Real Estate Articles
Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Continue Keeping Residents Safe
Law enforcement officers are working hard to keep the communities of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno safe and, so far, they are doing a great job catching criminals, according to Police Chief Scott Seaman.
"A number of high profile cases have been solved," Seaman proudly announced at a Silicon Valley Association of Realtors meeting in Los Gatos.
It's not true that nothing happens in Los Gatos; in fact, there has been a little spike in crime, according to Seaman. He reported there has been a spate of carjackings, thefts, purse snatching and burglaries. Neither is Los Gatos immune to bank robberies and kidnappings. He warned Realtors that open houses have also been victimized.
"Every community is subject to some level of crime," Seaman commented.
Seaman said while Los Gatos and Monte Sereno have the reputation of being peaceful communities, you can't put a fence around them. He noted recently, these communities have been targeted by people with San Jose gang connections.
"People just have to be careful," said Seaman.
Seaman is asking the community to take the following precautions downtown, in their homes, and even in athletic facilities: always lock your car doors; never leave anything valuable in your car; place your purse in the trunk of your car; lock your homes; beware of solicitors; if you see anything suspicious, alert the police right away; be alert to your surroundings.
Seaman attributes the department's significant success rate to several factors. There's the new public safety building. "We now have the facility to do the level of work we know we've always been capable of doing. We do great work in the community, whether in the homes or in the streets," Seaman said.
The department now has a new canine on its force, and thanks to financial support from the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation, police now have a GPS tracker and a night vision viewer.
"These are the best examples of the use of technology in law enforcement," Seaman remarked.
Seaman praised his officers and shared a number of instances when they worked tirelessly, "turning the earth to bring the people into custody and protect the community. They didn't quit until they tracked down the persons responsible for these crimes."
The Los Gatos/Monte Sereno police chief said a new resident outreach program has helped police establish closer relationships with the community. Each month, local title companies and Realtors provide police with a list of home sold. Soon after, the department sends welcome letters to the new residents. Later, an officer visits the new homeowners and personally welcomes them to the community, presents them with a package of information from the department and another package with gift certificates from merchants in town
"The true benefit is we create that face to face relationship, personal relationship with residents," Seaman said.
Since the program began two years ago, officers have personally visited 511 homes. Since the first visit, 20 percent of these homes have had reason to call the department.
"Our department has been strong in supporting the community," Seaman stated.
The Los Gatos/ Monte Sereno police chief then issued a friendly warning to Realtors and the community: obey the speed limits and other traffic regulations. Police recently have stepped up enforcement, especially along Highway 9. "If the sign says 40 miles per hour, please go no more than 40 miles; if it says 50 miles, don't go over 50 miles," Seaman warned.
Also, stop using your cell phones while driving - your friendly law enforcement officers are watching, he said.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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