...Social Events This Spring: ..Pool Opening May 26th 1200, free BBQ for all current Tier One and Tier Two residents from 12-2pm...Spring Wine Tasting--new date coming soon...NEW Local RADAR link at bottom of the home page....Mountain Shadows Spring Yard sale May 5th from 8-2...........

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NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION SECTION

WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES

I still hear through the grapevine that some our neighbors are not receiving the email updates.  Of course this is voluntary but perhaps they are not aware, or maybe changed email addresses and forgot to send an updated address to us.  For those who like the updates—I would ask you to mention it to your neighbors and if they are not on list, simply email to mountainshadowsnews@gmail.com and they will immediately be added to the addressees.

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If you have not received the new Mountain Shadows Living magazine, please send a quick email with name and address and I will check with the publisher.  FYI, the previous newsletters and magazines are still available at our web site.  Check out the MS Magazine tab, the past 5 editions are available as PDF files.

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LOST ANIMALS
BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

LOST CAT (5/16/2012)-- A neighbor reported his grey long haired cat, Sweetie Pie, went missing after a walk Wednesday.  She is often seen around the clubhouse.  Contact mountainshadowsnews@gmail.com if you have seen her.

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PET FOR ADOPTION

 

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SOCIAL SECTION

UPCOMING NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS

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NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY SECTION

SECURITY UPDATES

30 April 2012

Several petty thefts from cars overnight last night--30 April.  First was the 9200 block of Magic Mountain.  “My car was broken into in my driveway last night.  There was nothing of value inside but the inside was ransacked.”

 

Second was the 700 block of Sunset Mountain Drive.  “All 3 of our cars were broken into last night.  No signs of forced entry so we must have left them unlocked.  We filed a police report with the Sheriff’s office.”

 

As the neighbor on Sunset Mountain passed, she felt silly for leaving them unlocked—but unlocked or not—it does not excuse criminal activity.  While this is not yet a trend, with the warmer weather there is typically an uptick in activity like this.  If not sure, check the cars one last time before bed.

 

Different subject—but one of relevance lately—a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood today (30 April) around mail delivery time.   The neighbor passed to me he was “…heading out front floor to go to mailbox about 2:20 p.m. Saw a green Toyota Pickup parked near my mailbox, looked to be a man and woman.  Do not know if mail had run but they saw me, went down the next cul-de-sac and came back by pretty fast.  I saw them leave out at Banks Rd and turned toward Standifer Gap --- Bradley County Tag.” Resident did get the tag and passed to Sherriff and MSRA Security.

NOTE: Basketball hoops ARE BACK UP--KEEP IT CLEAN AND THEY WILL STAY UP.

21 April 2012

Over the course of the weekend and this morning I received several emails about mailboxes torn up and mail removed/destroyed/redistributed along with one case of vandalism.  Likely this is a juvenile prank but doubt they understand that as soon as you mess with the mail or US Passports—you go federal as far as the offense.

 

With the recent reports—I see this as an official trend so please keep an eye out for similar.

 

Incidents summarized below:

• 600 block of Hidden Forest Drive.  Mailbox door twisted almost all the way off, red flag removed.

•  9300 block of Mountain Shadows Drive.  Potted plants in the street—urn planters(2) were gone from fountain patio. Continued looking, found one up right across the street in the bushes and 2nd one down the street in another neighbors yard.  They were cracked up but up right as well (which rules out wind).  Across the street I saw some papers, and it turns out someone opened some of my mail, then tossed it in neighbors yard.  Corner of Mountain Shadows Drive and Hidden Forest.

•  600 block of Hidden Forest Drive.  Mailboxes vandalized--paint on brick and bushes, and doors torn from boxes. Mail torn up and redistributed to others. The likely direction of travel was south based on paint.  Looks like young teens.

• 9200 block of Royal Mountain—mail stolen Saturday evening from our mailbox and our mailbox was also spray painted.  We have reported to the sheriff and will call the postal service tomorrow.

• 5500 block of Mountain Breeze Drive.  It appears a passport that I had applied for was taken from my mailbox this past Fri or Sat.  They left the envelop in the mailbox but took what was inside.

Looks like the focal point of the activity is the corner of Mountain Shadows Drive and Hidden Forest Drive.  If you see any indications of similar activity, please pass to law enforcement and to the board at this email.  We will pass on the information we have to the Sheriff and USPS. 

 

If your mail was tampered with, please use the following link to report the offense.  The more details given, the better the chance of determining who is doing this: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactUs/filecomplaint.aspx.  If you prefer to talk to postal inspector, the number is 1-877-876-2455

15 April 2012

One other security incident from the weekend, “...after a LONG day I am not sure the car was locked, but this morning our twin dvd players were stolen out of the car....no sign of forced entry.”  This occurred in the 200 block of Shadow Parkway.

As the weather warms and school gets out—please be vigilant as this type of activity tends to increase.  As always, the Sheriff non-emergency number is 622-0022.

15 April 2012

Two separate US Mail related incidence--someone driving the neighborhood and going into mailboxes this past Friday.  One incident was the 9300 area of Royal Mountain and the other on Woody Hollow.

One neighbor reported that some of their son’s birthday cards had been sliced open and money and gift cards removed.  As they said, they “were home all day and in and out doing yard work” so a rather brazen move.  

Second mailbox incident was also Friday when the neighbor reported, “about 1PM, I heard my mailbox door open.  I look out and a car, facing the on-coming traffic was at my mailbox.  I thought well it was a solicitor of some sort.  After about 15 minutes, I decided to go to the mailbox to see what he left in my mailbox.  There wasn't anything in my mailbox.  I think this was someone checking mailboxes to take things.  Since its tax season, he may have
been looking for tax refund checks.” 

After inquiring with the USPS and doing some searching, there is a simple way to let the Postal Service know if you have as issue with mail tampering.  Check out: https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactUs/filecomplaint.aspx to file a complaint online.  If you prefer to talk to an inspector, the number is 1-877-876-2455

 

As the USPS employee said, “…each individual should report the issue.  This gets a faster response, especially if there are numerous complaints.  The postal inspectors will need to talk to each person for each incident.”

2 March 2012

No incidents to report but several neighbors in the 9400-9600 Block of Mountain Shadows Drive reported that their dogs were disturbed/barking late the night of the 1st.  This was well beyond barking at a cat so please make sure to  LOCK UP AND LIGHT UP your home.

23 February 2012

One incident to report—likely occurred on the evening of the 23rd.  Someone decided to steal the transformer and box from the first Banks Rd entrance.  In the process, they cut up the wiring and damaged several of the new fixtures.  If anyone saw a suspicious vehicle or person(s) at Entrance 1 last night or even late Wednesday, please pass it on and I will add to the Sheriff’s report made today.  
 
Rather than simply replace the stolen/destroyed components and hope for the best (and to preclude a return visit) we have removed the same equipment from entrance 2 until we install a more secure box to mount the irrigation and lighting components in.  What this means is, the sign lights will be out of service for a bit at entrance 1 and 2.  

16 FEBRUARY 2012
A neighbor on Stoneway Lane had her car broken into overnight.  Nothing of real value
taken BUT here is a good heads-up for all.  The neighbor locked the car but then one of her children had to retrieve a Valentine from it—and did not re-lock it.  If you have a younger child (heck I have two teens and am guilty) make a double check part of the nighttime routine.

Not a security incident per se, but have received many complaints about dirt bikes *in* the neighborhood.  The Sheriff is aware and involved so—if you have a dirt bike (with orange fenders) please use it in appropriate areas, not the neighborhood—not Banks Rd.  My main concern is for the rider—who I have seen way over the speed limit, popping wheelies—and/or the kids or vehicles they are going to hit!

The above also applies to Banks Rd.  Though not our property, the owner does not want motorized vehicles tearing up the area—if you see it, call the Sheriff.  If you have an emergency—call 911.  If it is to report an issue/non-emergency—call 622-0022.

2012 Mountain Shadows Resident Sticker
In an effort to improve security in the neighborhood, the board has developed a vehicle sticker for all residents who have paid their 2012 annual dues.  The first mailing of these stickers will occur immediately after the last chance payment date of 10 February.  To view the stickers and the preferred location for the stickers--CLICK HERE--or go to Vehicle ID under the RESIDENTS ASSOC tab.

2 FEBRUARY 2012
A couple issues to be aware of.  First, a suspicious person was seen around Candlewood Trail last week.  Dogs alerted the residents and they called the police after spotting a person with a large bag on their back porch.  Police searched the area but nothing found. 

A second suspicious incident on Grand Mountain Drive.  A silver Jeep Wrangler has been seen around a construction dumpster in the cul-de-sac on several occasions.  When the neighbor returned home last weekend, the Jeep was sitting there again.  The neighbor walked out of the garage and the car sped off.

24 December 2011
Has a single car break in this week.  This happened on Mountain Dale.  Police report was filed and the owner did say “we…remember to lock our cars (and turn on the alarms) when they're outside of the garage but the other night I didn't….  The only thing of any value was my GPS, which they took.  The garage door opener was hidden in the glove box and was not taken.”  Of course not locking the car does not excuse the crime, but stay vigilant and safe over the holidays and keep valuables inside/out of sight (including garage door openers).

 

One reminder from the Neighborhood Watch Newsletter that bears repeating—Recommendation is to NOT put boxes from TVs or other attractive items out with the trash.  Cut them up and put in the garbage can or take them to the recycling center. 

 

22 December 2011
Neighborhood Watch Newsletter posted under the RESIDENTS ASSOC Tab or click here. 

Some Christmas security info from Nolan Barker, the MSRA Security Rep!

 

Christmas offers increased opportunities for thieves.  In addition to the normal defenses we should all know (locks, alarms, neighbor awareness, etc.), there are some specifics for the season.  Don’t display your Christmas tree and gifts where the goodies can be seen through a window from outside.  The same applies to the front door.  We are advised not to open the door to a stranger, but we still do and it only takes seconds to notice the gaming system or new computer.

 

Open curtains can provide burglars with clues that a house is unoccupied, while lights and a TV sound hint that someone is home.  A burglar does not want to be noticed by a homeowner or a neighbor and will move on.

 

Holiday parties and visits to family mean more unoccupied houses, and fewer Neighborhood Watch eyes looking.  If you are going to be gone, let a couple of neighbors with a view of your house know—especially those who can keep an eye on the back of the house.  Remind them that our Sheriff’s office wants them to call (622-0022, or 911) and report any suspicious activity, which may be something that is different from the expected.

 

One way a burglar can reduce risk is by reducing time spent searching a house for valuables.  This means knowing in advance the item he is after, such as the flat screen TV seen through a window.  They are more willing to park in a driveway, and risk the sound of a single broken window.  A description of the car given to the police ASAP means the officer knows what to look for coming from the address before he gets there.

 

One final note for Christmas: do not put boxes from the TV or other attractive items out with the trash.  Cut them up and put in the garbage can, or take them to the recycling center.

13 December 2011
An out of town friend visiting one of our neighbors had her car broken into while parked near the end of Mountain Shade.  GPS, Satellite Radio and sunglasses taken.  The theft was reported to the Sheriff who passed on the following:  Trend has developed across the area--thefts much more pronounced on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday.  Daytime tends to be attempts to enter homes while night is oriented on car entry.

Light up, lock up, and keep valuables out of site as the police continue high alert over Mountain Shadows and the entire East Brainerd Area.

PS--Lowe's has some motion detecting exterior lights for a good price--sadly, I am adding these to my shopping list.

2 December 2011 

Since two were arrested last weekend, it would appear another attempt was made to pry open a car and truck window on Shadow Parkway.  The attempts were not successful but since the vehicles were in a well lit drive and did not contain any visible valuables, this may be a similar attempt to get in the car and grab a garage door opener.  I would suggest bringing the garage door openers in when you lock up at night.

23 November 2011 
I just received this preliminary report from a neighbor on Shadow Parkway.  Two arrested very early this morning in Mountain Shadows (11/23/11).   As described in the report--one suspect was on the porch...the other was waiting in a nearby car.  The one on the porch ran from police and was apprehended.  He falsely told police that he was coming to visit the neighbor and was expected. The resident was awakened at 1:45 by Chattanooga Police checking the story.  Incident was in the 500 block of Shadow Parkway.

Arrest made by the Chattanooga Police Department so kudos to the city police and the Sheriff's department for the increased vigilance in our neighborhood.

Of note, I also received an email late last night about someone ringing the doorbell on Casltewood Trail.  This happened very late (11:30pm) and no one was seen at the door.  The neighbor reported this.  It is possible these events are related and the call by the first neighbor alerted the police and helped with the arrests.

Sometimes a single event may seem innocuous by itself, but by passing on the info and calling in any suspicious activity, it may be the piece needed to help the case.  My point is, keep up the vigilance and if you do have something "odd" happen, do not hesitate to call the police and forward it here.  Not sure this is related to the car break-ins but if more info becomes available I will pass it on.

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SECURITY TIPS

 
 

• Number One Tip...Exterior lighting ON overnight, especially around dark doorways/backyard areas or areas difficult to see from the street
  
• Double check all doors locked before bed
• Double check cars locked and no valuables in vehicle
• Display a home security sign.  Don't have one, who knows that but you
• If you have a alarm, arm it
  
• Let neighbors know if away for extended period of time
• Have mail, papers picked up or stopped
• Set interior light(s) on a timer, even if home
• DO NOT leave garage door openers in cars overnight
  

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The  "No Soliciting" signs have been reinstalled at all entrances.  Again, do not hesitate to politely remind anyone soliciting...do not.  If they say they did not see the sign, well, perhaps they need an eye exam.

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