JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
During the past few weeks, there has been a perceived spike in suspicious activity in Menriv Housing at Joint Base Charleston - Weapons Station, S.C.
As a proactive measure, members from the 628th Security Forces Squadron recently visited homes on the Weapons Station, going door-to-door to more than 250 houses, July 12 - 14, 2013.
The purpose of their visit was to inform, educate and talk with the base housing residents.
"It further provided an opportunity to discuss ways for the residents to take an active role in their safety and security as well as the safety of other residents," said William Scheer, 628th SFS Weapons Station operations manager.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your items safe:
· Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. An unlocked door is inviting.
· Secure valuables out of sight and leave nothing of value outside overnight.
· Keep your garage door closed and locked even when your car is not in the garage.
· There is a Security Forces Police patrol in your area 24/7. These patrols are here to protect you and your family.
· If you see someone in the neighborhood that looks suspicious, call the Base Defense Operations Center; we will respond!
· If you have any information concerning a crime, contact the BDOC or talk with the Patrolman in your neighborhood.
"We appreciate our residents reporting anything suspicious," said Lt. Col. James Hodges, 628th SFS commander. "Many times, this information may seem minor at the time, but may end up being the final piece to a much larger puzzle. Our goal is to provide a safe residential area for our joint service families and visitors to the installation."
Important phone numbers for Air Base residents to remember include 911 for emergencies, 963-3600 to reach the Air Base Defense Operations Center (non-emergencies), 963-3777 to reach the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department and 963-4006 for Family Advocacy.
Important phone numbers for Weapons Station residents to know include 911 for emergencies, 764-7555 to reach the Weapons Station Base Defense Operation Center (non-emergencies), 764-7024 to reach the Fire Station and 764-7294 for Fleet and Family Support.
"I truly enjoyed having an opportunity to talk with our customers in housing; we received a lot of information," said 1st Lt. Caesar Baldemore, 628th SFS assistance operations officer. "We received a lot of information and I feel we built some trust with the housing residents."
The 628th SFS is planning to conduct a similar operation for Air Base residents at a later date.