Utopia Homeowners Security Association

This message was previously posted by Miami PD on Nextdoor.com. It is re-posted here to raise awareness of situations that may place your financial situation at risk.

Coconut Grove Commander Mike Gonzalez from Miami Police Department

Good Afternoon Coconut Grove,

Please see the post below that was sent to me. We have received more than one report of this and investigations are underway. Miami PD will be working with and assisting the Federal Postal Police as needed.

“A friend mailed four checks in an envelop and dropped it in the Grove drive thru box on Dec 27. The checks were fished out of the box, washed, re-written for excessive amounts, and cashed. She has reported it to the Postal Inspectors and is working with the banks for reimbursement. Post office said thieves have devices that can fish mail out of exterior mail boxes. Recommend not using exterior boxes for any kind of negotiable instrument (i.e. checks). Need to go inside post office or hand to letter carrier.”

FROM YOUR UTOPIA HOMEOWNERS SECURITY ASSOCIATION

There has been a burglary of a home of one of our members within our precious Utopia boundaries. The burglary occurred this past Saturday between 5pm and 11pm. The thief(s) gained entrance through a side door that was unlocked so there was no forcible entry.

The thieve(s) never went to the second floor. They took random small things, jewelry, and a bedspread that was probably used for gathering small stolen items. They opened the top drawer of every bureau or desk or cabinet.

Miami city police are investigating fully. They took fingerprints, etc., but tend to think it might be someone working construction in the neighborhood.

Our patrol notes: please be sure to report any suspicious activity, even if it is something like construction workers staying late. We are awaiting evidence and hopefully we will gain further information about this burglary.

We urge everyone to keep all the doors to your home and vehicles locked at all times. When you leave your home, leave lights on and music playing.

Let’s not make it easy for thieves. Be especially vigilant now during the holidays as this is a time for increased theft.

Be doubly aware of all goings on in the neighborhood and please call the patrol with any concerns or doubts. If there is no one on duty, immediately call 911.

The member said they have lived here 23 years and this has never happened. We all become somewhat lax living in our enclave of neighbors in such a serene environment. Please be vigilant.

Please be advised that Miami-Dade, officially, has just been put under a Tropical Storm Watch.

In order to remind you and your household members to be prepared:

Be sure to have plenty of

• Water (minimum 5 gallons per person—and don’t forget your pets)
• Food (easily prepared without need of electricity and not easily spoiled in case refrigeration goes out)
• Medications
• Keep your mobile phones charged and have a back up charger
• Keep important documents in easily accessible waterproof containers
• Fill your car gas tanks

Please secure all outside objects that may become airborne in high winds—trash cans, planters, lawn equipment– even any loose trimmings should be put under tarps.

Also, be advised that if the Miami-Dade Police Department goes into emergency mode, our patrol may not be available to help.

Final tip: go through your home and take pictures of everything inside and out.

Nearby neighborhoods reported two incidents in the past week involving theft from motor vehicles.

The following was reported to Utopia Security Association by members and neighbors. Fortunately no members were affected.

1. Sharon (lives on Douglas, between Crawford and Poinciana) reports that an incident occurred in her driveway “My brother and his family were here for 10 days. On Sunday we packed the truck with their luggage and were inside for about 20 minutes before we left. Everything was stolen. They lost jewelry, computers, other electronics and all their clothes.”

2. Karen (3700 block of Solana) reports another incident: “Yesterday my car was opened, and things were stolen from there. Nothing valuable but the fact that people are around stealing in broad daylight right in front of your door is worrisome. Let all know please.”

In each of these cases, it seems that belongings were left unattended and unsecured. Please realize that many property crimes are a crime of opportunity.

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Report suspicious activity.
• Secure your belongings.
• Do not leave valuables in your car and hide them from visibility.
• Place valuables and packages in your trunk before arriving at your parking location.
• Lock your vehicle.

The presence of uniformed Miami Police officers and marked police vehicles patrolling inside the Utopia boundaries is a significant deterrent to criminals. Additionally, our watchful residents report suspicious activities to the on duty security officers who in turn investigate anything suspicious. Please ask your neighbors to join so we can increase our patrol coverage. Our goal is 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Help keep Utopia safe!