On the Security Scene

Pine Straw Scam

Several residents reported being scammed by unsolicited pine straw vendor(s). It appears one of the vehicles gained entry by tailgating an authorized vehicle, and the other vehicle had a daily pass from a previous entry. The scammers usually quote a very low price per bail rate ($3.25 - $4.50), and then significantly “underestimate” the number of bails required for your yard. The quote is typically verbal. Upon “completion” of the job, they will demand more than the quoted price, stating they had to use significantly more bails of pine straw. In one instance, they told the homeowner they needed to leave and pick up more pine straw. However, they never returned. Instead, they proceeded immediately to a local bank and cashed the check.

Solicitation in The Landings is prohibited, and residents should always call Security with as much information they can obtain (e.g., vehicle, license plate, company name, name of person and description, etc.). Residents always should obtain written quotes for any work to be done.

Descriptions provided by victims were of two young African-American males driving a grey Chevy Tahoe and a White Chevy Silverado or Ford pickup. Checks were made payable to Joseph Butler, and an ID with the name of Jaylen Nicholas Leonard was provided to one of the residents. The suspects also used the names, possibly aliases, of Ronny and Jay. Landings Security has notified Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) and is working with residents to file charges and pursue possible criminal charges.

Golf Cart vs Vehicle

On February 9, Landings Security received a report regarding a hit and run incident at The Village intersection. The driver of the vehicle stated she was stopped at The Village intersection when a golf cart going around her vehicle, which was stopped in the crosswalk, hit her vehicle. The driver provided a cart number. However, upon viewing video of the incident, another cart number was observed. When the cart owner/driver was contacted, he stated the vehicle started to edge forward as the driver was looking down, and he tapped the hood of the vehicle to get her attention. No damage to the vehicle was observed, and the driver did not want CCPD notified.

Water Leak

On February 11, Landings Security responded to the Delegal Creek Marina area for a reported water leak. Upon arrival, the Patrol Officer discovered a major water line leak. Utilities, Inc. personnel responded along with Public Works Director Sean Burgess. An alert was sent to residents in the area, and the water line was repaired. Minor damage to the road was repaired as well.

Suspicious Incident

On February 10, Landings Security responded to a report of a suspicious person walking on the 5^th hole of the Marshwood golf course and carrying a flashlight with a red light. Upon the Patrol Officer’s arrival at approximately 2:25 a.m., no persons were observed. Patrols were increased throughout the night, and no other calls were received.

Bicycle Found

On February 8, Landings Security recovered an abandoned bicycle with two flat tires. The bicycle’s owner was unknown, and the bike was taken to the Main Access Control Facility (gate) (912-598-1982, option 2) for safe keeping. The bike remains unclaimed at the time of this report.

Case Follow Up

Landings Security works diligently with Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Courts, and Chatham Animal Services to keep residents apprised of cases. As many know, the wheels of justice turn excruciatingly slow, and most cases may take years before they reach their final resolution. Many simply remain unsolved. Out of the 18 Part 1 crimes last year, only four were cleared, and those that resulted in arrests are proceeding through the judicial system. Case in point, in December 2019, (did I mention excruciatingly slow?), a person was charged with trespassing and damage to TLA common property. The case just made it to Court this month. The suspect pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $2,100 in restitution to The Landings.

Another case of a resident discharging a firearm in the community in February 2021 and being charged with Aggregated Assault and criminal property damage is being heard on March 31, 2023. If you are a victim of any crime or are interested in a particular case, we encourage you to directly contact the District Attorney’s Office to keep abreast of the status of the case. It is not uncommon for court dates to be rescheduled and continuances granted. As for the March 31^st hearing and most criminal court proceedings, the public is welcome to attend.

Appeals Hearing

The Appeals Committee heard an appeal regarding the repeated offense of golf cart registration numbers being altered and a $200 fine. The appeal was denied and the fine upheld.

Warnings and Citations

• A warning citation was issued to a vendor with an RFID equipped truck for not using safety cones.