Crime Incident Reports

Ventana Lakes Block Watch
Keeping An Eye On Our Community

The following Crime Incidents have been reported from Ventana Lakes Residents in the past months.  Crime in Ventana Lakes is relatively low but it does occur from time-to-time, and it is by-and-large crimes of opportunity where a resident leaves an automobile parked outside overnight, or a garage door is left open and unattended, or items are placed in a resident's front yard.  Burglars' look for easy pickings and don't miss an opportunity to get a five-finger-discount where they can.  Don't make burglary in Ventana Lakes easy.  Keep your property secured at all times, and keep your garage doors closed when not in your garage.

This list of crimes is being provided for educational reasons to make you aware of the types of crimes that have occurred in our community.  By knowing about these crimes you will be better prepared to protect yourself and your property there-by helping to make Ventana Lakes crime free.  Please take the action necessary to prevent a similar crime from happening to you.

Notice - Effective May 2011:
As of May 2011 Ventana Lakes Block Watch is listing crimes that are reported to Block Watch and crimes reported via www.crimemapping.com, that occur in the Ventana Lakes Community.  This is a change from past practice in that crimemapping.com did not exist, so Block Watch only listed crimes reported to Block Watch.  The result of this is that our report here is more accurate.  When we include a crime from crimemapping.com we will note it as the source.  In most cases crime information from crimemapping.com has no details, and because of this the information we provide will  be general in nature.

Reported Crime Incidents Or Suspicious Activity In Ventana Lakes

Year 2012

--- February 2012

As of Feb 2 we have no crimes reported in Feb 2012.  Check back often as we update this page frequently.

--- January 2012

January 31, 2012 - Theft Reported By CrimeReports.com
CrimeReports.com is reporting a Theft in the 20400 block of N 107th Drive.  It is reported as a Fraud (Identifier 112001526).  At this time we have no other information but will attempt to find out what we can so check back to this webpage.

January 27, 2012 - Breaking & Entering Reported By CrimeReports.com
CrimeReports.com is reporting a Breaking and Entering in the 20300 block of N 105th Avenue.  It is reported as a Residential Burglary (Identifier 112001275).  At this time we have no other information but will attempt to find out what we can so check back to this webpage.

Year 2011

--- December 2011

December 23, 2011 - Theft Of Ladder From Side Of Home (Reported by Resident)
A ladder was reported stolen by a resident in the 11000 Block of W Cimarron Drive.  The resident reported the ladder missing on Jan. 6 and a police report was filed.  The resident, however, is not sure when the ladder was actually stolen because they just noticed it gone on Dec 23.  The ladder was on the side of the home, and we are not sure if it was visible from the street or not.  VL Block Watch Says:  Don't make it easy to steal your stuff.  All personal property should be behind your gate with your gate locked.  We have had other thefts from front and side yards so don't put anything in your front or side yard that is of real value to you.  This resident did the correct thing by filing a police report.

December 4, 2011 - Theft (Reported by Residents)
There was a theft in the 11000 block of W Mohawk Avenue.  This was reported as occurring in the middle of the night and the resident was home.  The thief broke in through the arcadia door.  The resident possibly knows the suspect because the suspect went to very specific areas of the home and took specific items.  There may have been more than one thief.  One resident reported that the sliding glass door was removed, and another reported that a wallet was stolen.  We have no other information regarding this incident.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

--- November 2011

November 9, 2011 - Theft (Reported by CrimeReports.com)
There was a theft in the 10800 block of W Oraibi Drive. This is being reported by crimereports.com, and we have no information from any residents.  We have no other information regarding this incident.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

November 7, 2011 - Theft / Larceny (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a theft / larceny in the 10400 block of W Potter Drive reported by crimemapping.com.  We have no other information regarding this incident.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

--- October 2011

October 31, 2011 - Theft from Vehicle (Reported by CrimeReports.com)
CrimeReports.com reports a theft from a vehicle in the 20300 Block of N 110th Drive.  VL Block Watch Says:  We have no other information on this theft.  But in the past we have had vehicle thefts where the vehicle was parked outside and left unlocked or the windows were down.  Always close all windows and lock your vehicle, and never leave anything of value in your vehicle when parked outside.

October 24, 2011 - Attempted Break-in
A resident in the 20800 block of W 109th Avenue reported that they found the screen on one of their backyard windows taken down in an attempted break-in.  The screen was definitely jimmied because there were marks on the screen.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  The resident does not know exactly when this may have happened.  Normally the resident locks their backyard gate, but the lock was broken so the gate was unlocked.  VL Block Watch Says:  Lock you backyard gate at all times.  If you have windows that slide sideways, put a piece of PVC Pipe in the window track so that the window can only be opened around 3-4 inches.

October 20, 2011 - Burglary (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a burglary in the 20800 block of N 109th Avenue reported by crimemapping.com.  We have no other information regarding this burglary.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.  This burglary showed up on crimemapping.com well after the October 20 date.  We do not know why the delay in the crime being posted.

October 9, 2011 - Disturbing The Peace (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a Disturbing the Peace incident in the 20800 Block of N 102nd Lane.  A Block Watch Captain reported that there were two Peoria police cars at the drainage area on 102nd Lane between Potter and Irma. They had two cars stopped there, but we do not know what the incident was. They were there about 20-30 minutes.  VL Block Watch Says: These homes back up to the apartments at Rose Garden and Lake 99th Avenue.    We assume this may have had something to do with unacceptable noise coming from the Apartment Complex.

October 7, 2011 - Vandalism In The Shores (Reported by VL Resident)
There was Vandalism in the Shores, along W Runion Drive AND 105TH Avenue.  Several items in the front yards of several residents were broken, thrown into the street, and moved.  VL Block Watch Says:  We believe this happened overnight, and most likely by kids cutting through the community.  Never place anything in your front yard that you do not want stolen or damaged (i.e. expensive or keep-sake items).  This type of vandalism can happen to anyone.  If you hear or see anything suspicious call 911 immediately.

--- September 2011

September 20, 2011 - Fraud (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a Fraud incident in the 10500 Block of W Ross Avenue.  This was reported by crimemapping.com.  VL Block Watch Says:  This showed-up on crimemapping.com in early October with a Sept. 20 date.  This most likely is a case where a resident was duped by a phone call or by someone they know (a relative or friend) out of money.  Always protect your money and your personal information and never give anyone anything until you know for sure it is your best interest.

--- August 2011

No Crimes To Report in August

--- July 2011

July 27, 2011 - Burglary (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a burglary in the 20300 block of N 108th Lane reported by crimemapping.com on July 27, 2011.  We have no other information regarding this burglary.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

July 25, 2011 - Resident Receives Call 'He Won A Prize In Brooklyn New York'
A Resident received a phone call from a Steven Young who tried to get the resident to send money via 'Wire' to claim his “Prize” In Brooklyn, New York.  Thankfully the resident knew it was TOO good to be true and notified the police.  VL Block Watch Says:  Please do not send money to anyone who calls you telling you to send money because you won a prize.  There is not a lottery in the world that you win if you have not purchased a ticket and the Lotteries will not ask you to send money to claim your prize.  Please always call the police and report any attempt like this to extort money.

July 15, 2011 - Resident Reports That Someone Keeps Moving His Trash Can
A resident in the 20400 block of  N. 105^th Ave- (Shores) called the Management Office on Friday, July 15^th to report that someone keeps moving his garbage can.  The resident has contacted Peoria Police and filed a report.  The police Department is going to patrol this area. VL Block Watch Says:  If someone is trespassing onto your property and moving or taking your property always call Peoria PD.

July 13, 2011 - Burglary (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a burglary in the 10700 block of W Irma Lane reported by crimemapping.com.  We have no other information regarding this burglary.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

July 3, 2011 - Theft / Larceny (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a theft / larceny in the 19900 block of N 110th Lane reported by crimemapping.com.  We have no other information regarding this incident.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you experience any crime at your residence please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.  With this information we can inform other residents so that hopefully they take the needed safeguards at their homes to prevent a similar incident from happening to them.

July 1, 2011 - Burglary (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a burglary overnight reported in the 11000 block of W Cimarron Drive. VL Block Watch Says:  At this time we know nothing more about this incident.  Always lock all doors and your gate.  Turn outside lights on at night.  Call Peoria PD immediately if you see or hear anything suspicious.  And if you experience an incident at your residence, please call the VLPOA Management Office and let them know what happened.

July 1, 2011 - Vehicle Break-in / Theft (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a vehicle break-in / theft in the 11000 block of W Tonto Lane.  VL Block Watch Says: At this time we know nothing more about this incident.  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.  Call Peoria PD immediately if you see or hear anything suspicious.  And if you experience an incident at your residence, please call the VLPOA Management office and let them know what happened.

July 1, 2011 - Vehicle Break-In / Theft (Reported by crimemapping.com)
There was a vehicle break-in / theft in the 2000 block of N 110th Drive.  VL Block Watch Says: At this time we know nothing more about this incident.  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.  Call Peoria PD immediately if you see or hear anything suspicious.  And if you experience an incident at your residence, please call the VLPOA Management office and let them know what happened.

--- June 2011

June 30, 2011 - Vehicle Burglary
A second vehicle was burglarized in the 20000 block of N 110th Drive overnight.  The vehicle was parked in the driveway and a camera and GPS device were stolen.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.

June 30, 2011 - Vehicle Burglary (Reported by Crimemapping.com)
A vehicle was broken into in the 19400 block of N 110th Drive overnight.  VL Block Watch Says:  Do not park vehicles on the street or in your driveway overnight and do park them in your locked garage if possible.  Do not leave valuables, including your garage door opener, in vehicles parked outside.

June 30, 2011 - Vehicle Burglary
A vehicle was burglarized in the 11000 block of W Escuda Drive overnight. We do not have any information regarding this burglary (reported by crimemapping.com).  VL Block Watch Says:  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.

June 30, 2011 - Vehicle Burglary (Reported by crimemapping.com)
A vehicle was burglarized in the 11000 block of W Wikieup Lane overnight. We do not have any information regarding this burglary (reported by crimemapping.com).  VL Block Watch Says:  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.

June 29, 2011 - Vehicle Break-In/Theft (Reported by crimemapping.com)
A vehicle was burglarized in the 10500 block of W Ross Avenue. We do not have any information regarding this burglary (reported by crimemapping.com).  VL Block Watch Says:  Always park vehicles in you garage if possible.  If you must park outside always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.

June 29, 2011 - Vandalism (Reported by crimemapping.com)
A resident in the 20400 block of N 105th Avenue reported vandalism to the police.  We do not have any information regarding this vandalism.  VL Block Watch Says:  This resident did the right thing by reporting the vandalism to Peoria PD.  All crime, no matter how small it may be, should be reported to Peoria PD.

June 27, 2011 - Break-in At A Home
A resident in the 10800 block of W Chisholm Drive reported that between 11:30pm and 5:30am someone broke into their home and stole an IPOD, a full set of house and car keys, and a purse with credit cards etc.  The residents were asleep in their bedroom, and there was no sign of a break-in.  It is believe the thief came in through the doggie-door.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never leave any entry into your home unlocked for any reason, especially at night.  If anyone sees or hears anything suspicious call 911 immediately.

June 27, 2011 - Attempted Burglary
A resident reported that at their home in the 10800 block of Chisholm Drive they had an attempted burglary.  We were told that nothing actually got stolen but there was an attempt to burglarize the home.  VL Block Watch Says:  We are in the middle of a rash of burglaries and attempted burglaries.  Turn all outside lights on at night and lock all doors.

June 22, 2011 - Potential Prowler Or Burglar
A resident in the 10800 block of Utopia Road reported that someone was in their backyard.  A neighbor went outside with his dog late that night and the dog sensing someone or something in the next yard started barking angrily and loudly.  The neighbor thought it was a coyote and immediately took his dog back inside not suspecting anything.  The next day the neighbor whose yard was intruded upon found that someone had definitely been in their backyard, and the security screen door was scratched as if someone had tried to jimmy it.  VL Block Watch Says:  The neighbor walking the dog suspected something (a coyote) and should have dialed 911 because this was a suspicious situation if the dog never normally barks.  Let the police determine if it is a coyote or it could be a burglar.

June 21, 2011 - Home Burglarized
A home in the 10900 block of W Cimarron Drive was burglarized between the hours of 1:00am-5:00am on June 21st.  The residents were home asleep in their bedroom.  Their central air conditioner was not working so they left there patio sliding glass door open overnight with the screen door closed and locked.  They had a small room air conditioner setup and running in their bedroom with the bedroom door open only enough to let their cat in and out.  When they got up the next morning they found the screen cut.  A wallet, purse, liquor, cigarettes, and some small electronics was stolen.  The home is located on the lake with the backyard accessible from the lake sidewalk.  The residents were not harmed, and they did not hear anyone in the home probably due to the noise of the small room air conditioner.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never leave your home unlocked for any reason when going to bed.  If you want a window open or door open for cooling, put a stick or piece of PVC tubing in the track so that the door can only be opened 3 inches and no more.

June 20, 2011 - Attempted Burglary Of Backyard Sheds
A home in the 19400 block of W 109th Drive had sheds in their backyard opened with items set out to be stolen and taken over their wall overnight.  The sheds were not locked.  When the residents awoke the next morning they found their sheds open, and a welder from the sheds laying out as if ready to be taken over their wall.  Their back wall backs-up to the empty lot at 107th Avenue and the trailer park.  They believe that something must have scared off the thieves so nothing actually got stolen.  A police report was fielded.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always lock your property, including sheds in your backyard and your backyard gate.  Turn on backyard lights at night or use motion detection sensors to turn the lights on, and do not place high value items in your backyard that could be taken over your backyard wall.

--- May 2011

May 30, 2011 - Vandalism (Reported by www.crimemapping.com
Vandalism was reported by crimemapping.com in the 10600 block of W Ross Avenue.  We have no information on what the vandalism was.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Always report any vandalism to your property to the Peoria Police.  If you see or hear anything suspicious, dial 911 immediately and report the situation.

May 23, 2011 - Fraud (Reported by www.crimemapping.com)
A case of Fraud was reported in the 20700 block of N 106th Lane.  We do not know the details but are guessing it to be a senior who responded to some kind of scam by sending money.  This was reported on crimemapping.com.  Ventana Lakes BW Says: Never ever provide anyone who calls you your social security number, birth date, etc. personal information.  Never ever provide this information via the internet either, be it in email or a web page that can look so very official.  And for those high dollar sweepstakes you may be told you have won, it really is too good to be true.  If some tells you that you have won thousands of dollars but you need to send them a few hundred dollars to get your prize money, simply tell them to take the few hundred out of your prize money and send you the rest.  If they will not do that it is a scam and a fraud.

May 20, 2011 - Vehicle Theft (Reported by www.crimemapping.com)
A motor vehicle was reported stolen in the 20400 block of N 109th Drive by crimemapping.com.  We have received no details of this theft.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Always park your vehicles in a closed and locked garage.  If you must park outside, always roll your windows up and lock all doors.  Do not leave valuables, including your garage door opener, in the vehicle even when locked if parked outside.

May 17, 2011 - Resident Reports Pile Of Animal Waste At Front Door
A resident in the 11000 block of W Utopia notified their Block Watch Captain that they found a pile of animal waste at their front door with a sock.  The Block Watch Captain informed the resident to call the Peoria Police and file a police report.  It is not known if the police were ever contacted by the resident.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Regardless of how small a crime may be, always call the police and report the incident.  Block Watch Captains have been instructed to NOT call the police for a resident because most times the police dispatcher will ask the caller to stay on the line and ask question regarding the situation.  These questions cannot be answered by someone who is not at or who has not taken part in the situation.

May 11, 2011 - Burglary (Reported by www.crimemapping.com)
There was some form of a burglary in the 20400 block of N 110th Avenue.  We do not have any information as this is being reported by crimemapping.com.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Report all crime to the Peoria Police Department, no matter how small the crime may seem.  Keep garage doors closed and vehicles locked

May 4, 2011 - Vandalism - Graffiti (Reported by www.crimemapping.com)
Vandalism (graffiti) was reported in the 10800 block of W Beardsley Road.  The graffiti is evidently painted out because we are unable to find it.  This graffiti is being reported by crimemapping.com.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Please report all graffiti to the Management Office if you see it.  The Management Office will call the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters who will either paint the graffiti out within 24 hours of being called, or will call the graffiti into the Peoria Graffiti Hot Line to be painted out.

May 6, 2011 - Graffiti At the 11000 Block of W Cimarron Drive
Graffiti was found in several places along the dark brown wall in the 11000 Block of W Cimarron Drive.  The graffiti was on the wall that separates Ventana Lakes from the neighboring trailer park in this area, and was on the Ventana Lakes side of the wall.  The graffiti was found by the Ventana Lakes landscaping company and was immediately reported to the office.  The office called the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters who within 2 hours had found and painted out the graffiti.  The graffiti was very hard to see from Cimarron Drive.  Photographs of the graffiti were taken and forwarded to the Peoria Police Department.  Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Please report any sighting of graffiti to the Ventana Lakes POA Management Office as soon as possible.  The office will contact Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters who will take photographs of the graffiti and paint it out.

May 2, 2011 - Ventana Lakes Theft From Storage Yard (Also on www.crimemapping.com)
Sometime during the past few days the chain locking the gate closed at the Ventana Lakes Storage Yard, located behind the Yacht Club, was cut, and also the lock on the shed inside the Storage Yard was cut.  This was discovered during the morning of May 3rd by the VLPOA Landscaping Company.  Three Power Washers that were stored in the shed were stolen.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  Due to the deductible on the VLPOA insurance policy, the costs to replace these power washers will most likely not be covered by insurance.  It is not known when the actual theft occurred.    Ventana Lakes BW Says:  Everything was done correctly here.  Locks were on both the storage yard gate and on the shed inside the storage yard, and a police report was filed.  Residents should not only watch out for each other, they should also immediately report anything they see or hear that is suspicious on VLPOA property to the police department so they can investigate.

--- April 2011

April 26, 2011 - Someone Ringing Doorbell At 2-4am At Night
A resident in the 20300 block of N 106 Drive reported that someone is ringing their doorbell at 2am-4am waking them up, and this has happened several times over the last few weeks.  The resident had not called or reported this to the Police Department.  The resident called the Management Office who referred the issue to Block Watch.  The resident was encouraged to call the police and file a report, and to keep their phone next to the bed and the next time the doorbell was rang at these hours to immediately dial 9-1-1.  The resident later told Block Watch they did follow-up and filed a police report.  VL Block Watch Says:  We repeatedly tell residents to dial 9-1-1 if they see or hear anything suspicious.  And yes, someone ringing your doorbell at 2-4am is suspicious.  And in these cases always file a police report.

April 20, 2011 - Theft Of Pot Out Of Front Yard
A resident in the 20900 block of N 107th Drive reported that overnight a large pot was stolen out of their front yard.  The resident came out in the morning and found dirt everywhere and that is how they discovered the pot was stolen.  As of April 23 the resident had not reported the theft to the police department but said they would.  VL Block Watch Says:  Do not leave items valuable to you in your front yard because they could be stolen.  If you don't lock it you might lose it.  Always always file a police report no matter how small the crime may appear to you.  Police patrols in Ventana Lakes are in part dependent on the crimes reported, so please report every crime to the Peoria Police Department.  The police do not have to come to your home for you to file a Police Report.

--- March 2011 - No Crime Reports

--- February 2011 - No Crime Reports

--- January 2011

January 10, 2011 - Theft From An Open Garage Door In The Shores
There was a theft today (Jan. 10) at around 4:00pm from an open garage in the 10500 block of W Runion (In The Shores) during broad daylight.  A resident (not the address of the theft) witnessed the event and almost got a license plate number, but the thieves were fast and the resident couldn't get the number.  However, the police were called and a police report was made.  An air compressor was stolen out of the garage.  Description of vehicle:  Small pick-up truck, white in color, very loud muffler, faded license plate.  This truck also made a couple of "passes" around the Shores prior to picking a target.  Please keep your eyes open for this vehicle and report it to police as quickly as possible.  The non-emergency number for the police is 623-773-8311.  VL Block Watch Says:  It is imperative that we keep our garage doors closed.  Let's not give our property away to thieves.  Added note - The Peoria PD did tell Block Watch that this same truck was IDed as having stolen an air compressor from another open garage (not in Ventana Lakes) a few hours earlier in the day.

Year 2010

--- December

We have had no crimes reported to Block Watch in December 2010

--- November

November 30, 2010 - Suspicious Vehicle And Man At 4:00am
A resident in the 11000 block of W Cimarron Drive was up at 4:00am and saw a vehicle parked in front of their home with a man sitting inside.  The vehicle evidently drove past the home a couple of times.  The resident felt that this was suspicious and dialed 911.  The police were there within 5 minutes and the man was last seen being placed in the back of the patrol car.  VL Block Watch Says:  Wow - this resident did everything right.  The resident observed something that they felt was suspicious (which it was) and called the police.  We thank this resident for doing the right thing.

November 8, 2010 - Vase Stolen From Front Yard
A resident in the 10600 block of W. Mohawk Lane reported that they had a vase stolen out of their front yard.  They believe it happened overnight on November 7.  The resident reported the stolen base to the office and the office informed the resident to call the Peoria Police.  It is not know if a police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never leave any property in your front yard that you do not want to see stolen.  If you don't lock it you just might loose it.  Always call the Peoria Police at the non-emergency number (773-8311) to report any stolen property and file a police report.

----- October

October 24, 2010 - Resident Believes He Hears Someone Walking In Backyard
A resident in the 10800 block of W Piute Avenue reported that his dog started barking, he heard something hit his aluminum patio, and then walk (or run) across the rock in his backyard.  The resident was working on his computer at the time.  The police were not called, and the resident did not look out his back window to see if anyone was in his backyard.  The resident did notify Block Watch of the incident.  VL Block Watch Says:  This is a suspicious incident and possibly an intruder.  The resident should have dialed 911 immediately to report that someone is in his backyard so that the police could investigate.

----- September

September 24, 2010 - Key Under Flower Pot Allowed Thief To Walk Right In
A home in the 20600 block of 103rd Drive was burglarized.  A large sum of money was stolen, someone went through the jewelry box, and the home was rummaged through.  It is not known what else may have been taken.  The resident was out of town, and the daughter came to the house.  The resident normally left the key to the house under a flower pot but when the daughter came she found the key was missing.  The door to the house open.  Upon investigation the house was burglarized, and someone may actually have been staying in the house for a few days.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  We can all learn from this.  Never never leave a key to your home under a flower pot or anywhere outside your home where anyone might find it.  If you want a spare key available always give it to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member.

----- August

August 11, 2010 - Specious Activity Near A Resident's Home Causes Concern
A resident in the 10900 block of W Mohawk came home from a trip, and was unpacking her vehicle in the driveway when a strange car pulled up and parked at curbside in front of a nearby home.  Two men got out of the car, they were described at 25-35, and they obviously were not residents.  The two men just stood near their car and smoked a cigarette.  The resident became very concerned and went inside.  The resident then came out a few minutes later and the men were still there, and then the two men walked into a grassy area and into the shadows where the resident could not see them anymore.  She did get their license plate number.  The resident finished her unpacking but felt very uneasy about the whole situation.  The next day she called the office who referred her to Block Watch.  VL Block Watch Says:  In this situation the resident should have locked her vehicle, went inside and lock her doors, and called 911 to report suspicious activity.  This was a suspicious situation, the resident felt uneasy and concerned, and who knows what could have happened.  Yes - do call 911 and report any suspicious activity immediately and get out of potential harms way by going inside and locking your doors.  The police do not have to make contact with you, but in this case they should have been called to investigate what the two men were doing.

----- July

July 3, 2010 - House Gets Hit By Egg
A resident in the 10800 block of Wikieup Lane reported that at around 9:30pm last night they heard a loud thump at the front of their home but didn't investigate.  Today they discovered that their front window had been egged.  They reported the incident to Block Watch but are not going to file a police report because there is no damage.  VL Block Watch Says:  Block Watch has been told that there is no crime if there is no damage according to the City of Peoria Code.  This resident did the right thing by reporting it to Block Watch so we can help get the word out.

----- June

June 28, 2010 -Truck And House Egged
A resident in the 10300 Block of Tonopah Drive reported that overnight on 6/27 their truck and house had eggs thrown on them.  (Note - We have now received information that other resident's property were egged) The resident does not think there is any major damage but they are now having to clean the mess off of things.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  When you drive into or out of the community, especially at night, please be watching for any suspicious activity and please call the Peoria Police immediately by dialing 911 if you see something.  This resident did the right thing by filing a police report.

June 24, 2010 - Items Stolen Off Bicycle Parked Inside Fence At Rec Center
A resident reported that he rode his bicycle to the Recreation Center at around 10:30-11:00pm on Monday night June 23, 2010.  He parked his bicycle inside the pool fence and left a satchel type bag hanging from the handlebars of his bicycle when he went inside the building to use the steam room and shower.  When he came back out at around 11:00pm the zipper of the bag was opened and a camera and some camera cards valued at around $350 were gone.  He saw no one in the pool area when he went into the Rec Center building and also when he came out.  A police report is in the process of being filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never leave valuable items unattended at any VLPOA facility.  At the Rec Center lockers are provided where you place your padlock on the locker door to secure your property while using the facility. 

-----May

May 27, 2010 - Report Someone Picking Up Papers In Resident's Driveways
It was reported to the Management Office that a young man was seen riding a bicycle and picking up papers in resident's driveways. This should have been reported to the Police.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always call the police if you suspect there is a crime, like papers being stolen from resident's driveways.

----- April

April 18, 2010 - Possible Break-in Of Empty Home
A neighbor saw that a window screen was off a front window of an empty home in the 10800 block of W Piute Avenue and called the police.  The police came and were able to get into the home through the garage door which they found unlocked.  The home was empty, but there were appliances in the kitchen which appeared to be untouched.  The police secured the unlocked garage door.  It is not know if this was a real attempted break-in at this home or not.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  The neighbor did exactly the right thing by calling the police.  He saw a screen down on a home he knew was empty and this caused suspicion, so he called the police to investigate.  Neighbors watching over neighboring homes is what Block Watch is all about.

----- March

March 24, 2010 - House Break-in With Several Items Stolen
A resident in the 19600 block of N 110th Lane reported that they were gone between 2:00pm and 4:30pm on Tuesday afternoon (3/23), and when they returned home they discovered that someone had broken a side window out of their home and stolen several items.  A computer, jewelry, camera, and other items were taken.  The thief even took pillow cases off the bed evidently to carry the stolen items.  This occurred in the daylight of the afternoon, and this home backs-up to 111th Avenue.  The side gate was unlocked, and the resident did find the side gate open.  The resident has a security system but the system did not include windows.  The home was ransacked, and when the resident got home they were not sure if someone was still in the house or not.  Once the resident realized something was going on they immediately got out of the house and called the police.  The police came and went through the home, and fingerprints were taken.  A police report was filed. No neighbor seemed to notice anything.  VL Block Watch Says:  This is the most significant crime we have had in several months.  This reminds us that a crime can happen to any one of us at anytime so our guard should always be up.  This resident did the right thing - If you come home and notice something is not right in your home, get out of the house and call the police.  Lock your side gates, and when away from your home always make it appear you are home.  Turn on a radio during the day, and have a timer turn on lights at night.  Get to know your neighbors, and lets all work together to watch out for each other.  If you suspect anything, always call the police.

March 10, 2010 - Wall Hanging Stolen From Front Yard
A resident in the 10700 block of W Beaubien Drive reported that a nice wall metal art wall hanging was stolen from their front yard.  The resident just noticed it gone, and is not sure when it was taken.  The resident will file a police report.  VL Block Watch Says:  Unfortunately we must say this - Do not put anything in your front yard that is of value because it could become stolen.  And please always file a police report if any crime is committed, no matter how small.

March 5 - Flower Pot Taken Off Patio
A resident in the 20600 Block of Ventana Drive West called the Management Office to report that a flower pot was taken off her patio.  The Office advised the resident to please call the police to file a police report, and the resident said they would.  VL Block Watch Says:  You should always file a police report anytime anything is stolen from your residence.  The police do not need to come to your home.  Call the police at the non-emergency number (623-773-8311) to report the crime and a police report form will be mailed to you.  Fill the form out and mail it back.  Police patrols are in part placed in our community based on the crime rate here in Ventana Lakes.  If the police do not know about the crime, patrols may be placed in some other community.

----- February

Sometime In January - Items Stolen From Front Yard
A resident in the 10700 block of W Wikieup Lane reported to the office today (2/11) that about 2-3 weeks ago a black chimney pot, a gray ceramic turtle, a small ceramic frog, and a leaning vase were stolen out of their front yard.  The resident thought this occurred during the day, but the resident did not want to call the police because these were not expensive items.  VL Block Watch Says:  Please always call the police and file a report.  The police do not need to come to your home.  Filing a police report makes the police department aware of crime in the area, and this information is used to increase police patrols if needed.  If the police do not know about the crime, patrols may be placed in some other community.

----- January

January 2010 - Electric Irrigation Timer Stolen
The VLPOA Office reported that there was a Rain Dial Electric Irrigation Timer stolen from one of the irrigation systems within the community in January.  It is not know when the timer was taken, or if a police report was ever filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always always file a police report no matter how small a crime may be.  Residents should watch over community property and call the police if they see anything suspicious.

Year 2009

----- December

December 23, 2009 - Possibly Someone Tried To Break Into A Home
A resident in the 20600 block of N 102nd Lane called to report that last night, between 6:00pm and 10:00pm, someone may have tried to break into his home.  The resident came home last night from playing cards and found a screwdriver laying on the ground below his front windows and behind the shrubs.  The resident said that the screwdriver was not his and he knows for sure the screwdriver wasn't there before.  The resident was concerned that maybe someone had wanted to break into his home.  There were no marks on the screens to indicate someone may have tried to pry a screen out, but the resident's wife was home and the thinking is that maybe she scared the person off before they had a chance to try to break in.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always turn outside lights on at night.  If you are away from your home turn on a radio or TV, and turn inside light on at night.  If you see any indications of forced entry, or seen anything or hear anything suspicious, always call the Peoria Police and report the situation.

December 21, 2009 - Kids Damaging Christmas Lights On Lake Fences
A resident who lives on the lake in the 20400 block of N 109th Drive has relatives visiting for the Christmas holiday.  The resident's son was staying up late and noticed someone outside in front of their home.  He looked out the front window and could see three young adult males so he continued to watch them.  They walked by the front of the home on down the street and turned in the direction of the lakefront sidewalk.  The man went to the back of the home and sure enough the three kids were standing behind the home.  The man went out and confronted the kids asking them what they were doing and that they should be home at this hour (around midnight).  They responded that they were just walking home and they hurried off.  The next day the resident found out that someone was unscrewing the light bulbs and damaging the Christmas lights hung on the fences that run along the lakefront sidewalk.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never confront anyone who you suspect should not be in our community, and three young kids should not particularly at midnight.  Always call the police and report suspicious activity.  You never know what these people may be up to, and as it was, they were probably the one's damaging the Christmas lights along the lakefront sidewalks.

December 9, 2009 - Yacht Club Woman's Bathroom Door Damage
The VLPOA Office reported that someone going into the woman's bathroom at the Yacht Club pushed the door open so hard that the door broke the door stop and the door knob punched a hole in the wall.  VL Block Watch Says:  If anyone observes any person causing damage to any Ventana Lakes property they are to report the incident to the VLPOA Management Office and report who the person is if possible.  Vandalism to VLPOA property occurs from time to time so all residents need to be on the look out for anything suspicious while on common property.  If you observe what appears to be intentional vandalism you should call the police first, and then report the situation to the Management Office.

December 4, 2009 - Front Yard Christmas Ornament Vandalized
A resident on the corner of Runion and Ventana Drive West reported that overnight on December 3rd a Christmas art lawn ornament was vandalized in their front yard.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  This resident did the right thing by filing a police report.  Always file a police report regardless of how small a crime may seem.  If any resident sees anything suspicious please call the police immediately.

December 4, 2009 - Truck Drives Over Front Yard Lights
A resident in the 20600 block of N 107th Drive reported that a truck drove over his front yard destroying his colored solar lights in his yard.  It is not known if this happened during the day or night.  The resident did file a police report.  VL Block Watch Says.  This resident did the right thing by filing a police report.  If any resident sees anything suspicious please call the police immediately.

----- November

November 30, 2009 - American Flag Stolen From Front Yard
A Block Watch Captain reported that a resident in the 20400 block of 109th Drive had an American Flag stolen out of their front yard.  The resident was not sure when this happen because they just noticed the American Flag gone on Nov. 30th.  The resident is filing a police report.  VL Block Watch Says: Never place anything in your front yard that is not fastened to the house or ground.  If it is just sitting there you may find it gets stolen.  Always report all thefts to the police no matter how small a theft may seem.

November 28, 2009 - Christmas Decorations Stolen From Front Yard
 A Block Watch Captain reported that a resident in the 20400 block of 109th Drive had a 4 foot tall lighted Christmas Candy Cane stolen out of their front yard overnight on November 27th.  The electrical cord to the lights on the Candy Cane was cut.  The resident is filing a police report.  VL Block Watch Says:  We have experienced Christmas Decorations getting stolen from resident's front yards in the past.  It is unfortunate that there are people like this, and we suspect they sell the items at a flea market or in a garage sale.  Never put expensive items, including Christmas Decorations, in your front yard unless they are mounted to your house or securely fastened to the ground, because they might possibly get stolen.  And like this resident is doing, always always file a police report no matter how small the theft may seem.

November 24, 2009 - Items Stolen From Garage
A resident in the 11000 block of Ventana Drive W had their garage door raised with golf clubs and CDs stolen overnight on November21.  Several other boxes in the garage were rifled through.  The couple went to bed Saturday night and left their garage door open just a couple of inches (2-3") for ventilation.  Around 4:00am Sunday morning the residents were awoken by a noise but didn't think much about it and went back to sleep.  When they got up they found their garage door had been raised and their stuff stolen.  They filed a police report, and the police told them that thieves will have a hook that they use to hook the release rope of the garage door opener, and that the thieves evidently got their arm under the door and hooked the release rope to open the garage door.  VL Block Watch Says:  We have been told by the police to remove the garage door release ropes from your garage door opener because these ropes make it easier for someone to get into your garage.  Never leave any door of your home open overnight, even if just for an inch or two.

November 17, 2009 - Vandalism At Yacht Club Pool Men's Bathroom
There was vandalism in the men's bathroom at the Yacht Club pool.  It was reported that the pipes under the sink were taken apart and the water was turned on flooding the bathroom.  We were also told that a large amount of toilet paper was stuffed in the men's toilet.  A police report is being filed.  It is highly suspected that this was done by a resident since only residents (and their guests) have access into the locked bathroom with a key.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you suspect that anyone, be it a resident or someone from outside the community, is vandalizing any VLPOA property please call the police at once, and call the Office also.

----- October

October 31, 2009 - You Won Millions - Another Phone Scam But This Time The Resident Pays
At our monthly Block Watch meeting the Peoria Police told us about a resident on 105th who had received a phone call from someone claiming that the resident had won several million dollars in a lottery and he also won an expensive car.  All the resident had to do was to wire $290 to an address in Texas.  The resident must have gotten excited and complied - He wired off the $290 immediately.  The next day the resident got another call saying that they received the $290 and his car was in a lot here in Phoenix and all he had to do was wire another $699 for Title and Tags and the car would be delivered.  During this second call the man's daughter was with him and was listening to the conversation and so she immediately stepped in.  After she started asking questions the caller demanded to speak only to the man, and shortly there after the call was hung up on.  The man was out the $290.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never never never send or wire any money to anyone who calls you on the phone unless you know who they are, and even then exercise caution.  This was a scam from the get-go and the man paid.  His daughter did the right thing by stepping in, questioning the caller, and calling the police.

October 31, 2009 - Your Credit Card Has Been Cancelled - Another Phone Scam
One of our Block Watch Captains came home to find a recording on his answering machine stating that one of his charge cards had been cancelled and they did have the last 4 digits of his card.  The message said that he should call a 1-877 number to reinstate his card.  Upon calling the 1-877 number the a recording asked him to enter his charge card number.  He stopped and decided to check this out with his bank.  Sure enough, his charge card had not been cancelled and there was no need to reinstate the card.  It all sounded so official, and they had the last 4 digits of his card.  The bank told him that many retailers will print the last 4 digits of a charge card on receipts, and if he would have typed in all the digits of the charge card as he was requested to do when he called the 1-877 number, the scammers would have had his complete charge card number to use.  This Block Watch captain then called the police to file a scam report.  VL Block Watch Says:  Never never give anyone your charge card number unless you are certain they are who they say they are.  If anyone calls you regarding your charge card polite say I can't talk right now, and hang up.  Then call the bank using the number on the back of your charge card to check the situation out.  This Block Watch Captain did everything right.

October 12, 2009 - I'm A Water Quality Tester - Door-to-Door Scam
On Saturday, October 10th, a resident reported that a man came to their door and claimed to be a water quality tester and asked to come into the home.  The resident refused and the man left.  The resident observed the man going to a neighbor's home.  The resident did not call the police.  VL Block Watch Says:  Anyone going door to door selling anything is required by law to have a Peoria Peddlers License and present it when asked - CLICK HERE for more info.  Most likely this was a Water Softener salesman but he represented himself as a water quality tester.  Never let anyone into your home, and if you are suspicious of a person always call the police.

October 2, 2009 - Grandmother I Need You To Send Me Some Money - Beware Of Phone Scams
Today a Ventana Lakes Grandmother got a phone call from a young girl claiming to be her granddaughter.  The grandmother said the granddaughter's name at the start of the call, and so the caller got the name right!  Her voice didn't match, but sounded distressed and the caller said she had a cold, so the Grandmother listened.  The young girl called this resident "grandmother" several times, and asked her to please not say anything to anyone.  She was in Canada and needed money ASAP to get out of a jam.  After the conversation went on a little further the grandmother realized this was a scam and hung-up.  VL Block Watch Says:  This resident did the right thing.  No matter how distressing a phone call may seem, always check the situation out before sending any money to anyone.  Never send money to anyone for any reason unless you know for sure they are who they say they are, and the situation is in fact the case.  Beware of all phone calls asking for money, or for any other personal information.  Ask some personal questions that only the person the caller says they are will know.  And get a call back phone number, hang up, and call the person they say they are using the phone numbers you have for family members.

----- September

September 24, 2009
A Block Watch Captain reported that at a home in the 10700 block of W Chisholm Drive, that 4 or 5 eggs were thrown onto the driveway.  The resident had to clean-up the mess.  It is not known if this resident reported this incident of vandalism to the police.  VL Block Watch Says.  Yes - This incident should have been reported to the Peoria Police Department.  No matter how small a crime may seem, always report all crime to the police.

September 11, 2009
A resident in the 11000 block of W Cimarron called the office telling the office she experienced vandalism because she walked out her front door a day or two ago and there was a dead bird lying there with its head cut off.  The resident also reported that a lock on her neighbor's back gate was stolen.  The resident said she is reporting these incidents to the police.  VL Block Watch Says.  This resident is doing exactly the correct thing, reporting these incidents to the Peoria Police Department.  No matter how small the crime may be, always file a police report.

September 9, 2009
A resident in the 20700 Block of 108th Lane was looking out of their house window this morning around 6:30am, and they saw a blond headed man riding a bicycle go to their neighbor's driveway and take the newspaper out of the driveway and ride off.  The man's age was estimated in his 40s.  The neighbor was leaving on vacation so this resident wasn't sure if this man was stealing the paper, or the resident had stopped the paper and it was being retrieved because it wasn't supposed to be left at the home.  Later in the morning the resident called their neighbor and found out that they had not left for vacation yet, and that in fact the newspaper had been stolen.  No police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says.  If you suspect that something does not look right immediately call the police - do not wait.  Let the police determine if this is something that was supposed to happen or not.  And a police report should have been filed.

September 3, 2009
A resident in the 11000 block of W Chino Drive called the Management Office to report that he had placed his CD boom box player on a table in his garage, and then went into the house to do something.  He was in the house for 20-30 minutes and when he came back out into the garage, the CD player was gone.  The garage door was open, and this occurred during daylight hours on September 2.  The resident has called the police and filed a police report. VL Block Watch Says:  Never leave your garage door open if you are not in your garage, even for a short period of time.  People cruse the streets just looking for an opportunity to get a 5-finger discount.  Also, do not leave property you do not want to loose in your front yards, like expensive pots or decorative figurines.  This resident did the right thing by filing a police report.  A police report should be filed for all crime, regardless of how small the crime may be.

----- August

August 11, 2009
A resident reported that they have experienced some vandalism at their home while out of town.  We do not have any information regarding their home location, or the extent and type of vandalism.  This resident refused to report the vandalism to the police department.  VL Block Watch Says:  Please always report any and all crime to the Peoria Police Department.  This is important so that the City of Peoria understands the crime level that is taking place in Ventana Lakes.  If we do not report crimes that occur in Ventana Lakes, the City places their police patrols in other communities where crime is higher.  After a crime has occurred, please report it to the Peoria Police Department at 773-8311.  If a crime is in progress dial 9-1-1 immediately.

August 4, 2009
The Ventana Lakes POA office reported that there were two people in the North Park pool around midnight.  The janitorial service came to the pool to clean the bathrooms and propped the gate open.  They observed two young people (teenagers they think) in the pool area.  When the service propped the gate open the kids started to leave.  The janitorial staff asked the kids why they were leaving and the kids responded that they did not want to have to jump the fence.  The office also reported that the kids were asked for a VL Badge and they did not have one.  VL Block Watch Says:  Always try to get a name if possible.  Never prop any pool area gate open for any reason.  If something suspicious is observed, like two young kids in a pool area at midnight, call the police to investigate for trespassing.

----- July

July 30, 2009
We received two reports of a doorbell being rang at 2:00am at two homes in the 20600 block of 102nd Lane.  In one case the resident also reported that his door was kicked hard.  The police were called.  VL Block Watch Says:  It is suspected that this was the act of kids from surrounding communities or the apartments.  If your doorbell rings at these late hours of the night do not go to your door, but dial 911 immediately so the police can respond and investigate.  If you see anyone suspicious in the community also call the police.

July 24, 2009
A resident in the 20600 block of 107th Drive reported that they had several items stolen out of their front yard.  We believe the items were taken overnight on July 23rd.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you put items in your front yard for decoration, make sure they are inexpensive items and not something you would not want to loose because these items are very easy for someone to pick-up and take.  Someone driving by can easily jump out and pickup these items, and then sell them in a garage sale or at a flea market.

July 16, 2009
On July 8, 2009 a home in the 20600 block of N 102nd Lane was broken into.  Evidently the thieves broke into the home through a backyard window.  The homeowners were not home at the time.  The house had a burglar alarm, but the specific window broken into was not on the alarm system.  The thieves grabbed a jewelry box from a bedroom and went into another area of the house.  This did set off the burglar alarm and it is believed the thieves ran.  The jewelry box was found dropped in the backyard.  It is thought that the thieves may have came in over the back wall which neighbors the apartment complex at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Rose Garden.  The police responded and a police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you can, you should have a burglar alarm in your home.  Even simple alarm systems are better than none.  In this case the burglar alarm probably aided in scaring the thieves away after the alarm was tripped.

July 12, 2009
We received a report from a resident in the 20600 block of N 103rd Drive, in the Gardens, that they have seen strangers in front of their home during the hours of 2:00am - 4:0am.  This resident also reported that they had a small cactus stolen out of their front yard overnight, and on another occasion recently had their doorbell rang during these hours.  They have contacted the police and asked if the police could increase the patrols in the Gardens Area of Ventana Lakes looking for suspicious activity during these early morning hours.  VL Block Watch Says:  If you see any suspicious activity, like people in front of your home during these early morning hours, immediately contact the Peoria Police Department.  You never know what these people are up to, and this is definitely suspicious activity in our community.

July 6, 2009
A stolen golf cart (see photo above) was found in one of our community lakes behind a home in the 10900 block of W Cimarron Drive early this morning, Monday July 6.  The golf cart appeared to be pushed into the lake because there were no skid marks, no wheel spin marks, etc in the gravel.  See photo.  The golf cart was called into the Peoria Police by one of our Block Watch Captains and the police responded rapidly.  When we talked to the police officers, we were told that the golf cart was stolen from an elderly couple in their 80s who live in the Paradise Trailer Park at 109^th Avenue and Union Hills on Sunday July 5.  The golf cart was orange but had been spray painted white.  The golf cart was not stolen from a Ventana Lakes resident.  VL Block Watch Says:  The resident who first discovered the Golf Cart, a Ventana Lakes Block Watch Captain, did the correct thing by immediately calling the Peoria Police Department.

----- June

June 12, 2009
A resident in the 10530 block of W Yukon Drive reported that when they went to their mailbox to get their mail that the mailbox was open and there was only two pieces of junk mail inside.  It is not know if the mailbox was broken into or unlocked because there was no mention of any damage.  There was also no mention that other mailboxes in the cluster on the pedestal were open.  The resident said they had to file an Identify Theft report.  They did not say if they filed a police report.  VL Block Watch Says:  Currently the US Postal Service is replacing all older pedestal cluster mailboxes with new better secured mailboxes which are much harder to break into.  But the best way we as residents have to keep our mail from getting stolen is to keep our mailboxes empty by picking our mail up every day.  Always report any mailbox thefts to the United States Postal Service Postmaster, and the Peoria Police Department.

June 11, 2009
A trash can was stolen between 11:30am and 11:50am from a home in the 19900 block of N 110th Lane.  The trash can was set out for trash pickup at curbside.  The resident did call the police and file a police report.  VL Block Watch Says:  This resident did everything right.  And a police report was filed.

June 10, 2009
Approximately 9:30am this morning a resident was walking her dog by the North Park Pool.  She noticed three teenage boys inside the pool area.  There were no adults.  She crossed through the parking lot going towards Burnett.  When the boys saw her they jumped the fence and began walking quickly away.  A neighbor joined her on her bike and asked if she noticed the boys which she did.   The neighbor walked along side of the resident so neither was alone.  The boys crossed over Burnet and crawled under the fence where the culvert and drainage system allows space for water.  That would be in the direction of the apartments on Lake Pleasant (my assumption is that is where they were from).  The police were called and a police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  This resident did the right thing by not challenging the boys because if she did she could have gotten hurt.  She also buddied up with another resident so that she wasn't alone.  The police were called which is also the correct thing to do.

June 8, 2009
Someone had set fire to a palm tree at the Coves pool, it must have happened Sunday evening, as there were residents in the pool Sunday afternoon. In addition, our pool maintenance personnel indicated that the pool and spa had cigarette butts floating in them, and that the deck was covered with butts. The VLPOA Management Office called the police and filed a Police Report.  None of the neighbors heard or saw anything.  VL Block Watch Says:  Filing a Police Report was the correct thing to do.  In the future if neighbors to the Coves Pool see or hear anything that indicates that vandalism is occurring, then the Peoria Police should be immediately called.

----- May

May 21, 2009
A resident in the 10600 block of W Ross Avenue reported that they had three decorative statues stolen from their front yard overnight or early in the morning.  A police report was filed.  VL Block Watch Says:  This is a crime we continue to experience in Ventana Lakes, where items in a resident's front yard get stolen.  Generally it is small items like these decorative statues, but we have also had a large copper water fountain stolen, and large pots (See May 18th below) stolen.  Block Watch suggest that items be secured with a chain set into concrete, or do not place items you do not want to potentially lose in your front yard.  These thieves drive by and if they see something they want it only takes a few seconds and they have it in their vehicle and drive off.  This resident did do the correct thing by filing a police report.

May 18, 2009
A resident in the 19400 block of N 110th Lane had two very large and heavy Mediterranean style pots with Date Palms planted in them stolen from their front yard overnight.  The pots were 4 - 5 feet tall.  Significant damage was created because the pots were very heavy, and dirt and debris was strewn everywhere with parts of the irrigation system ripped out of the ground.  The resident found the pots stolen and the accompanying damage at around 5:00am when they went out to get their newspaper.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Follow:  If possible, chain or somehow affix items that you have in your front yard to the ground with a chain, cable, or some method set in concrete to make it hard for your special items to not get stolen.  This resident did the right thing by calling and filing a police report.

May 2, 2009
Block Watch received a call telling us that several boats had been released from their moorings and were floating around in lakes 8 and 9.  It appears that this is vandalism given the number of boats set loose, but it is not know if the boats were cut or untied from their moorings.  Owners could not be contacted because the VLPOA Office is closed, and people who found the boats did not know who the owners are.  Correct Action To Take:  The owners of the boats should file a police report.  Block Watch suggest that the boats be better secured to their moorings using a metal chain and padlock, there-by making it harder to easily release the boats from the moorings.  The boat owner should have painted clearly on the side of the boat their name and address so people finding the boats can figure out who the owners are.

----- April

April 2, 2009
A resident in the 10400 block of W Tonopah reported that his truck was vandalized overnight while parked in his driveway.  A window was smashed out but nothing was removed from the vehicle.  A police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Always park your vehicles in a closed and locked garage if at all possible.  If parked outside, always remove all valuables from the vehicle, including the garage door opener.

----- March

March 6, 2009
A resident in the 11000 block of W Sierra Pinta Drive told their neighbors that they thought someone tried to break into their home through their front window overnight around February 26.  The resident found their front window screen bent and pulled outward from the home like someone was attempting to get to their window.  No one actually broke into the home and the screen was repaired by the resident.  The police were never called.  Correct Action To Take:  Always always always call the police if something like this happens at your home.  This may have very well been an attempted break-in.  Always file a police report.

----- February

February 18, 2009
Overnight an automobile parked in the street was broken into in the 10600 block of W Runion Drive (in the Shores).  The car was unlocked, and a neighbor found both doors to the car open early the next morning.  It is not known if items were stolen from the car.  A police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Always park your car in a closed and locked garage if at all possible.  Always lock your vehicle if you must park outside, and do not leave valuables and your garage door opener in your car when parked outside.

February 4, 2009
At around 9:45pm and also at 10:00pm all the electricity in a resident's home in the 20600 block of N 104th (Gardens) and 10400 block of W Ross (North Park) went out.  The residents found that the electrical panel on the side of their house was opened and the main circuit breaker was tripped.  The police were called and several residents reported seeing the police in the area.  One resident said they thought maybe it was kids but no one really saw anyone.  There were also two other incidents reported where electricity was shutoff to a home, one in the 10500 block of Irma, and one in the 20300 block of 108th Lane.  Correct Action To Take:  Lock your electrical panel on the side of your home with a padlock to prevent anyone from opening the panel and turning off electricity to your home.  A good padlock only cost $4 to $5.  If you suspect any foul play do not go outside and immediately call the police.  Let the police investigate.  You do not want to open your door to a burglar.

February 3, 2009
A resident in the 10600 block of W. Mohawk Lane put a number of things in front of their home for pick-up by Big Brothers.  The items were put out at 7:00am and the resident went back out at 8:30am and found that a vacuum cleaner and a shredder were gone.  The resident did not see who took the items.  Correct Action to Take:  This is a tough one to call since the items were intentionally placed at the curb for someone to take, in this case Big Brothers.  We suggest that if you want to donate something of value to a charity, you call and make arrangements for the specific charity to pick-up the items.  Placing anything of value in front yards, and especially at curb-side, is an invitation for someone to steal the items as unfortunately happened here.  This resident did the right thing by letting Block Watch know about this incident.

----- January

January 29, 2009
Graffiti was reported on a light pole on the East side of 107th Ave North of Beardsley just North of the drive into the Storage Facility.  This graffiti was reported to a Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters person.  The graffiti was removed within an hour.  Correct Action To Take: Always report any graffiti you find to the VLPOA Management Office at 623-566-6001.  The Management Office will contact the Ventana Lakes Block Watch Graffiti Busters.

January 28, 2009
Graffiti was reported on the small pony wall between 107th and 109th Ave, at about 7 feet to the East of a utility box between two shrubs.  The graffiti was reported to the VLPOA Management Office.  Correct Action To Take:  This resident did the correct thing by immediately reporting the graffiti to the Management Office.  The Block Watch Graffiti Busters were immediately called by the Management Office, and the graffiti was immediately painted out.  Always report any graffiti to the Management Office, and please be specific as to where the graffiti is located, what it is painted on, and the color of the graffiti and what it spells if you know.

January 26, 2009
As the above photos shows, a resident in the 19900 block of 108th Lane went to bed around 1:00am on Sunday night, their car was parked in the driveway.  They came out early Monday morning to get their newspaper and found their car resting up on cinder blocks with all four wheels stolen.  The resident called the police and filed a police report.  Correct Action To Take:  Always park your vehicles in a closed and locked garage.  Lockup and protect your property and do not leave it out so that someone can steal it.

January 14, 2009
A resident in the 20600 Block of N 103rd Avenue reported that his golf clubs and a vacuum cleaner were stolen out of his garage.  He discovered the theft when he went into his garage to get his clubs to go golfing with a friend.  He had left his garage door open the previous day while working in his backyard, and he believes someone walked into his garage and stole these two items.  There were other valuables in the garage that could have been taken, but only these items were gone, so the resident thinks this was a hit and run type of theft.  The items were not that expensive, but the golf clubs had been his for years and they meant a lot to him, and he would love to get them back.  The police were called and a police report was files.  Correct Action To Take:  Always always close your garage door when not in your garage.  It only takes a few seconds for someone to drive up, jump out, grab what they can carry, and drive off with your property out of an open garage.

January 3, 2009
A resident reported graffiti on a Block Watch sign at Cimarron and 107th Ave. to the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters.  The graffiti was cleaned off the sign the next day.  While cleaning off the graffiti, the VL Graffiti Buster found more graffiti on an electrical box about 2 blocks west of 107th Ave. on Cimarron.  This graffiti was also cleaned off.  Correct Action To Take:  If you see any graffiti in the Ventana Lakes community immediately call it into the VLPOA Management Office, and the graffiti will be quickly painted over or cleaned off.

Year 2008

December 28, 2008
A resident in the 10900 block of Cimarron Drive reported that a front yard light had been kicked over and there was gravel scattered everywhere.  This occurred overnight.  A police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take.  This resident did the correct thing by filing a police report.

December 24, 2008
A resident in the 19800 block of 108th Ave. reported that they had some graffiti placed on their garage door.  The resident said they were taking care of it but wanted to report it to Block Watch.  It is not known if a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take.  Always report any vandalism to your property to the police and file a police report.  Keep front yard lights on at night.

December 22, 2008
A resident reported Graffiti to the Management Office on an electrical box at the corner of Rose Garden and 104th.  The Management Office reported this to the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters.  Within an hour or so after being reported, the graffiti was painted out.  This was a second incident of graffiti on this same electrical box.  Correct Action To Take.  Always report any graffiti you find to the VLPOA Management Office.

December 12, 2008
A resident reported Graffiti to the Management Office on an electrical box at the corner of Rose Garden and 104th.  The Management Office reported this to the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters.  Within an hour or so after being reported, the graffiti was painted out.  Correct Action To Take.  Always report any graffiti you find to the VLPOA Management Office.

December 9, 2008
A resident in the 10900 block of Cimarron Drive reported that a ADT Security Systems sign that was in their front yard was stolen overnight.  A police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  This resident did the right thing by filing a police report.

December 5, 2008
The VLPOA Office received a phone call from a resident who lives on Irma Lane near Ventana Drive.  Thursday morning her son heard a noise and got up to check it out.  He saw a car going down the street and 3 men running through the neighborhood checking all vehicles in the driveways to see if any were unlocked.  He called the police and they were there in minutes.  The police said that they have several cars looking for the men.  These men were adults and not kids.  Correct Action To Take:  We have had a rash of thefts out of vehicles parked in driveways lately.  This young man did the right thing by immediately calling the police.  You never know where thieves like this have been, or where they are going next.  Please always call the police if you see or hear anything suspicious.

December 4, 2008
A Ventana Lakes resident, a lady, was in her yard when a neighbor man exposed himself to her.  We do not know more detail, but we think he walked out of his home to do it.  The lady immediately ran into her home and called the police.  Within just a little while, the police were at the mans home.  Correct Action To Take:  Although this type of incident is rare, this lady did exactly the right thing.  She immediately when into her home and called the police.

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November 17, 2998
This morning, at approximately 4:00am several vehicles parked in driveways in the Shores subdivision, around 10500 W Runion Drive were vandalized, and in some cases items were stolen from the cars.  The cars were locked and in one case we know of a window was broken out.  The resident called the police.  Correct Action To Take:  Always park your vehicles in your closed and locked garage if you can.  Do not park on the street or in your driveway.  If you must park in your driveway or on the street, always remove all valuables, including your garage door opener, from the vehicle, close all windows, and lock you vehicle.

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October 29, 2008 - Golf Clubs Stolen
A resident in the 20800 block of 104th Lane was waiting to be picked-up at curbside with his golf clubs.  He ran back inside his home to get something.  When he came back out his golf clubs were gone.  It is not known if a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Crime in Ventana Lakes is mostly "Crimes of Opportunity" where someone drives by and sees an opportunity to take something.  Never leave your personal property unattended, and keep your garage doors closed and doors locked.  Always file a police report.

October 27, 2008 - Beware Of Phone Scams
At around 2:30pm today a Ventana Lakes Grandmother got a distressing phone call from a young man claiming to be her grandson.  He got the name right!  His voice didn't match exactly, but sounded distressed so the Grandmother listened.  The young man called this resident "grandmother" several times, and asked her to please not say anything to anyone.  He lived with his parents in another state and told this grandmother that he had been invited to go to a friend's family wedding in Canada, and his friend paid for the airline ticket.  While at the wedding he drank one drink, and when driving back to his hotel he had a car accident and was now in jail for DUI.  He told the Grandmother that if she would send him some money he could get out of jail – he needed her help.  The Grandmother then said that she wasn't sure she was really talking to her grandson, and started to ask some personal questions.  The phone was immediately hung-up.  The grandmother followed-up and called her family, and her grandson was safe in school where he should be.  Correct Action To Take:  This resident did the right thing.  No matter how distressing a phone call may seem, always check the situation out before sending any money to anyone.  Never send money to anyone for any reason unless you know for sure they are who they say they are, and the situation is in fact the case.  Beware of all phone calls asking for money, or for any other personal information.

October 9, 2008
Several 30 Gallon Peoria Trash Cans were stolen from in front of resident's homes in the area of 103rd and Burnett.  The trash cans had been sat out on trash collection day.  A police report was filed, and the City of Peoria was contacted.  The City said they have been experiencing cases were the trash cans are getting stolen.  Correct Action To Take:  Report any and all thefts to the police like these residents did.

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September 30, 2008
Overnight last night 4 vehicles were broken into in the area of N 110th Lane and Escuda Drive.  All vehicles were parked in driveways, and we were told that all vehicles were unlocked.  There were items stolen out of some vehicles, and the other vehicles had items from the glove compartment tossed around the vehicle.  There was no reported damage to any vehicle, the thief just opened the door and took what they could find.  A police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Always park your vehicle in your closed and locked garage.  If you cannot park in your garage, park in your driveway, and always close your windows and lock your vehicle.  Also, even if you lock your vehicle, remove valuables from your vehicle.

September 22, 2008
A mailbox was broken into at 111th Ave/Ln and Escuda.  This evidently occurred over the weekend.  The break-in was found by a resident who reported it to the Management Office.  The back of two of the four mailbox units was broken-out.  The Office told the resident to please call the police.  Correct Action To Take:  Always remove your mail from your mailbox daily to prevent your personal mail from getting stolen.  In short - always keep your mailbox empty.  Please report all mailbox break-ins to the Peoria Police and to the US Postal Service.

September 11, 2008
Graffiti was reported on a Ventana Lakes wall in the North Park area.  This graffiti was painted over by the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters.  Correct Action To Take:  Always report any Graffiti you find to the VLPOA Management Office at 566-6001.

September 6 and 7, 2008
A resident found Graffiti painted on a Ventana Lakes wall that runs adjacent to the empty field on the North-West corner of 107th Ave and Beardsley.  This graffiti was painted out by the Ventana Lakes Block Watch Graffiti Busters.  Additional Graffiti was also found along 107th Ave approaching Union Hills, and on 111th Ave near Union Hills.  This Graffiti was outside of Ventana Lakes so it was reported to the Peoria Graffiti Hotline at 773-7094.  Correct Action To Take:  Always report any Graffiti you find to the VLPOA Management Office at 566-6001.  The Graffiti report will be forwarded to a VL Graffiti Buster who will immediately paint-out the Graffiti or report it to the Peoria Graffiti Hotline at 773-7094.  You can also report Graffiti to the Peoria Graffiti Hotline yourself but we would like to know about any Graffiti so we can keep a record of it.  Information on the Ventana Lakes Graffiti Busters can be found HERE.

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August 24, 2008
On August 23 and 24, 2008 Graffiti was found in several locations in Ventana Lakes.  They are:
1) East wall of Pump Station on South-West corner of 107^th Ave and Beardsley – Turned into Graffiti Hot Line.  2) On the East Railing Concrete Base of the small bridge for the Pump Station on the South-West corner of 107^th Ave and Beardsley.  3) On the Stop Light post on the South-West corner of 107^th Ave and Beardsley – Turned into Graffiti Hot Line.  4) On the Electrical Transformer on the North-East corner of 107^th Ave and Beardsley – Turned into Graffiti Hot Line.  5) On the East Wall of the Storm Water Drainage Path located just to the West of 10601 W Mohawk Lane – This Graffiti was painted over.  All Graffiti was either painted over by Block Watch, or turned into the Graffiti Hot Line.  Correct Action to Take:  Please report any Graffiti found ASAP to the Ventana Lakes Management Office (623-566-6001) and the Graffiti Hot Line (623-773-7162).

August 4, 2008
An automobile was broken into and a ladies purse was stolen out of the front seat of a vehicle parked in the driveway of a home in the 20600 block of N 106th Lane at 12:30-1:00pm (broad daylight) today, August 4th.  A lady was visiting this home and parked her car in the driveway and she left her purse sitting in the front seat of her vehicle.  She did lock the vehicle and had the windows rolled-up.  Someone broke out a car window and stole the purse.  The lady came out shortly thereafter and found the window broken and her purse stolen.  The police were immediately called and a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Do not leave valuables in your vehicle if parking on the street or in a driveway - lock your valuables in the truck of your vehicle.  When you leave something like a purse sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, which is easy to see, it becomes a great temptation to a thief and it is easy to break out a window and take it.

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June 27, 2008
It was reported that 5 boats were set adrift on the two lakes that are near Cimarron Drive in the South-West quadrant of Ventana Lakes.  This occurred overnight on June 26.  Bicycle tire marks were found on the sidewalks around these lakes so it is assumed this was done by someone riding a bicycle.  No one was seen doing this.  This has been reported to Officer Foote of the Peoria Police Department.  Correct Action To Take.  Always secure you boat to the shore with a chain and padlock.  Use a tree to tie-up the boat if one is available, or use something else that is securely affixed to the shoreline like a dock, or a steel device set into the ground which has a loop at its top.  This is the best way to insure that your boat is not set adrift or stolen.  Always file a police report if your property is vandalized.

June 26, 2008
A resident in the 19800 block of  N. 107th Dr. had an incident involving vandalized,  electrical cords of lights cut, broke glass, and scattered rocks every.  This was the 3rd incident in the past 2 weeks.  The resident observed 5 kids all on bikes between the ages of 14 to 17, and the resident believes they can identify these kids.  The Police were called and went to the nearby trailer park to try to locate the kids.  It is not know if the kids were found or not.  This happened in the evening around 7:30pm last night.  Correct Action To Take:  This resident did the right thing by immediately calling the police and not getting involved.  Do not challenge anyone because you could get hurt.  Always dial 911 immediately if you observe any vandalism or any crime in progress.

June 17, 2008
A Ventana Lakes female resident was followed home, by a man in a red mustang (the resident thinks that the man followed her from Wal-Mart). The man pulled up into her driveway, and rattled her garage door, but did not come to the front door.  He then got into his car and left. Unfortunately, she did not get his license plate number, but she did call the police, and reported it to her Block Watch Captain.  Correct Action To Take:  Always dial 911 as an emergency immediately if you are followed home by a stranger - use a cell phone while driving if you have one.  Try to get a license plate number if you can, but do not go outside your home.  If you realize someone is following you while you are driving, go to a safe place like a fire station and do not go home.  This resident did the right thing by calling the police, and reporting this incident to Block Watch.

June 16, 2008
Three front yard lights were broken over and smashed at a home in the 10900 block of Cimarron over the weekend of 6-14/15.  The homeowner is not home so they do not know about this.  The next door neighbor was notified.  No police report was filed because the homeowner is not home to file a police report.  Correct Action To Take.  A police report should be filed as soon as the homeowner returns home.

June 14, 2008
A boat was released and found floating out into the lake at a residence in the 19900 block of N 108th Avenue.  This is the second time in a few weeks.  At the last incident 2 boats were released.  There were bicycle tire marks on the sidewalk.  It is not known if a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Always file a police report.  Use a chain and padlock to tie you boat to the shore line.  If you see anyone suspicious call the Peoria Police Department and report a suspicious person.  If you see a crime in progress dial 911, and to report a suspicious person dial the non-emergency number 623-773-8311.  Always file a police report.

June 7, 2008
Two solar lights were stolen and a third solar light was smashed and broken on the ground at a home in the 11000 block of W Cimarron on Friday or Saturday.  It is not known if a police report was filed or if this occurred overnight.  Correct Action To Take.  Always file a police report even if the crime may be a relatively small one.  This is the only way that the Peoria Police Department knows about crime in our community.

June 4, 2007
A resident in the 10900 block of W. Cimarron Drive found their boat on the sidewalk along Cimarron Drive early in the morning.  Their next door neighbor confirmed that he saw the boat in the middle of the street at 5:00am and he pulled the boat onto the sidewalk for safety.  The boat is now secured so this can't happen again.  It is believe that someone was attempting to steal the boat but for some reason ran off and left the boat in the street.  Correct Action To Take.  Always secure your boat to the shoreline with a steel chain and padlock so that it cannot be easily floated away and stolen.  Always file a police report in cases of an attempted theft.

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May 9, 2008
The VLPOA Manager reported that 40-50 feet of irrigation line was pulled out of the ground, and the valves controlling the water have been tampered with at 104th Drive and Rose Garden.  Photos were taken and a police report is being filed.  Correct Action To Take.  Irrigation Controllers should be located in secure and locked boxes, and a police report is being filed.

May 8, 2008
A car was broken into overnight after midnight at a home in the 19800 block of N. 108th Avenue.  The resident thinks he probably left the car unlocked and often leaves the garage door open.  Both garage door openers and a few blankets were stolen from the car.  A dog started barking but was ignored.  The resident found the garage door opened in the morning.  Nothing appeared to be missing from the garage.  It is believe that the barking dog may have scared the burglar away.  Correct Action to Take:  Always park your car inside your closed and locked garage, but if you can't and you must park outside, park in your driveway and make sure all your windows are rolled up and the vehicle is locked.  Keep your garage door closed when not in your garage.  Always call the police and file a police report. 

May 7, 2008
Graffiti was painted on the wall with purple paint as you enter Ventana Lakes just north of Cimarron and on the west side of 107th Avenue.  Also, the Block Watch sign on Cimarron as you enter the Ventana Lakes community off 107th Avenue was painted over with the same purple paint.  The VLPOA Management Office was contacted, and Peoria Block Watch was contacted about the sign.  A police report is being filed and the Graffiti hot line was called by the VLPOA Management Office.  The graffiti was painted over by 8:30pm the same evening.  Correct Action to Take:  Everything was done correctly here.  The Graffiti hot line was called and a police report is being filed.

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April 26, 2008
At about 3:30pm (in the afternoon) there was an attempted burglary at a home in the 10800 block of W. Piute Avenue.  The homeowner was not home, but this homeowner has a burglar alarm system which automatically calls the police if a door is opened.  The homeowner also has a dog and a doggy door opening into the backyard.  It appears the burglar came into the backyard over the wall, crawled through the doggy door, and then opened a back door to let a second person in.  When the backdoor was opened this set off the burglar alarm.  The dog also came after the burglars, and they evidently ran back over the wall and left the area.  Nothing was stolen, the police came, and a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  This homeowner basically did everything right except for having an open doggy door which allowed relatively easy access into the home.

April 17, 2008
The VLPOA Management Office reported that a resident called the office to report that two mailboxes had been broken into.  One in the 10900 block of Tonopah, and one on Ventana Drive (did not identify east or west).  A call was made to the Postal Service & FBI reporting the break-ins.  Correct Action To Take: Always file a police report with the Peoria Police Department.  It is the Peoria Police Department that patrols Ventana Lakes, so they need to know what may be happening.  Always pick-up your mail each day, and stop your mail if you are away.  With tax return checks now showing up, and the tax rebate checks starting to show-up soon, the best way to protect your mailbox is by keeping it empty.

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March 11, 2008
The VLPOA Management Office reported that there was vandalism in the men's indoors bathroom at the Yacht Club on Monday night.  The type of vandalism was not reported, and we do not know if a police report was filed.  Correct Action To Take:  Always file a police report.  If you see or suspect that anyone is vandalizing any VLPOA property please call the Management Office immediately, and the police if you suspect that a crime is being committed.

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February 16, 2008
In the 20700 block of N 108^th Lane the couple was out enjoying the evening and they left no lights on inside their home.  The home is located on the lake close to the Coves Pool with a gate entrance off the lake sidewalk.  There was no lock on the backyard gate.  Between the hours of 9:00 – 11:00pm on Friday night someone came into the backyard and threw a large rock through the sliding glass door to the bedroom.  The house was ransacked and a VCR, Stereo, Prescription Drugs, and Bank Statements were stolen.  We suspect someone came along the lake sidewalk and saw that no one was home.  The police were called and a police report was filed.  A neighbor did hear a noise but thought it was just a car door closing so did not look outside.  Correct Action To Take:  Always turn a couple of lights on inside your home if you are away so it appears someone is home – you can even turn-on a radio or television.  Lock your gates to your backyard.  If you hear something suspicious call the police, but do not investigate yourself because you could walk into a crime scene and get hurt.  The police were called and a police report was filed which is correct.

February 16, 2008
In the 10700 block of W Tonopah Drive, a couple of blocks from the Coves Pool, a pot was thrown through the rear sliding glass door breaking it out sometime overnight Friday night.  The home is located with its back wall against the empty North-West lot at 107^th and Beardsley.  The backyard is walled-in and the gate at the side of the home was padlocked shut.  There was no one living in the house, but there were still belongings in the home from a lady who lived there and who moved-in with her daughter several months ago.  There were no lights on in the home.  We suspect someone came over the back wall after seeing that no one was home.  Correct Action To Take:  Always turn one or two lights on inside the house if no one is there  so it appears someone is home.  Lock your gates into you backyard which this property owner did.  The police were called and a police report was filed which is correct.

February 3, 2008
A lady who lives by herself in the 10700 Block of N 107th Drive was home and it was night outside, and she heard a noise in her backyard.  She grabbed a flashlight and opened the curtain at a window to look outside.  She then saw the leg of someone in her back yard.  She immediately called the police.  The police arrived quickly but the person was gone.  Correct Action To Take:  This lady did the right thing by immediately calling the police.  Always immediately call the police and let them investigate.  Never go outside to confront anyone.

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January 9, 2008
At 7:05pm (well after dark) Block Watch received two calls that there were solicitors going door-to-door in Ventana Lakes at two different locations, one was Cimarron and 108th Avenue, and the other was at  Escuda Drive and 109th Avenue.  In one case a resident was startled because she found two men in her front yard.  The callers stated that the solicitors were trying to collect money for a charity helping teenage people who are addicted to drugs.  Block Watch investigated and found two young men sitting on a wall at Cimarron and 108th Ave.  The two men were asked for their Peoria issued Solicitors ID Card to properly identify them, and they kept avoiding the question saying that their supervisor had it.  The police were then called to investigate.  The men called someone on their cell phone.  After just a few minutes a white van showed-up to pickup the men, and the driver asked what was going on.  He was informed about the requirement to have the solicitor ID Card on each solicitor.  The men got in the van and left the community.  Correct Action To Take:  This is the correct action to take.  In the City of Peoria each solicitor must have their own Peoria Issued Solicitor ID Card on their person and show it when requested or they cannot solicit in the City of Peoria.  If they cannot show you a Peoria Issued Solicitor ID Card this could be a scam so please call the police, do not open your door, and be very careful when confronting anyone because you never know what might happen.

January 9, 2008
There was a break-in on the 102 block of Mohawk Lane last night.   Despite a security door and deadbolt they kicked in the front door.   Suggest you advise neighbors when you are going to be away and have them take in newspapers and mail.   Also inexpensive motion detector alarms that require no wiring or monitoring are available at hardware stores and Home Depot.   They give off a very loud screech that should deter thieves when they enter.  Police are investigating this break-in.  Correct Action To Take:  Always tell neighbors when you are going to be out of town and always have them pickup anything placed at your front door or in your driveway.  Always file a police report.