Neighborhood watch offers safety tips

ON THE LOOKOUT-From left, law enforcement experts Scott Nelson, Jack Lantz, Lee Morris, their host Richard Harrison and Dennis Carpenter of the Thousand Oaks Police Department gather at a recent neighborhood watch meeting in North Ranch to discuss community safety issues. Several law enforcement professionals shared ideas on neighborhood safety at a recent meeting of the Westlake Ranch Property Owners Association.

Richard Harrison, one of the meeting's hosts and an Los Angeles Police Department reserve specialist, reported a troubling rise in property crimes in portions of Westlake during the last three months, including vandalism, several garage and vehicle burglaries, and underage drinking at neighborhood parties.

"Although minor incidents, we need to do something," Harrison said.

Scott Nelson, former assistant deputy chief of the FBI and chief executive officer of a security and risk management company, discussed the importance of knowing who should and shouldn't be at one's home.

"As neighbors, we must be aware of our surroundings," Nelson said.

Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Dennis Carpenter told the group of more than 75 residents to report suspicious behavior and stressed that there's "no place for speeding or reckless drivers in our neighborhood."

Jay Benton, a retired LAPD officer and local resident, called the session enlightening and informative.

"We got a chance to meet new neighbors and learn how to protect our neighborhood," Benton said.

-Leslie Gregory Haukoos