President.

This past Labor Day Weekend someone felt the need to break the FPL Easement gate at the culvert. Good news - the Security chain and lock stayed strong, but unfortunately the fence is quite damaged and broke from the hinges. I took the first photo and then set the fence back up for the second photo. It is not secured and can fall over again at the slightest touch. I have informed AMI and they will begin the process to get bids and present to the Master Board for Repairs. Hopefully this will be completed soon. If you saw or heard anything please let somebody know. It will take all our eyes working together to catch the perpetrators.

August Security Update

Much has happened in Creekwood in August. The Creekwood Security Committee met at Bob Evans Restaurant on Friday Aug. 8th to discuss a plan for improving Security in Creekwood and the Neighborhood watch program. The request for additional Neighborhood Watch signs were approved at the Creekwood Master Board Meeting on Monday Aug. 26th.

The following article is from:
BradentonHerald.com

Greenbrook (a community on SR-70, slightly east of I-75) can legally put up surveillance cameras to digitally capture license plates of exiting vehicles, but the community must also post signs alerting motorists.
"Four cameras would capture license plates at the intersection of Greenbrook Boulevard and State Road 70, and four would do the same at Greenbrook Boulevard and Lorraine Road, said Ann Fischer, a member of the District 4 camera committee."

The Creekwood security committee has also been developing a plan for surveillance cameras at the recreation center. They are yet to present their findings to the Master Board.


The following article is from:
www.newsmanatee.com

This Week's 1st Stupid Criminal:
Young Man Burglarizes Two Cars
Across Street From His House;
Witness Knew, Saw Burglar

MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy planet. This kid wasn't too bright.

Dylan Reed Wallace

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, at about midnight, Dylan Reed Wallace, 18, of 7928 50th Place East, in the Creekwood subdivision in East Manatee County, went to a residence at 5025 79th Street East -- across the street from his home -- and began opening the doors on two vehicles.

However, the victim and a witness were standing on the north side of the house when they heard the door open on their Ford Explorer.

They walked toward the vehicle and saw Wallace look through the console of the Explorer, close the door, light a cigarette and walk to the other vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, and open the driver's door.

The witness walked up to Wallace, who was inside the jeep and asked him what he was doing. Wallace turned around quickly and said he wasn't doing anything, the report said.

Then the witness and victim watched Wallace walk toward his home.

The witness and the victim, presumably boyfriend and girlfriend, went inside the home on 79th Street East and woke up another victim, presumably the girl's father.

About 10 minutes later, the sheriff's office was called.

The witness told Dep. Bryce Meade that he has lived in the Creekwood subdivision for 12 years and knows Wallace by face as Dylan Wallace, who lives at 7928 50th Place East.

One of the victims told Dep. Meade that $20 dollars had been taken from the Explorer's passenger seat.

Wallace was arrested and charged with two counts of Burglary to a Conveyance. He is being held at the Manatee County Jail on a $2,500 dollar bond for each count.

Security in Creekside

At the Manatee County Sheriff's Eastside County residents meeting last night, Creekwood was recognized for the positive impact that the efforts of the Security Committee, led by Liz Sullivan, have made in reducing crime in the neighborhood. Creekside News would specifically like to thank the volunteers to the Security Committee and the Neighborhood Watch from Creekside for their efforts to help improve our community.

Last nights meeting was well attended by Creekwood and Creekside Residents with 12 homeowners in a crowd of about 40-50 attendees. The Manatee County Sheriffs also encouraged Creekwood continue our efforts to improve security in Creekwood through improved Homeowner awareness, improved lighting and encouraging the addition of security cameras.

Light Games in Creekwood

After noticing that the lights at 73rd St. E. & Creekwood Blvd. stayed on through out the day, a volunteer on the Ways & Means Committee inspected the well pump area behind the wall and took the picture to the left. The optical sensor for the street light is clearly seen covered with black electrical tape to keep the light on all day and night.

This is the second time this year that electrical tape has been found over an optical sensors for lights. Apparently someone is attempting to drive up Creekwood electrical expenses through this minor alteration. If you see a light on during the daytime in Creekwood please contact one of the following so we can investigate and hopefully end this silly game:

Dorian at AMI - 941-359-1134
Melva, Ways & Means Chairperson - 941-753-7698
Any of your sub association board of directors.