WILDWOOD CREST ─ Residents gathered June 19 at Crest Pier ready to learn and ask questions of their own.
“We’ve (police department) made the commitment to reach out more to residents and the business community,” Capt. Robert Lloyd said.
According to Lloyd, more talks on crime prevention and related topics will be given throughout the year, increasing communication and positive relations between police and residents.
Lloyd addressed how important it is to be involved in one’s community, adding how the department wished to hear ideas from the public.
Lloyd introduced Detective Sgt. Jon Weigand, an 18-year borough police officer. Weigand also serves in the Navy Reserve and has served a tour in Afghanistan.
Unassuming, Weigand walked residents and business owners through crime prevention steps. Many are “common sense,” requiring alertness and knowing one’s surroundings.
Weigand also presented the growing need for cybersecurity and learning what not to share online.
According to Weigand, crime prevention is the “interruption of a crime in process.” By reducing opportunities, potential criminals face more obstacles and are less likely to attempt crimes.
Locks, “the strongest deterrent to a casual intruder,” and dead-bolts lay the foundation for personal security, along with doors made of solid wood or metal.
Weigand said most crimes are fueled by addiction and that if enough “deterrents” exist; a crime is less likely to occur.
“Don’t leave your car door unlocked,” Weigand said. He highlighted personal safety in and out of a vehicle. Leaving car windows up and doors locked are a must, he said.
Calling for help instead of assisting someone alongside the road may sound harsh, but Weigand said it is a safer and wiser course of action.
Securing the home involves illuminating the home and keeping trees and shrubs trimmed to eliminate potential “hiding spots.”
“The majority of burglaries occur when no one is home,” Weigand said.
High fences may seem like a good idea, but they often provide another hiding place.
Weigand suggested keeping yard fencing low.
“A fence is better than no fence,” Weigand said.
For owners of rentals and motels, Weigand recommended informing guests to be “cautious” around doorways, laundry areas, corners, and in parking areas.
Weigand did not wish owners to “alarm” guests and to provide signage that encourages awareness.
Ensuring door “peep-holes” are of proper dimension will help keep guests safe.
In cases of missing tourists, Weigand suggested ordering bracelets marked with the name, address, and phone number of the motel or rental.
“Get out and know your neighbor,” Weigand said, referring to safety in the neighborhood. Knowing neighbors creates a “first line of defense” and helps keep children safe.
Knowing one’s child’s route to school and having them walk with friends increases safety measures. Weigand emphasized that if anything makes a child uncomfortable or seems suspicious, residents should report it immediately.
“Don’t think you are a burden on police,” Weigand said.
As technology continues to pave the modern world, so does cybercrime. Cybersecurity spans all age brackets and the social spectrum.
Identity theft, according to Weigand, can help be prevented by not giving personal information (i.e., Social Security number, bank account information, etc.) over the phone. Many scammers impersonate legitimate agencies such as Microsoft, banks, and even the IRS.
“They (scammers) will say anything to scare you into giving the information,” Cybercrime Officer Josh Coleman said. Coleman, a former bank security officer, works in the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
Avoid clicking on “suspicious” links embedded in emails or other websites.
Shop only online with stores that are trusted. Weigand urged residents to be “careful” meeting someone in person whom they met online.
Weigand and the Wildwood Crest Police commended residents for their vigilance in keeping the Crest a safe place to live, own a business, and raise a family.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
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