As summer approaches a number of activities begin to increase. Some are criminal in nature. Others are issues of personal and kid safety. The following is a potpourri of information on some of these topics.

During the summer when kids are out of school and bored, criminal mischief type crimes often increase. These may range from the rather innocuous, like turning on your sprinklers during the night, toilet papering your house, or similar items. Others are more serious, such as slashed tires, broken windshields, mailboxes destroyed and such. Neighborhood Watch groups can help by being vigilant in reporting suspicious activities and everyone should report crimes that occur as soon as they are discovered. Getting clothing descriptions of persons, license plate numbers and color and type of vehicles are extremely helpful in assisting the Police in finding and apprehending the suspect. In turn, the Police will make every effort to keep you advised should we begin seeing these types of occurrences in your neighborhood.

Residential burglaries occasionally go up in the summer for the same reasons listed above. Again, Neighborhood Watch groups are invaluable in reporting this activity in progress and in providing information necessary to find and arrest suspects. Always lock your doors, even when you are home. Keep garage doors down and closed as well. An open garage door is inviting to a thief looking for an easy score, especially if he hears the lawnmower running in the back yard. He knows you are busy and not likely to walk in on him while he is taking your stuff. If the weather permits and house windows are raised, keep them low enough to allow for air circulation but not enough to allow easy entry. Buy auxiliary locks, available at any reputable hardware store, that allows you to lock the window while in the open position, helping to prevent someone from easily raising it further. If you have a home alarm system, use it religiously.

Summer is a time when kids are out, sometimes playing in or near residential streets. Be extra vigilant for children who can dart out from hidden areas quickly. Watch for kids on bicycles as they may quickly turn, lose their balance or otherwise move into your lane of traffic. Occasionally, older kids want to play basketball in the streets, or otherwise visit or congregate in the street, inhibiting the flow of traffic. This is a violation of the law. If asked politely to move and they refuse, notify the Police and we will gently persuade them to comply.

Small motorbikes and similar motor-powered vehicles that are not street-legal are also a summer nuisance. The Town has a recently amended ordinance that makes it illegal (Class C misdemeanor) to operate, or allow others to operate, these vehicles on public streets. Again, report this activity to us and we will take corrective actions. If street-legal vehicles of any type, such as a car, truck or motorcycle are being operated consistently in an unsafe manner, and you can safely get the license plate number and description, we can make contact with the registered owner to advise them that their unsafe activity has been noticed by others and consequently, we (Police) are watching them.

With 26 miles of shoreline, Little Elm has its share of water related issues. The new beach at the park will officially open Memorial Day. Enjoy it safely by always having children wear life jackets. True, they don’t look “cool” and they seriously impact tan lines, but they will keep you alive if you suddenly find yourself in water over your head or have a muscle cramp. The Police and Fire Departments are scheduling water safety programs at all the elementary schools in May to remind kids of the water safety rules. A Water Safety Awareness for both parents and adults is scheduled for May, 10th at Town Hall at 6:30 PM. Plan to attend if possible.

Remember to boat safely. Boating while intoxicated is a criminal offense just like operating a car. Don’t take the risk. Besides the possibility of being arrested, intoxicated boaters are the primary source of boating accidents, especially those where others are killed or injured.

As with any news, there is always more to write about than there is room to write it. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to contact us. The Little Elm Police Department stands ready to assist you with informational brochures, references, presentations and more on helping to protect you and your homes and businesses. If we can be of service, contact Sergeant Steve Garst, Community Services Division, Little Elm Police Department at (972) 377-1885 or on-line at communityservices@littleelm.org