On the Security Scene

Chatham County 911 Dispatch

Chatham County 911 Dispatch has agreed to include TLA Security for calls for assistance routinely dispatched to Chatham Emergency Services (CES) via their paging system. Pagers were ordered through our local authorized Motorola dealer and will be programmed to receive pages from the 911 call center. TLA Security is currently being notified by telephone and then uses a Mass Notification system for notifying Skidaway Island First Responders. The newly programmed pagers should improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall notification and response.

 

Thefts

On Wednesday, December 20, Security and Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) responded to a residence on Tidewater Way for a report of a stolen vehicle. The resident advised that the vehicle was last seen that morning around 7:20 a.m. The vehicle was left unlocked, and the spare key was missing from his bedroom. The resident called back a short time later to report that the vehicle had been left overnight at a friend’s house.

Security and CCPD responded to a residence on Landings Way North for a report of a theft in the early morning hours of Monday, December 25. The resident advised that a moped and two crossbows were stolen, and he believed a former employee may be the culprit. Security reviewed video footage and located the moped entering and exiting the Marshwood Gate before heading off island. CCPD is investigating.

On Thursday, December 28, Security received a report of a theft. The resident advised that her parents, who also are residents, noticed a few pieces of jewelry missing from their home. It is unknown when the items were last seen. The couple believes that an individual from their cleaning service may have taken the jewelry. CCPD is investigating.

Accidents

On Monday, January 1, Security responded to a golf cart accident on Islanders’ Retreat. Upon arrival, CES was already on scene. The driver advised that he was attempting to restrain his dog after it had seen another dog and gotten upset. In the process, he lost control of the cart, drove off the road, and struck a tree. There was minor damage to the golf cart, and the driver sustained a minor head injury, which did not require transport.

Dog Bite

Security responded to a report of a dog bite on Thursday, December 28. The complainant advised that he was walking near the Marsh Tower when a leashed large brown and white dog approached him. When the man went to pet the dog, it jumped up and bit his arm. The bite went through his jacket and broke skin at the point of contact. The individual walking the dog left the area without making contact with the man. The responding Officer searched the area for a dog matching the description the man provided but was unsuccessful in his search. The report was forwarded to Chatham County Animal Services.

Deer Poaching

On Friday, December 22, an employee of Coastal Communications notified Security of gunshots heard off McWhorter Drive. While on scene, the responding Officer also heard gunshots and contacted Jonathan Smith with the Department of Agriculture, who advised Security to notify DNR. DNR was notified, responded to the scene and started their investigation. Evidence of hunting on private property was discovered and the suspect was identified. DNR is continuing their investigation, and The Landings Association will pursue criminal charges against the former Landings Golf & Athletic Club employee.

Unauthorized Fire

On Friday, December 29, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Security noticed burning embers at the Shellrake. The fire appeared to have been burning for several hours. No one was in the area, so it is unknown who may have started the fire or when it was started. The Officer was able to successfully put out the embers.

Suspicious Incidents

Security responded to Henry Clay Court for a report of a suspicious vehicle on Wednesday, December 20. The complainant advised that she noticed a suspicious vehicle while checking her mail. She stated that the vehicle slowly passed her residence before turning around approximately two houses down from her. She advised that the vehicle stopped at the beginning of her street for approximately two-to-four minutes before turning left onto Wiley Bottom Road. No further instances regarding a suspicious vehicle were reported.

On Friday, December 22 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Security responded to Wiley Bottom Road for a report of teenagers ringing doorbells and running off. While patrolling the area, the responding Officer witnessed a white male running across the road onto Village Green Circle. The Officer further patrolled the area but did not see the individual. Around 2:20 a.m., the complainant advised that the individuals had returned. He stated that it appeared to be two males and one female. He followed them on his golf cart to Landings Way North where he lost them. Security patrolled both Wiley Bottom Road and Landings Way North but was unable to locate the individuals.

Security responded to Mackay Lane for a report of a suspicious person on Tuesday, December 26, at approximately 3:30 a.m. The complainant advised that a man wearing a black hoodie and shorts rang their doorbell and asked for a phone charger. While patrolling the area, the responding Officer located a man matching the description on Romerly Road heading southbound to Landings Way North. The individual identified himself and stated that he was lost. He advised that he had gotten onto the property via an Uber with another man that he had met off island, and they had been drinking. CCPD was contacted, and upon identifying the individual, they escorted the gentleman home. Security reviewed video footage and found that the man had entered with a registered occupant of a residence.

Security responded to Franklin Creek Road South on Thursday, December 28, for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The complainant advised that a white truck was driving slowly and possibly going through mailboxes. The responding Officer patrolled the area with negative results. No further reports were received.

On Monday, January 1, Security received several phone calls regarding juveniles ringing doorbells and running away in the areas of Greensbourne Lane and Brandenberry Road. One caller informed Security that the individuals were in golf carts on the golf course behind her home. Two Officers responded to the area and located two carts on the 11^th hole of Palmetto. The juveniles were identified, and their parents were notified of the incident. The parents also were advised of the requirement to have an operator’s license to drive a golf cart on common property as the juveniles were unlicensed. Pending further review, citations may be issued as warranted.

Security responded to a residence on Chatuachee Crossing for a report of a suspicious incident on Monday, January 1. The resident stated that he was watching TV when he heard a metallic sound and then someone beating on his glass door. He showed the Officer an ajar wrought iron gate leading to a courtyard and advised that the fence is never open as it is difficult to open and close. Additionally, there were visible palm marks on the glass door, which also was slightly ajar. There was no damage, and everything else appeared normal. A neighbor stated that his motion light had been going off for approximately 30-40 minutes, but he had not noticed anything unusual. Extra patrols were performed in the area.

On Tuesday, January 2, Security responded to the Moon River area for a report of possible gunshots. An Officer patrolled the area with negative results, and no further phone calls were received.

Traffic Safety & Compliance Officer

The Board of Directors approved the 2024 Budget, which includes a new full-time position in the Security Department. We are actively seeking a qualified candidate to fill the new Traffic Safety & Compliance Officer position. Remember, the intent is to improve the overall safety on our Island. Please, be respectful.

Warnings and Citations

• Warnings and citations were issued to vendors for not displaying logos on RFID-equipped vehicles and trailers and no safety cones.
• Warnings were issued to residents and guests for parking in an unauthorized area, early placement of dry trash, overnight parking on the street, boat in driveway overnight, trailer in driveway overnight, placing yard debris on the storm drain, early placement of bulk trash, and having a covered vehicle.

** Please note that a brief synopsis is provided for pertinent incidents that Security responds to during the week. All incidents are not covered in the weekly recap. Statistics for reports are provided below. **