Lakewood California Neighborhood Watch Newsletter
July 2015
Crime Prevention Office 562-866-9771, extension 2114
 www.lakewoodcity.org/publicsafety
 crimeprevention@lakewoodcity.org
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Dates to Remember

July 4

Independence Day

 

August 4

National Night Out

 

Tip of the Month
Idea  

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August and 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error. To prevent being the victim of this crime:

 

Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

 

Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.

 

Don't ever leave valuables, including identification, in your vehicle.

 

Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended, even in your driveway.

 

Another Successful Neighborhood Watch Picnic!

It was great to see so many of our neighborhoods represented at our annual picnic on June 20th. We always look forward to the opportunity to personally thank our block captains for their ongoing support throughout the year. Mayor Jeff Wood thanked the Neighborhood Watch block captains and neighbors for their commitment to their community and urged residents to call the sheriff's when they see something or someone unusual in their neighborhood. As always, the BMX bicycle stunt show was a big hit. We hope you enjoyed the picnic and we look forward to another great year!

Be a Superhero!

The Crime Prevention Office kicked-off the 'Be a Superhero' campaign at the Neighborhood Watch Picnic. This campaign celebrates the superhero in all individuals who support public safety and the Lakewood community. You can be a superhero by being a block captain, being aware of your surroundings, reporting unusual activity, getting to know your neighbors, sharing information and encouraging participation. Tell your neighbors and Lakewood friends that you are a superhero and they can be one too! Anyone interested in becoming a superhero block captain can contact the Crime Prevention Office at 866-9771, extension 2114 or email crimeprevention@lakewoodcity.org.

July 4th Celebration Reminder

Just a reminder that the possession and sale of Safe and Sane fireworks is only allowed July 1 - 4 in the City of Lakewood. Legal fireworks may be discharged only on July 4th between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Any violations of these conditions should be reported to the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at 623-3500.

   If there is a home in your neighborhood with a history of illegal fireworks or unruly celebrations, report this information by contacting the City's July 4th Tip Line at 866-9771, extension SAFE (7233), which is open until 3:00 p.m. on July 4. After that, report the violation directly to the Sheriff's Station. Please remind your neighbors of these laws and have a safe 4th of July!

Landscaping Contractors

Many residents are considering drought tolerant landscaping due to the mandatory water use restrictions the State has imposed on local communities. When selecting a landscape contractor, thoroughly screen the company or individual to prevent being scammed and ensure quality work and a safe environment for your family and neighbors.

   Landscaping needs that include drainage or irrigation systems, landscape lighting, plants, and water features, require a landscape contractor to possess a state license. You can verify the license status of a contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov, or by calling 1-800-321-2752. Make sure the license is in the trade or skill that is necessary for your project.

   Get at least three bids and don't assume the lowest bid is the best. Don't pay more than 10 percent of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment. Do not pay in cash and do not make payments ahead of the progress of the work being completed. Always check references and if possible, view recently completed jobs.

   Be sure to sign a detailed contract that includes the requirement that the contractor will provide adequate supervision of everyone working on the job. Details should also include specifics about when the work will begin and be completed and the variety and quantity of plants, materials and resources that will be used, including their placement.

   As a reminder, Lakewood residential water customers can combine over $1,600 in rebates from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California with up to $915 in rebates from the City of Lakewood for turf removal and water-wise re-landscaping and for installing water-wise irrigation devices. For more detailed information on rebates, visit  www.lakewoodcity.org/waterrebates or call Lakewood staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

National Night Out - August 4

National Night Out is an annual event designed to unite our nation to "say no to crime." This campaign is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, increase support for crime prevention programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit. Throughout the country, communities will plan activities that bring neighbors together toward this cause. You can participate by hosting a BBQ or potluck and invite your neighbors and friends, or simply turn on your porch light from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, and show support!

OPERATION L.A.W.

Operation L.A.W. - Lakewood Auto Watch - decal program identifies a participating Lakewood resident's vehicle as being possibly stolen when it is on the road between the hours of 1-5 a.m. If a law enforcement officer sees your vehicle with the L.A.W. decal out during these hours, it gives them authorization to stop and investigate the vehicle's occupants. If you use your vehicle during these early morning hours, this program is not for you. But if you rarely drive during the wee hours of the morning and would like to keep your vehicle safer, you can enroll at the Lakewood Sheriff's Station or at the Lakewood Sheriff's Community Safety Center at Lakewood Center.

Pool Safety

Pools can be a great source of entertainment and recreation for you and your family. However, they can also create additional liability if not used properly. Be sure to share the following safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors:

 

Never leave children alone in or around the pool. Do not rely on floatation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. An adult must always be present.

 

All adults or older children should learn CPR.

 

Mount floatation devices for lifesaving near the pool. Keep toys away from the pool because a young child playing with them could accidently fall into the water.

 

If a child is missing, search the pool first.

 

Take a cell phone to the pool area. Make sure it's programmed with the non-emergency telephone number to the Lakewood Sheriff's Station (623-3500).

 

Have a fence around the pool with locking gates to safeguard pets and children.

 

Check the pool equipment on a routine basis to make sure everything is working correctly and that no hazards exist.

Safety Center
Star

At the Lakewood Sheriff's Community Safety Center you'll be able to find information on city programs, activities and services; helpful crime prevention information, and public Live Scan fingerprint services. You can participate in Kid Print, enroll in the Lakewood Auto Watch (LAW) program, license a bicycle, file a crime report, enroll in Lakewood recreation classes, or simply relax in our comfortable lobby. Check the Mall directory for our location. For more information please call (562) 623-3583.

  

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