From the Sheriff’s blog…….

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay says he is happy to announce a new phase in his program to make the county a better, cleaner and safer place for our residents and visitors. Six of his officers have been formally trained as Crime Prevention Specialists and, over coming months, they will be implementing a number of programs aimed at both residential and business crime prevention.

During the first phase of the new crime prevention initiative, there will be town meetings held in each Sheriff’s Office “district” – in the Lower Keys, the Marathon area, Islamorada and in the Tavernier / Key Largo area. The first meeting will be held in Islamorada on Wednesday, April 6^th at the community center at Founders Park in Islamorada from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Residents who attend will meet their new Crime Prevention Specialists, who will discuss strategies for making the community safer, including offering hands-on security surveys of businesses and residences.

In coming months, these trained specialists will be offering security surveys county-wide to anyone who requests one. They will also be pro-actively visiting specific businesses and making suggestions about how to make each property safer.

Some crime prevention strategies might include removing large signs or displays from front windows so the interior of the business is more visible; making sure surveillance cameras and alarm systems are in good operating condition; installing secure locks on doors and windows and checking lighting outside after dark.

The trained specialists will also be concentrating on the prevention of certain types of crimes which are of particular concern in Monroe County. They will be tackling the prevention of vehicle burglaries, marine related thefts, bicycle safety, fraud and identity theft.

“We all need to work together as a community to tackle these issues,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “We would much rather spend time with a business owner or resident helping them to prevent a crime from taking place than to respond to a crime after the fact. This is a very safe place to live, work and play but together we can make it even safer.”

Anyone who wishes to request a security survey of their home or business can call their local Sheriff’s Office substation and request one. Someone will do an on-site visit and make suggestions for improving safety and security. Another aim of this program is to encourage neighborhoods to get together and organize Crime Watches in the county. If you are interested in organizing such a group in your neighborhood, contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation.

Lower Keys: Freeman Substation on Cudjoe Key, 305-745-3184

Middle Keys: Marathon Sheriff’s Substation, 305-289-2430

Islamorada: Islamorada Sheriff’s Substation, 305-664-6480

Tavernier / Key Largo: Roth Building on Plantation Key, 305-853-3211

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