Hello VAT Community,
As previously posted – there have been a rash of recent thefts in our community. General details about those thefts are listed below:
1st Occurrence – 4/21/2024
Hadshire Ct – A backyard was entered and a patio set was stolen
Manshire Ct – Front porch patio rockers and table were stolen
Marhurst Ct – Front porch patio chairs and table were stolen
2nd Occurrence – 4/29/2024 – Between 2:30-3AM
Aldengate Dr – A truck was broken into and tools were stolen
Thorncrest Dr – A truck was broken into, tools were stolen and they attempted to steal the vehicle. Later there was an attempted entry into the home.
3rd Occurrence – 5/8 – Between 3-3:30AM
Graylock Ct – A backyard was entered and a gas grill was stolen
Claytonbend Dr – A backyard was entered and a child’s trampoline was stolen
4th Occurrence – 5/9 – Overnight/Early Hours
Claytonbend Dr – A vehicle that was parked on the street had its tires and rims stolen.
Video images from homeowner security cameras have captured a suspicious SUV traveling throughout our community at the same time in multiple instances. In one instance the theft was caught on camera but it is difficult to make out any suspects.
We are kindly asking any homeowners within the area of these streets to review any security cameras they may have to help further identify this vehicle. Should you have captured any useful footage please reach out to our community liaison officer, Officer Paulus, via email at: (TPaulus@columbuspolice.org). Please use the email subject: “Village at Thornapple Thefts”.
We also ask everyone to speak to your neighbors. One of these thefts was only discovered by a casual conversation with a neighbor. Keeping our community informed will help us all be more aware of incidents in our community and increase our safety.
While the Board does not manage an official VAT Facebook group there are three unofficial groups we are aware of that are fairly active. We have included their information below for reference, however please note that these groups have their own specific descriptions and intents. Please review all group rules prior to joining/posting.
Thornapple Community Facebook Group – This is a group that consists of neighbors within VAT, Thornapple Meadows, Thornapple Highlands, Thornapple Grove and George Fox (essentially all the interconnected neighborhoods).
Village at Thornapple Unofficial Facebook Group – This is a self managed group of neighbors within VAT only.
Thornapple Community Block Watch – This group posts any security concerns within the area. Please note that there is NOT an active meeting/patrolling block watch at this time – however this group is useful to post any security issues/concerns.
Several homeowners may also use Nextdoor where you can indicate that you live in the Village at Thornapple neighborhood and get digests of information similar to Facebook but with a neighborhood and surrounding area focus.
We are sharing these groups as we want to make sure neighbors are aware of what is happening in the community and often the participants in this group are posting photos and videos that would be useful for neighbors to review in real-time.
To be very clear: the VAT Board does not own, administer, or manage any of the content nor access to these groups. We are sharing this information ONLY to further help keep our community safe. The only official communications from the Board will come from the community newsletter posts or letters/emails sent directly to homeowners.
Columbus Police are aware of the incidents noted above and are exploring additional ways they can provide a presence within our community. The Board has been reaching out to CPD after all incidents to ensure their awareness and that we are actively following what is happening in our community. CPD indicated they have begun providing a closer police presence looking for suspicious vehicles in the early hours but given the multiple ways to exit our community (two entrances off Alton-Darby, and also an entrance off Feder through Thornapple Grove) this is still challenging. CPD is also reaching out to the Franklin County Sheriffs office to see if they may be able to assist in providing patrol coverage.
The biggest feedback from Officer Paulus is that homeowners need to report these incidents or suspicious vehicles/behavior as soon as possible. If you file a police report on the phone or online please inform Officer Paulus via email as well. Should you witness an attempted entry into a home or open garage – call 911. Other calls can be directed to the Police non-emergency number (614 645 4545) and officers will be dispatched as available.
Homeowners with security cameras are encouraged to review their footage for any suspicious vehicles/behavior especially in the overnight hours for these dates. We would also encourage homeowners to learn more about the features of their security systems to see if settings can be changed to capture more footage in the short term while these known issues are present.
All homeowners are encouraged to remove any property which is considered valuable from outdoor settings or use locks/cables to make these items more difficult to take. We understand that these are simple interventions but removing the simplicity from the theft opportunity may be what makes the difference.
Additional details are noted below on ways to discourage theft – stay safe everyone.
- Be sure to secure any vehicles left outside as well as securing doors and windows at night
If at all possible park vehicles in garages where they are most secure.
- Secure any valuables left outdoors
Make use of locking cables for any items that are too large to move indoors. Ensure all walkthrough gates are locked when possible.
- Make best use of any security features you currently have on your home
Be sure to keep exterior lights on or on timers at night. Make sure motion lights are powered and have functioning light bulbs. Increase the sensitivity of any motion detectors or video cameras on your property to ensure that they are capturing as much video as possible when motion is detected. Add locks to any gates to make removing property from your yard more challenging.
- Use landscaping to your advantage
If your property has easily visible sightlines to property you feel is valuable (like patio furniture, gas grills, yard decorations, etc) try to obscure the view by using well placed plants, flowers, and shrubs. This is particularly important for any homeowners on corner lots where more of their property is visible.
- Add the Columbus police non-emergency number to your phone’s contacts
If you see anything suspicious in the neighborhood contact the non emergency line at 614 645 4545. Be prepared with as much of a description as you can safely provide – vehicle or clothing descriptions, identifying characteristics can be very useful to police. As always, DO NOT APPROACH ANY SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE OR PERSON. Your safety is paramount.
- Check your property and any camera motion-alerts daily
A quick review of your exterior property will ensure that you are aware of when anything may have been taken as well as give you an opportunity to ensure your safety measures are always in place and working as intended. Reviewing doorbell or other security camera footage may show any suspicious activity even if your home wasn’t directly affected.
- Report any crime/theft to Columbus Police
Obtaining additional patrols in the area of our community will not happen if there are not documented reports with the Columbus police of any issues. Please take the time to file the appropriate reports at the time of any incidents.
