NADPS director speaks on crime 11/30/2009 9:35 PM By PHYLLIS BRITT North Augusta bureau
Part of what attracts new residents to North Augusta is its low crime rate, said North Augusta Department of Public Safety Director John Thomas at the regular monthly luncheon of North Augusta/Belvedere Board of Realtors.
Thomas offered some information on crime statistics in the area, what real estate agents can say to prospective homebuyers and what agents can do to maintain their own safety as they work.
"There has not been too much increase in major crimes from 2005 to 2009," said Thomas. He credited that to the very public presence of local law enforcement officers. "We have a quick response time," he said, admitting that the rate of robberies is up a bit.
He said North Augusta is a great place to live, but he noted real estate agents probably know where the "pockets" of crime are. He queried, "Where are the drugs. What's the volume of call, etc?"
Pointing to an incident last week, Thomas said he is definitely concerned when robbers break into homes in broad daylight.
"Particularly in the senior community, it's vitally important to stay in touch," he said, acknowledging that robbery makes a person feel violated. "Complete strangers going through your personal effects really takes its toll."
He recommended a number of safeguards, with security systems and locked doors at the top of the list.
"Crime knows no boundaries," he said, and then added, "Crime is here, whether we want to admit it or not."
When meeting clients, Thomas recommended that agents be very careful.
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