The Crime Prevention Formula: Berkeley County Sheriff's Office + Community
We had the pleasure of welcoming PFC Ty'Zell Richardson of Berkeley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Community Action Team and learning how we can help keep the Cainhoy Community safe! Although law enforcement is there for protection, we can take actions to secure ourselves and our neighbors through three different avenues:
Financial Protection - Have you received that USPS undeliverable package text or a toll fine you apparently missed but can’t remember making? Scammers are getting creative with their asks, which is why staying informed and practicing critical thinking is crucial in this digital age. As they are especially targeting the elderly population, consider discussing these phishing scenarios with your aging loved ones to protect their financial wellbeing.
Home and Property Safety - Rather than relying on deterrence or chance, ALWAYS lock up! Windows, garage doors, car trunks, anything accessible is an opportunity for someone with ill intentions. Even if you live in a gated community, you should still be taking these precautionary measures. The top three service calls in Clements Ferry are theft, trespassing, and burglary. You can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by securing your shelter and vehicle.
Personal Safety - Crime can occur anywhere to anyone, however, there are ways to reduce the risk. Share your location with someone at all times and let people know where you are intending to go. If alone, try to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. Eliminate distractions, such as headphones or cellphone usage, as this makes you a more desirable target.
Interested in taking further action? Consider setting up a neighborhood watch with Lisa Kerns, BCSO Community Outreach Coordinator, or downloading the “Berkeley County Sheriff SC” app, which is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. For those with children, stay updated on current technology and ask questions about apps they are using. Certain platforms have increased risk, so be sure to know which ones offer private communication.
As Officer Richardson said, "A criminal doesn't care", which is why we need to as a community. However, we can rest assured knowing we are well protected. This past New Year's Eve & Day, there were no vehicle fatalities or injuries reported. However, BCSO did...
Issue 155 citations
Provide 151 warnings
Charge one individual with Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Have 7 stops result in criminal cases
Although it is a blessing that no one was injured, it is our responsibility to prevent this from happening by continuing to support BCSO and officers like PFC Ty'Zell Richardson through taking actions that keep the Cainhoy Community safe.
