How to make your Wintergreen property more secure

By Dennis Russell
Chief, Wintergreen Police

Wintergreen is very safe. This community sees few property crimes and when there are issues, our department has a much higher than average “clear” rate.

That said, here are some ideas we’ve seen work well here that Wintergreen homeowners might consider if they want to make their property more secure.

Now that affordable fiber internet is available to every house and condo at Wintergreen, security systems make more sense than ever.

And today easy-to-use security systems connected by wifi are less expensive, offer more features, are simpler to install, and can be remotely managed by the homeowner on a smartphone.

Some localities require security systems to be registered with the police. Wintergreen Police does not require a permit to activate a security system.

Security systems can provide peace of mind, especially if they have a security camera or two. Systems with around-the-clock monitoring will notify us even if you’re not available on your phone.

Our house watch sign-up works well with those who have an alarm system in their home. If we get notification from your alarm company and we know that you are traveling and not at home–and you’ve told us no one should be there–our response to an alarm will be much more informed.

As useful as it is, detecting that someone may be breaking into your Wintergreen home is not the most important benefit monitored security systems offer. Fire is the bigger threat these high-tech systems address. (The Wintergreen fire department can access your unattended property quickly and safely if you have a Knox Box installed.)

Sophisticated security systems can also send medical alerts and offer carbon monoxide detection (a good idea if you use LP gas). You can even get freeze warnings and notifications of a water pipe rupture. These things do happen.

A quality alarm system will often reduce home insurance premiums. We can’t endorse any brands, but we like most of the established, proven systems.

Wintergreen is a very friendly place. People here–property owners and visitors alike–smile and acknowledge each other. That friendliness makes it safer, too, because it makes “unfriendly people” feel less anonymous.

Get to know your neighbors, even if you (or they) are part-timers. This way more people nearby are better informed about what’s normal and not.

Keep an eye out and report anything suspicious. We rely on you to let us know when something looks amiss. Trust your gut. Do not hesitate to call us if you think something or someone is “odd” in your neighborhood–or anywhere at Wintergreen.

Everyone looking out for each other is one of the best ways we can make Wintergreen safer for all.

If you know of someone at Wintergreen who lives alone here full-time, consider letting them know about our Daily Check program.

Other steps you can take to deter crime include leaving random lights on when you’re gone and also setting timers for porch lights to cycle on and off. A radio in a bedroom playing music is good, too.

Is it time to change your door locks? If you have owned your Wintergreen home for a long period of time, how many people might have a key (former contractor, house cleaner, etc.)?

And, finally, don’t forget our neighbors, the bears, might be looking to get into your house–be Bear Smart.

The Wintergreen Police Department is always on-duty and ready to assist you. Our non-emergency number is 434-325-1106. In an emergency dial 911.

September 9, 2021