Pre-Summer Public Safety Notice

Summer is here, which means there are more people in the area. We would like to take time to remind everyone of a few community safety tips.  

We would like to remind our residents to ensure all property (sheds, vehicles, porches, etc) are locked and secured. Unlocked property can become an "easy target" for criminals. 

Our Public Safety department works directly with the Delaware State Police. We provide them with footage from our security cameras and other information whenever it is needed. Our Public Safety department continues to be on duty 24/7 365, however we cannot do it alone and need your support. We are asking all residents to keep an eye on each other, and look out for your neighbors. 

If you see something, say something. 

Please considerbecoming a part of your community's watch group. 
Any residents who see suspicious activity should contact 9-1-1 immediately. 

What does Pot-Nets do to help our residents stay safe?
 

1. Pot-Nets & Baywood Public Safety Department: We are very proud of the work that they do. While not law enforcement officers, there is over 80 years of collective law enforcement experience among our staff members. Our team is comprised of retired police officers, current and former members of fire departments, former military members, former corrections officers, former EMT’s and others of high character. Importantly, the majority of our Public Safety team are residents in our communities, and have a personal stake in community safety.
2. Patrol Hours: We have at least 3 Public Safety Officers on duty at all times, 24/7/365. During periods of high activity, we have several times that on duty. During the off-season, we are staffed with 24 Officers. During the warmer months, our team increases to 42 Officers with the addition of Seasonal Officers, Gate Guards and Beach Guards, who monitor community access and provide assistance during our highest-traffic times.
3. Calls to Public Safety: Calls to (302) 945-1029 are answered 24-hours each day. Our Supervisors do have to prioritize responses, as does any other first responder. Please understand that there may be a priority call, such as a medical emergency, which may delay their response to a less urgent call. But you will be responded to.
4. Cooperation with Delaware State Police: We enjoy a close relationship with both Troop 4 and Troop 7. We regularly receive requests for information from both Troops. We have assisted with several investigations and arrests by providing information gathered from our video surveillance systems, and other sources within our communities.
5. Information Gathering: We have more than 75 cameras spread across our communities in fixed locations, concealed locations, and in mobile use.  We have upgraded our license plate cameras at certain locations, and routing their video feed through Automated License Plate Reader systems. This notifies us in real-time of the arrival of "vehicles of interest". The on-shift Supervisor receives a text-message when a “vehicle of interest” has entered the community.  We are able to provide law enforcement with activity reports of a certain vehicle over time.
6. Community Watch Programs: We work with several active Community Watch groups.  We help ensure that these groups are visible, and are following common guidelines. We have provided equipment to make them more visible and effective. We ensure that our Supervisors are communicatingwith their members each night. We meet on a monthly basis to exchange ideas and information.

 
What can you do?
 

1. Call 9-1-1 for Police, Fire and Medical emergencies. 
2. Call (302) 945-1029 for the Pot-Nets Public Safety Department.
3. Join a Community Watch group. Create one if you don’t have one.
4. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
5. Secure your home and property.
6. Install lights outside your home. Turn them on at night.
7. Be unpredictable in your travels and activities.
8. Try not to announce your arrivals and departures on social media.
9. Know your neighbors, and keep an eye on each other.
10. If you see something, say something.
11. Make a note of something that seems unusual. Write it down.
12. File a police report. It helps them gather information, and take action.
13. Make sure your kids or grandkids are at home when they should be. 

Below is a link to a Delaware State Police website, which allows users to create a map of crimes in the area, by type. It is updated on a daily basis, and you can run reports to see the patterns of criminal activity over time: