Monterey neighbors hoping to beat burglars

After six break-ins in the Monterey area, some residents decided to ban together in hopes of ending the crime spree.

Resident Pat Aktins, left, listens to Kentucky State Police Trooper Seth Willis outline some of the steps community members can take to deter burglars.

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A meeting was held July 30 in hopes of establishing a neighborhood watch and raise awareness on some precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent burglary.

Pat Adkins, who organized the meeting, said she felt the event was successful.

“We had almost 30 people come out for the meeting,” Adkins said. “That’s a good turnout for a rural area like ours.”

Kentucky State Police Trooper Seth Willis, public affairs officer for post 5, offered advice to concerned citizens on how to keep their homes safe and what to do in the event of a burglary.

Willis said those living in rural areas are always looking for ways to improve the security in their homes.

“I believe for the most part, the information given during the meeting will help,” Willis said. “People are always looking for things to improve the security in their areas and the Kentucky State Police provide them with the information to help do so.”

Adkins said because everyone in the area is so spread out, establishing a neighborhood watch program would be difficult.

“It’s really a work in progress,” Adkins said. “Because no one lives close to each other and many of the residents are older and could not patrol their area, we’ve decided to start a phone tree.”

Adkins said the meeting was also helpful because many people were able to meet neighbors they had never met before.

“Now that some us are more aware of our neighbors and know where they live we’ll be able to watch out for one another a little bit better,” Adkins said. “It’s important to know who your neighbors are in situations like these.”

Adkins researched several security options and systems that are offered in the area for her neighbor to help deter crime.

Willis said some people may have routines that keep their homes from being as secure as they should be.

“A lot of people have habits that they don’t even realize until a neighbor’s home is broken into,” Willis said. “They become a little bit more vigilant after that and begin to take more precaution.”

Willis said he would encourage homeowners to do routine service checks on their homes.

“Make sure your locks, door and windows are secure and not worn out,” Willis said.

Adkins said getting citizens informed on the issue can help in the long run.

“Because we’re so spread out we felt starting a phone tree would be beneficial to us,” Adkins said. “Trooper Willis answered a lot of great questions and was very helpful. Maybe by getting this out and getting our phone tree started we can put an end to the burglaries in our area.”