DECEMBER 2017
IN THIS ISSUE: 
PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT Property
What is property fraud?
Property and mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime in the United States, according to the FBI. Scammers file fake deeds, making it appear as if they own homes that are not actually theirs. These scammers then trick people into giving them money to rent or buy those homes.

How can you protect your property?
Property Fraud Alert is a free service to help you protect your property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.  By signing up for FREE property fraud alerts, you will receive notification by email or telephone whenever a document is recorded in Hillsborough County using your name or your business's name.  If you receive an alert about activity not initiated by you, this early notification can provide valuable time to stop criminals in their tracks.  Reviewing your property records is an important way to protect yourself from fraud.

Don't delay,  sign up  today to take advantage of this free service!
CRIME STATISTICS, PREVENTION TIPS & PROGRAMS Stats
Crime Statistics
Through October, Part I Crime in Westshore is down 21.96% compared to 2016. Unfortunately, the month of October increased by 1 incident -  auto burglary/theft continue to be the most reported crimes.

  *Part I Crimes are based on FBI crime reporting data and include criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary (breaking and entering), larceny-theft (except motor vehicle theft), motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Crime Prevention Tips 
There has been a substantial increase in auto burglary and theft in District One, which includes Westshore. Thieves are desperately looking for cars to break into. Don't make it easy for them to steal your car or your valuables--lock your doors and secure your possessions.  If you see suspicious activity report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority and f ollow these  Tampa Police Department Auto Theft/Burglary Prevention Tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim:
  • Close your windows and lock your doors.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Lock them in your trunk.
  • Do not leave your keys in the vehicle. Remove the valet key, these are often found in the owner's manual.
  • Park where your car will be frequently and easily seen.
  • Park in well-lit areas when possible.
  • Do not leave your garage door open.
  • Install and use a car alarm.
  • Never leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running. This is State Law.
Additional crime prevention tips  related to holiday shopping include:
  • Have your keys in-hand and ready to open your car door before you exit the store or place of business.
  • Keep your purse closed and carry it securely under your arm. Never place your purse on a counter or leave it in your shopping cart.
  • Don't carry large amounts of cash. Never display the cash you carry. Use ATMs during the daytime.
At home:
  • Do not place gifts or other valuables where they can be seen by someone looking in from outside your home.
  • Keep your doors and deadbolts locked at all times - even when someone is home.
  • Don't advertise your new computer, stereo or TV by leaving the empty boxes at the curb.
When ordering packages online:
  • Consider sending the package to your workplace or a neighbor who is home during the day to accept the delivery.
  • Require a signature upon delivery to ensure someone receives it.
  • Have your Amazon order go to an Amazon Locker located at convenience stores throughout the Bay Area.
  • Request the delivery company to hold your package at the closest pick-up facility. The company will contact you when it arrives.
  • Leave special instructions for drivers to leave your package in a specific location such as the back door.
  • Consider installing doorbell and surveillance cameras around your porch. The motion sensors will notice as someone approaches your porch, start recording and alert you of the approach.
Operation Tag It! 
Invite the Tampa Police Department to conduct  "Tag-It" at your business location. During Tag-It, officers walk your property to identify potential crime opportunities and alert motorist via a tag on their windshield of UNLOCKED vehicles and VISIBLE valuables that could entice a thief. Please note, TPD will NOT open doors or enter vehicles. Tags are also placed on vehicles with no visible valuables so that criminals are not alerted to which vehicles have valuables in them.

Contact TPD's Neighborhood Affairs Liaison Maryanne Hunsberger at (813) 354-6692 or [email protected] for scheduling.
Trespass Affidavit Program
The Tampa Police Department implemented the  Trespass Affidavit  Program to assist business and/or property owners control access to their property during non-business hours.
When an owner has identified a recurring trespassing problem at his or her business or property, the owner or legal representative may request this service. The  Trespass Affidavit  gives any Tampa Police officer the right to act as the owner's representative in warning anyone found in violation of the affidavit to leave, and to arrest violators if they refuse.  Click here for more information or to register today!
HURRICANE SEASON WRAP-UP Hurricane
Image Credit: Fox 13
2017 hurricane season comes to an end; one for the record books
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has finally come to an end. We finish with 17 named storms - 10 of which became hurricanes, and six of those 10 reached Category 3 strength or higher. Names like Harvey, Irma, and Maria are ones we won't soon forget.  Read more.
Westshore Emergency Access Card Program
In partnership with the Tampa Police Department, Westshore Alliance manages the Emergency Access Card Program, which is designed to assist emergency and rescue crews identify individuals authorized to enter the Westshore Business District following a disaster or emergency. Property owners can register up to three authorized personnel to receive reentry passes that allow them access to their building for the limited purpose of evaluating the safety and security of property before allowing tenants, other occupants, or the general public to return.  

 The Alliance issued 118 new passes the week leading up to Hurricane Irma. We encourage property owners to register if they haven't already done so. Passes do not expire. However, passes are non-transferable. If you have a change in personnel, please contact  Shawn Fogarty at (813) 289-5488  or [email protected] to request a new pass. 

More Information
NEWS news
City Launches Road Closure Map
In an effort to streamline the road closure map the City of Tampa has launched a dynamic map which will be updated as needed with road closures. The Public Road Closure Map is now viewable on the City's website at  www.tampagov.net/roadclosures.
Update: New Sidewalks Coming to Westshore
The Alliance continues our commitment to improving safety for pedestrians in the Westshore area. Through the Westshore Special Services District, new sidewalks will be installed along W Laurel Street from E Frontage Road to N O'Brien Street and along the north side of Columbus Drive from Himes Avenue to Dale Mabry Highway. Both projects are estimated to be complete in February 2019. 
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS
Emergency
9-1-1
Police Non-Emergency 
 (813) 231-6130
Code Enforcement
 (813) 274-5545
Animal Control 
 (813) 744-5660
Solid Waste
 (813) 348-1112
Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay (800) 873-TIPS
Crisis Center 2-1-1
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