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Our Community Awareness Program is focused on keeping our community safe and to notify the proper authorities to resolve issues. We want to stay vigilant, keep an eye on our community, and provide presentations to keep you informed. At our July meeting, Lupe Valdez, Senior Director, Public Affairs from Union Pacific Railroad, gave an informative talk. Questions were asked by our residents and each question was answered very thoroughly. Ms. Valdez gave us the hotline for Union Pacific 1-888-877-7267. You may call this number 24/7 for clean up, safety issues, homeless problems, and vegetation. This number is only to be used if the above items are near the railroad. If there is a homeless person on your property or in Sun Lakes, you must call 911, NOT Union Pacific. Please check channel 97 to see the program. According to Hernan Rojas, Audio Video Specialist, our Community Awareness Program for channel 97 is aired Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 to 10:30 am and 1:30 to 3 pm. Banning Police Department Chief Matt Hamner advised that they are now arresting any trespassers and booking them. They are no longer just citing them. If you have specific questions, please contact the police department at the non-emergency number: (951) 922-3170. However, if you see something suspicious, please dial 911. Mark Schleiden gave a brief update on the monthly Securitas report. There was a vehicle theft on Sun Lakes Blvd. by gate 3. Apparently, the victim left their keys in the car along with their purse. The vehicle was later recovered in Banning, but not the purse. Please, DO NOT leave your keys or personal belongings in your car. Another reminder, Securitas does not arrest or apprehend suspects. They are not armed. They are community patrol only. If you suspect something is wrong or you see something suspicious, contact 911. We now have a new homeless liaison person. Her name is Officer Vaca. I spoke with her and she will be attending our programs in the future. Program for Sept. 29, 1 to 3 pm, Main Clubhouse Ballroom Our guest speaker will be Amber Schlieder, Director of the Banning Animal Shelter. Please make time to attend. Also present will be an Officer or the Chief of Police from the Banning Police Department and Mike Romero, Director of Securitas. SECURITY & PREVENTION TIPS: Sliding Glass Patio Doors! Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily prevented by inserting a wooden or metal stick into the track, thus preventing or limiting movement. Sliding Glass Windows! Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Inexpensive wooden or metal sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows, while through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. Woof Woof! A little yappy dog is better than no dog at all. Dogs are a man's best friend and a burglars' worst nightmare. Did you know? According to detective Goodreau, who has worked on over 5,000 burglary and theft cases, a burglar is less likely to target a home with an American flag hanging outside. They figure the homeowner is locked and loaded and armed to the teeth. About Scams! In addition to protecting our home and ourselves, we need to protect our wallets and assets. There is an uptick of phone and online scams, coming in many forms, such as being contacted by fake tech support, Social Security, IRS, Medicare, Gift Cards, Amazon Security Team, Grandparent Scam, even Romance Scam. How to avoid a scam? Stay informed! Here are helpful websites: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice "How to avoid a Scam" at https://consumer.ftc.gov/ articles/how-avoid-scam AARP website has a very helpful Fraud Resource Center that includes videos. PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITIES, AND THEFTS DIRECTLY TO BANNING POLICE DEPARTMENT. CALL 911! If anyone is interested in becoming part of our steering committee, our next meeting will be on Sept. 6 from 1 to 2 pm in the Main Clubhouse Bus Room. Hope to see everyone on Sept. 29. Let's all be informed and stay safe. For more information, please contact Michele Walter at (951) 202-8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2022 | 7 Community Awareness Program "There was a vehicle theft on Sun Lakes Blvd. by gate 3. Apparently, the victim left their keys in the car along with their purse. The vehicle was later recovered in Banning, but not the purse. Please, DO NOT leave your keys or personal belongings in your car…"

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