The Secret Danger of Bump Keys

Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. To classify an offense as a burglary, the use of force to gain entry need not have occurred. The UCR Program has three sub-classifications for burglary: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry. The UCR definition of “structure” includes apartment, barn, house trailer or houseboat when used as a permanent dwelling, office, railroad car (but not automobile), stable, and vessel (i.e., ship).

In 2017, there were just over 36,000 burglaries in Arizona. These accounted for about 15% of all reported crimes that year. Of those 36K burglaries, almost 70% were residential, and most occurred during the daytime (between 6AM and 6PM). A little over half of these burglaries were classified as forcible entry!

Here is something that your average resident does not know...
the most common use of gaining entry to a home is with a small tool called a "bump key". 

What are Bump Keys?
Bump keys are specially cut keys that can bypass the security mechanisms built into traditional pin and tumbler locks (the most common locks used on deadbolts). These keys are relatively easy to produce and not at all difficult to acquire. The bump key is cut in such a way that it will not properly align with the pins/tumblers of the lock, but instead, it will disrupt the pins when hit with a small amount of force (lock bumping).  

The practice of lock bumping has been in use by professional locksmiths for several decades. Thanks to the internet anyone with a connection can learn how to make a bump key and use it! 

So how can you protect your home against lock bumping?

1. Clear Visibility. Keep the landscaping around your home as clean as possible. Maintained yards mean maintained homes (usually), and this is just one level of deterrent.

2. Neighborhood Watch. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Get to know your neighbors and stay involved with your community.

3. Security Cameras.

4. Anti-lock bumping devices. More budget-friendly than replacing all of your locks with keyless entry pads, thumb turn guards are designed to prevent the thumb turn part of a deadbolt from turning. For a few dollars more, you can invest in a commercial grade lock for the front door. There is also a travel version called the Super Grip Lock.

5. Install high-security locks. These locks are designed to be bump and pick resistant. They are made a heavier metal, use thicker screws, and the keys are high security, meaning that they can only be duplicated by authorized manufacturers.

6. Keyless deadbolts. These locks are only useful if you make sure to get a bump-proof model without tumblers.

Interested in joining Maricopa Meadows Blockwatch? Simply email us here.

5 Cheap and Easy Ways To Effectively Protect Your Home

The Maricopa Police Department says that the best home security involves multiple deterrents to dissuade opportunists and thieves from making your home a target.
Contrary to what you see on TV, most homes are burglarized during the day when residents are out. 

Burglars do not want to confront anybody. At the first sign of occupancy, they're gone. They just want to grab property and sell it. The criminals know that when someone is in the house, it changes the crime classification.

Because of this, thieves frequently pose as solicitors, he says. If no one answers the door, that's their cue to head around back and break in. Outsmart a thief with these home security tactics on the cheap.

1. The 'Duh' Factor - It's amazing how often people leave their home with doors and windows open or unlocked! Even an open garage door is an invitation to come in and take what you want! If a thief sees a bike in an open garage, it's an easy mobile crime to commit. We call this a crime of opportunity. LOCK UP YOUR HOME, IT'S FREE.


2. The Neighborhood - Your neighbors can be the best home security. Get to know that nosy next door neighbor of yours and let them know when you are going to be out of town so they can watch out for your place while you are gone.

3. Protecting Access Points - Make sure that ALL of your window and doors locks are sturdy and secure. Replace any wobbly or weakened deadbolts and reinforce your windows with dowels or slide locks for just a couple of bucks. Buy Now: http://goo.gl/My4Pnc

4. A Tidy Yard - Make it difficult for burglars to conceal themselves by keeping your bushes, shrubs and trees trimmed back. A well kept and clean property also tells a burglar that you care about your property and likely maintain the doors and locks too. 

5. Dusk Till Dawn - For about $30 you can turn your outside lights into dusk till dawn lighting. This way you don't have to remember to turn them on and off each day and night! Great exterior lighting is a huge deterrent for burglars, they don't want to be seen. Buy Now: http://goo.gl/zUbsmN

Nobody can afford the trouble of being burglarized, but anyone can handle the cost of these cheap and easy ways to protect your home and deter burglars. Another thing to consider, joining up with your neighborhood block watch group and help out the community! 

We Really Do Exist: Why almost nobody sees our blockwatch

Clip from The Watch

We don't usually wear special t-shirts, carry notebooks or leave hand made "tickets" on people's car windows. We don't "patrol" the streets in groups every night, and we definitely do not take-down and cuff would-be criminals. We are not the police. We are the residents of Maricopa Meadows.

However, there are people in the Meadows who think we should be like school yard monitors with whistles or volunteer security guards who keep detailed ledgers of nightly activity, but that's not the case with us. 

With the ease and anonymity of social media and the arrival of crime reporting apps, its no wonder some people would have you believing there is no Blockwatch in Maricopa Meadows. These days our Blockwatch group is more online than on the street. In truth, we are here, each of us doing our own blockwatch thing...

What's that thing you ask?

The primary goal of any volunteer Blockwatch group is to lessen or even prevent residential property crime and other neighborhood crimes. And the way we reach that goal is by sharing our knowledge through education, providing the tools and resources you need to protect yourself and your neighbors, and finally, to communicate important information to the police.

Did you know that the Maricopa Meadows Blockwatch Program is the model by which MPD is building its City Blockwatch Program around? We are the only program of our size in Maricopa that works independently of but in cooperation with our HOA/BoD, and we do it successfully! We also have a loosely coupled structure based on honor and communication that affords our volunteers the freedom to adjust their own roles to meet the needs of their immediate neighborhood without enforcing rigid policies and regulations.

So if you are expecting to see groups of residents in matching t-shirts walking the blocks nightly (most residential crime occurs in the day), you will be disappointed. Blockwatch volunteers are the moms waiting to pick up their kids from the bus stop, the disc golfers at play on the course, the neighbors out front trimming the bushes, couples walking their dogs, they are anyone who looks around their environment and keeps an eye out for strange activity. They are the ones who keep the outside lights on at night, the ones who keep their property maintained, the ones who know their neighbors, the ones who pay attention and say something. 

To get more involved with our program, contact Maricopa Meadows Blockwatch at mmblockwatchprogram@gmail.com and ask about volunteering or locate your neighborhood Block Captain. Come to our next meeting or visit our webpage at lifeinmaricopameadows.org/maricopa-meadows-blockwatch 

A Safe and Spooktacular Halloween: for you, your kids and your home

Halloween is right around the corner and I bet you've decked the house out with cobwebs, pumpkins and more. You've also made sure that your little ones (or big ones) have the most ghoulish costumes on the block. You have the candy, check. You have the creepy music, check. You even have a costume for the family pet, double check!

You have made sure that everyone is going to have a spooktacular Halloween...

But have you reviewed your safety checklist to make sure that you, your kids, and your home will be safe on this most wicked of nights?
We don't want to snuff out your jack-o-lantern or poison the candy corn, but Halloween can be quite dangerous. Already, Halloween doubles a child's odds of being struck by a vehicle! On this night, accidental falls are the leading cause of injuries at the E.R. and mobile devices are primarily to blame!  And those fabulously haunting decorations? Like a Christmas tree on Christmas, your dried cornstalks and crepe paper will light up the room if not kept away from open flames (like candles)!

To help make your Halloween fright night more fun than frightful, Maricopa Meadows Blockwatch put together this guide of Halloween Safety Tips for you, your kids and your home:


Simple Safety Tips for You:

1. Plan out a route in advance - Include paths that you are most familiar with to avoid dark alleys or getting lost in the dark. Getting lost in the dark could cause major panic and once you’re at this stage, your alertness wavers, which can cause you (and your children) to become an easy target.

2. Bring your own flashlight - Make sure its high-powered. Make sure to stay well-lit so that the kids can find you when they finish trick-or-treating. Also, if something looks off, shine a light on it to make sure its safe to proceed.

3. Use reflective tape or clothing - Just like you made sure your kids are visible at night to drivers, you should also wear reflective tape on your arms and legs or wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you too.

4. Be a safe pedestrian - You have your flashlight and your reflective tape on, now just remember to walk only on designated walkways, pay attention to traffic and do not approach homes with no lights on. No sidewalk or path, no problem. Simply make sure to walk as far to the right of the street and ALWAYS face traffic.

5. Know your info - in the event of being separated, make sure you have your kids' costume description, their height, weight, etc. along with your contact info in your phone and pinned to your clothing somewhere (in case you are not responsive). Also have your name and contact info pinned to the inside of your kids' costumes for the same reason. 

6. Download the Maricopa Police Dept. App - It just rolled out and is available for Android and Apple. If you see something, say something...or in this case, share something via the Police Mobile App. It's quick and easy to report non-emergency events. Always dial 911 in the event you have an emergency.

For the kiddos:

Now that you and the kids are squared away, let's talk about those Halloween decorations inside and outside your home!

Halloween Safety Tips for your home:

1. Most decorations are highly flammable. Keep them well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

2. It's highly recommended to use batteries, glow-sticks or led lights instead of real flame for pumpkins, candles, etc. But if you prefer the real thing, just makes sure to keep children away from the exposed flame, keep jack-o-lanterns away from flammable objects, out of the way of walkways, doors and entryways.

3. Make sure to keep exits clear of decorations to not block escape routes in the event of an emergency. 

4. Having a party or passing out candy? Make sure that your home and entryway are well lit and free of tripping or fire hazards. A well lit home tells trick-or-treaters that it's safe to approach and they can see what's ahead from the street. Also make sure any decorative lights you plan to use have been tested by a recognized lab (UL), and also to make sure the lights’ sockets, wires and connectors are in good working order before use.

5. Clean up your yard. Remove all tripping hazards like debris, and holes in the ground. Pick up any debris and fill in those holes. Also trim back the overgrown shrubs. Kids often cut across yards running from house to house. So put away those bikes, toys and tools that have been left out!

6. Confine those pets! After July 4th, Halloween is the next biggest night for pets to go missing. The constant doorbell ringing and kids excitement will make any pet anxious enough to dart at the first opportunity. Confining your pets does not mean putting them in the back yard. In fact, most dogs will easily escape their yards by digging out and even jumping the fence! Place pets inside a closed room or tucked away in a comfortable kennel covered with a blanket to minimize exposure to stimuli. If your pet does get lost, immediately post to PetSocialWorker.org and check with your neighbors right away. As soon as you can, post flyers with contact info around your neighborhood and follow up with Pinal County Animal Control to see if anyone found your beloved pet.

Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween!

4th of July Red, White and BOOM: What you need to know about using fireworks in Maricopa

Independence Day is a fun family-friendly and community driven celebration of our American freedom and the birth of our nation. It's a day filled with picnics, backyard barbecues and fireworks!

Since the Summer of 1776, people have been celebrating our declaration of independence with concerts and parades accompanied by some form of fire power. Early on that fire power was displayed by blasting cannons and muskets into the air, but nowadays we use more modern, spectacular displays of fire - fireworks.

Fireworks and firework displays are definitely the favorite tradition among Americans, so much so that sales are expected to exceed $725 million this year. It's a booming business. 

But what about in Maricopa? Even though the state of Arizona passed Senate Bill 1158, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer last year, allowing sales of certain ground fireworks in Maricopa and Pima County, it does not included our own Pinal County. The bill also allows for the cities to dictate "if and how residents can use fireworks."

The city of Maricopa has it's own code:
Section 10-1-6 of the Maricopa City Code states: It is unlawful for any reason within the limits of the city to blast or use powder, fireworks or other explosives without a written permit from the city or the fire Chief, and then only upon the terms and conditions set forth therein.

What does that mean exactly?

It means that the ONLY LEGAL fireworks
you can use within our city limits are SPARKLERS and POPPERS. Be aware that sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious injury if used improperly. You may purchase other types of fireworks, but you CANNOT use them within the city limits. If caught, you will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor and face a fine.

Firework Safety Tips:

• A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities.
• Never give fireworks to young children.
• Follow label directions carefully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers. 
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Observe local laws and use common sense.
• Sparklers, fountains and other items that many states allow for use by consumers are not appropriate when a large crowd is present.
• If attending a community display, leave your own fireworks at home -- there will be plenty of excitement provided by the display.

REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR PETS INDOORS THIS 4th

For more information on Fireworks safety, visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety web site.

It's the Mother of All Storm Seasons: Monsoon Weather Survival Tips

From about mid June until the end of September Arizona plays host to a myriad of weather conditions called the Monsoon Season. During this period we get everything from minor dust and wind to electrifying lightning displays and sudden heavy downpours. Serious damage can and does occur. It is not uncommon to see felled trees, downed power lines and outages, and flash flooding. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared and know what to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

Planning ahead

The best way to avoid lightning, flash floods, and other dangerous conditions is by not being in danger in the first place. 

There are many available ways to gain weather information including:

• Watching current weather forecasts on TV or the internet
• Listening to weather reports on the radio or a NOAA weather radio
• Subscribing to lightning and severe weather notification services
• Scanning the skies 360 degrees around and overhead before leaving a safe location

Be prepared for an emergency by having a 'disaster supply kit' on hand. Have one kit for the car and another kit at home. Every family should prepare a family disaster supply kit to use in the event of severe weather conditions that could knock out power and communications, potentially leaving you stranded for a few days.

Disaster Supply Kit Contents:

• food, water, and sturdy clothing to sustain a family for up to 3 days since electric power, gas and water services may be interrupted. 
• 3 gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet 
• First aid kit 
• A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration 
• Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries (Candles and oil lamps are fire hazards) 
• Necessary medications 
• Back-up power source for life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function

Dust Storms

These are an underrated killer in Arizona! Straight line winds in any thunderstorm can lift huge clouds of dust and reduce visibility to near zero in seconds, which can quickly result in deadly, multi-vehicle accidents on roadways. 

Dust storms, or haboobs, are more common during the early part of the monsoon, but can occur at any time during the season, depending on rainfall patterns. Be prepared for blowing dust and reduced visibility any time thunderstorms are nearby. 

         

Remember: PULL ASIDE, STAY ALIVE! If you encounter a dust storm, and cannot avoid driving into it. Pull off the road as far as you can safely do so. Turn off your headlights and taillights. Put your vehicle in "PARK," and/or engage your parking brake, and take your foot off the brake (so your brake lights are not illuminated.) Other motorists may tend to follow tail lights in an attempt to get through the dust storm, and may strike your vehicle from behind. For additional information, see pullasidestayalive.org

Dust storms usually last a few minutes, and up to an hour at most. Stay where you are until the dust storm passes. 

Flash Flood Safety

Did you know that each year more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water. 66% of flood deaths occur in automobiles that are swept downstream.

Many governmental agencies are dedicated to alerting the community to road closures during our thunderstorm season. Most cities pre-deploy barricades and emergency flashers to locations where they know water will be running across roadways causing major problems for motorists. 

As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks. Strength of the flow is the critical force. Even a less serious urban flood can be dangerous. Driving too fast through standing water can cause a car to hydroplane. The best defense is to slow down or pull well off the road (with the lights off) for a few minutes to wait out heavy rains. Avoid areas that are already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing water and do not go around barricades, it's illegal. 
When in doubt, wait it out, or find a safer route. If you ignore posted warnings and end up needing to be rescued, you will be responsible for the cost of the rescue (see "stupid motorist law").
If you live in a flood prone area have an evacuation plan. If possible, store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber for protection from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm. Store materials above flood levels. Secure wanted objects to prevent them from floating away. 

Learn where to find high ground, which is safe from flooding. In a flash flood situation seek high ground quickly. 

Contact an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage. Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Get coverage early-there is a waiting period before it takes effect.

Lightning Safety

When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. There is no place outside that is safe from a lightning strike. Remaining indoors for 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning and hearing the last thunder will eliminate the risk at the end of storms.

If fewer than 30 seconds elapse between the time you see a flash and hear the thunder, then the flash is less than 6 miles away. Research has shown that the most successive flashes are within 6 miles, which means that you should have reached a safe place if lightning is less than 6 miles away.

If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately.

2015 Meadows G.A.I.N. Day BBQ

As if living in the Meadows wasn't already great enough, each November our residents get together for the Annual G.A.I.N. Day Barbecue to celebrate our beautiful and safe community. If you haven't been yet, you may be wondering what this G.A.I.N. Day is and what it's for.


How we came to have G.A.I.N.

All across the US, states get together for the National Night Out. A night to connect with your neighbors, show solidarity as a neighborhood, while bringing back a true sense of community, and it provides a great opportunity to bring the local police, emergency responders, city leaders and residents together under positive circumstances. The problem with NNO is that is held in August which is not a good time of year for Arizonans to be outdoors - too hot!

So, Arizona adopted it's own version of NNO, Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, G.A.I.N. for short. The city of Maricopa officially registered 4 years ago, and Maricopa Meadows has been involved ever since!


Oh how our G.A.I.N. grows...

The event is open to all residents of Maricopa Meadows and each year, our community G.A.I.N. event attracts more and more of you! Maricopa Meadows holds the unofficial title for having the largest event attendance and we aim to keep it!

The Maricopa Meadows Board of Directors and HOA generously provides the free food and drink, entertainment, and raffle prizes. It's a free family-style BBQ with bounce houses (firmly affixed to the ground), a DJ, appearances by the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Maricopa Fire Department. Did I mention the raffle? Raffle tickets are handed out to those who attend the BBQ and a drawing is held towards the end of the evening!


Volunteers needed

The event is a huge undertaking and we always need volunteers to help out. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, email us at: mmblockwatchprogram@gmail.com

For other event info, email Eric Schmidt at mmbodschmidt@yahoo.com