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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2022 | 7 By Michele Walter 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 September program, Amber Scheilder, Director of the Banning Animal Shelter, gave a presentation on her journey of opening this shelter. Many of our residents brought donations and signed up to volunteer at her shelter. Banning Police Department Lieutenant Vince Avila gave a very thorough update on stats in Banning. In the past 90 days, they have had over 500 transient-related calls, which included trespassing, theft, vandalism, being under the influence, and panhandling. Banning Police worked with Cal Trans and cleaned up 25 encampments near the freeway. Officer Vacca has cleaned up 40 encampments in the city of Banning. Lt. Avila said that 90 percent of the homeless refuse help and most have mental health issues. Lt. Avila pleaded, "DO NOT give them money." They have officers patrolling Sun Lakes and the Albertsons shopping center every day. Mike Romero from Securitas gave an update on thefts that are occurring in Sun Lakes due to open garage doors. He said that there are more loose pets with no ID tags or chips. He indicated that we need to secure the pedestrian gates when going in and out of Sun Lakes. Securitas is conducting open-garage-door checks between 8 pm and midnight in addition to perimeter checks outside of Sun Lakes. Again if you see something out of the ordinary, please contact 911 and alert Securitas. November Program: On Nov. 21 from 1 to 3 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, our guest speaker will be Ramonita Cruz- Young, Senior Veterans' Service Representative from the Department of Veterans' Services. She will be addressing Veterans' Pension, Survivors Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Aid & Attendance, Burial Allowance, Headstones & Markers, U.S. Flag, and presidential certificates. 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: Don't share too many details on Social Media Sharing or posting about your vacation plans on social media is a typical security mistake. It's like announcing to burglars that nobody is home. It would be best for you to post once you're already back home. Pet doors Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. It is advisable to not have a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock. Security signs should be generic Intruders can be scared away even by fake security system warning signs. It would be best to make the warning signs generic and not include any company names, so they will not be able to confirm if it is true or not. Most effective alarm systems For the most effective alarm system, conceal all wiring. A professional burglar looks for places to disconnect the security system. Plant thorny bushes and plants strategically Thorny bushes and shrubs that are planted outside windows will make it more difficult for burglars to enter using these access points. A few options for good bushes include barberry, pyracantha, and roses. After shopping! As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors and leave. If you need to return your shopping cart, lock your doors first, even if just for a minute. You may be watched, and predators are looking for that purse or wallet you may have left on the passenger's seat. This actually happened recently in the Albertson's parking lot. PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITIES AND THEFTS DIRECTLY TO BANNING POLICE DEPARTMENT, CALL 911. PLEASE, PLEASE, keep your garage doors closed. A good idea is to check around 8 pm to make sure your garage door is closed and all your doors are locked. If you get in a regular habit of checking, you will feel much safer and Securitas will not have to call you at midnight. If anyone is interested in becoming part of our steering committee, our next meeting will be on Nov. 7 from 1 to 2:30 pm in the Bus Room. Hope to see everyone on Nov. 21. Let's all be informed and stay safe. For more information, please contact Michele Walter, (951) 202- 8009 or email crystalwater@dc.rr.com. Community Awareness Program

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