FROM THE DESK OF THE POLICE CHIEF
Protecting Your Home
When You’re Away
By Ryan Thompson, Pine Knoll Shores Police Chief
It is no secret that a lot of our residents are seasonal or second-home
owners. The fall and winter, traditionally, is when the Police Depart
ment investigates the majority of our property crime cases. Crooks and
thieves are like water in that they travel the path of least resistance. The
more difficult homeowners makes their property to steal or break into,
the more likely the crooks and thieves will be to move on to another
target. Here are some easy and cost-effective things homeowners can do
to make sure they do not become a target.
1. If you’re going to be out of town for an extended period of time,
have the post office forward or hold your mail so your mailbox does
not pile up with mail. A full mailbox is an indicator for a thief that
no one is home. Do not forget to notify newspaper companies as
well. A porch or paper box full of newspapers has the same effect.
2. Think about installing motion sensor lighting. It is fairly afford
able, and is a great deterrent to unwelcome guests on a property at
nighttime.
3. Make sure that all exterior doors have a deadbolt installed.
4. Make sure your blinds or drapes are closed prior to leaving.
5. Take pictures and write down serial numbers and makes/models
of valuables prior to leaving. Having this type of information gives
us a much better chance of recovering stolen property—and also
helps speed up an insurance claim.
6. Do not leave bicycles or kayaks unsecured and visible from the
street.
7. Sign up for our Residential Security Check program. Officers and
volunteers will check your property throughout the week to ensure
doors and windows are secured and no unauthorized access is
gained to your property. Stop by the Public Safety Building and fill
out an authorization form.
8. If you do not have a residential security system that is remotely
monitored, consider doing some research and seeing if one is right
for you. There are dozens of companies that offer remote monitor
ing services, and having an alarm system can give you a discount
on your homeowner’s insurance. As with anything else, look at a
company’s reviews from current and previous customers prior to
making a commitment.
Quick Safety Tip
If walking or bicycling on a street or highway, remember to walk fac
ing traffic and bicycle with traffic. If walking or bicycling on a highway,
it is a good idea to wear reflective clothing or a reflective vest. If you
walk with a group, do not walk several abreast when you meet a car. A
little courtesy goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Scam of the Month: Automated IRS Phone Scams
In the past several weeks we have received numerous reports from
residents who are receiving automated calls claiming to be from the IRS.
The voice on the line sounds like a computer or robotic voice, and says
that if the recipient does not call the IRS back, a warrant will be issued
for his or her arrest. This is just a reminder that the IRS will never call
and threaten anyone with legal action over the telephone—and the IRS
will never call and request payment for back taxes. If you receive a call
and you are unsure if it is a scam or not, contact the Police Department
before making any payments or giving any personal information. Most
reputable companies or organizations will not call and ask for payments
over the phone or ask for personal information.
CONTENTS
Age-Friendly Community 2,11
Pine Knoll Shores Commissioners Meeting. 6
Mayor’s Memo 8
What’s Up With PARC? 9
Country Club News 9
Current Sudoko 9
Kramer’s Korner 12
Current Puzzle Solutions 13
Fishing and Hunting 15
PKA News 15
Town Crier 16-17
At the Library 18
Get to Know Your Commissioner 23
History of Pine Knoll Shores 24
From the Neighbor's Kitchen 25
Women’s Club 25
On the Grill 20
Real Estate News 27
Book Talk 28
Events Calendar 29
Current Crossword 30
Garden Club 31
Public
Safety
POLICE
During August, there were 7 arrests; 22 911 hang-ups; 12 alarm activa
tions; 6 animal calls; 1 larceny; 1 damage to property; 15 disturbances; 32
assist Fire/EMS; 5 motor vehicle collisions; 23 traffic hazards; 119 traffic
stops; 27 citations issued (8 speeding, 8 registration/inspection, 4 other
traffic violations, 6 narcotics violations, 1 alcohol violation); 17 written
warnings issued; 183 business checks; 195 residential checks; and 291 foot
patrols in residential areas, parks, beach accesses and businesses. Police
personnel participated in 201 training hours, and Volunteers in Police
Service (VIPS) worked 106.5 hours.
FIRE AND EMS
In August, responders handled 3 fires, 39 rescue and emergency medical
service incidents, 1 hazardous condition (no fire) call, 2 service calls, 2
good intent calls, and 11 false alarms or false calls. Personnel participated
in 290 training hours.
REMINDER: Lock your doors, especially your vehicles, and don’t leave
valuables in sight. Report suspicious people or vehicles to dispatch (726-
1911) so that the police can be notified. You are not “bothering” the police
if you call to report something that doesn’t look right. They prefer to assess
the situation rather than find out after the fact that you had noticed some
thing and didn’t report it. Alert citizens are an asset to the community.
^ TThe^^ •
bhorelme
252-247-4353 ext. 19
e-mail: Shoreline@townofpks.com
www.townofpks.com
EDITOR:
Janie Price
240-2365
EDITORS AT LARGE:
Mary Battista
422-4063
Marilyn Brandt 919-377-2501
John Brodman
726-7643
Phyllis Makuck
726-8776
Dennis Tomaso
622-4400
CONTRIBUTING
REPORTERS:
Paige Gillespie
Marian Goetzinger
422-9000
Charlie McBriarty
726-0602
Jean McDanal
Barbara Milhaven
240-0678
Jacquie Pipkin
622-0340
Jim Scanlon
726-4174
Richard Seale
726-0478
Jim Turner
240-2474
Ken Wilkins
CIRCULATION MANAGER:
Scott Sherrill
247-4353
GRAPHIC DESIGNER:
Lianne Won-Reburn 646-1713
ADVERTISING:
Marie Lawrence
726-7081
ARTICLE DEADLINE
DUE DATE
ISSUE
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Mon., Dec. 12
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Fri., Jan. 13
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Wed., Mar. 15
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Fri., Apr. 14
May
Kathie FUss
ADVERTISING DEADLINE:
The 19th of the month prior
to desired issue
Articles always welcome.
October 2016 I The Shoreline