KNOCK, KNOCK … WHO’S THERE?
In recent months, the Loudon County Sheriffs Department has responded to the village for complaints of suspicious persons knocking on doors and hanging out in our neighborhoods.
LOCK YOUR DOORS! Leaving any door, whether it’s a front door, side door or back door, unlocked makes you vulnerable to an intruder walking in, taking something, or even worse harming you. People who are not afraid to enter your home uninvited are not afraid to also get away at the expense of you getting hurt.
Do not answer knocks at your door without investigating first who it is. If you do not recognize the person, talk through the door or window and ask them politely to leave. If they do not, then call 911.
There have been too many incidents occurring where a stranger comes to the door and whether or not you answer it, they try the door handle to enter. Desperate times create poor decisions. Being intoxicated or under the influence of illegal narcotics also causes another gambit of issues including theft and disturbing the peace.
Investing in a doorbell camera will help you to identify people at your door without you having to engage them face to face. It could also supply law enforcement a photo of the person should their presence turn into something else.
Spring is upon us and summer is around the corner. The foliage is growing in and there have been several vagrant folks taking up residency in the lower brush along Highway 444 and 72. If you see these types of encampments, notify the POA and the Sheriff’s Department. Let your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator know as well. Do not rely on social media (for example – Next Door or Facebook) to resolve the issue.
Tellico Village is a generous community that supports and gives back to the less fortunate within and outside of our area. But that also makes us vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Report suspicious activity and always keep your eyes and ears open for your whole neighborhood. Together we can keep crime low and everyone safe.
For the latest crime trends or if you want to receive the regular safety bulletins, make sure you sign up for your Neighborhood Watch Google Group by sending your name and address to TellicoVillageNW@gmail.com.
Non-emergency numbers for the Sheriff’s Departments:
- Loudon County Sheriff Department at (865) 458-9081
- Monroe County Sheriff Department at (423) 422-4357
