A new tool for keeping informed about crime in your neighborhood is now available online. The website, http://www.crimereports.com, is easy to navigate and very informative.  Over 600 law enforcement partners support this comprehensive crime-mapping program across North America.

The types of crime that are mapped include homicide, breaking and entering, robbery, theft, assault, vehicle theft and recovery, theft from a vehicle, sexual offenses and property crime. It also includes sex-offender data in all 50 states. 

To navigate the website, type in your address, then select a date period and the type of crime information you desire. Crime squares will populate your map and when you click on those squares, detailed information is provided. The data includes the date the crime was reported, the address, the distance from original address given, the identifier number (which is the case number), the time, type of crime, and the agency reporting the crime, i.e., the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. You also have the option of three different viewing modes which includes satellite, hybrid and terrain.

I hope you find this new website informative but would ask that you not inundate the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office with unnecessary calls regarding this tool. 

In other news, a group of shady roof repairmen have been operating in the West Boca area recently, taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Before you hand over money or agree to hire a repairman for your home always request to see a contractor’s license and make certain you are dealing with a reputable contractor.

When purchasing big-ticket items such as computers, TVs, printers etc. at local electronic stores, be alert as you leave the store. The Sheriff’s office has learned of a group of criminals that have been targeting local electronics store customers, following them to their next stop and then breaking into their car to steal their recent purchase. If you notice someone following you as you drive out of a store’s parking lot, contact the sheriff’s office immediately at (561) 995-2800.

Judi Gray, Lakes at Boca Raton