A seriously ill, elderly woman in West Boca has been recuperating for some time in another state, leaving her home of 14 years here temporarily vacant. The home is in the middle of a lovely block, surrounded by many other houses.

Her relatives recently came to check on the house. As soon as they walked through the house, they saw that their mother’s house had been broken into during her absence.

But it turned out to be worse than that. The house was a filthy mess. Graffiti was scrawled around the kitchen, including the N-word and references to a satanic cult. When the relatives found personal effects that could not possibly belong to their mother, they realized that this was not just a break-in. Her house was being lived in by one or more intruders.

When police came and went through those personal effects, they found an ID belonging to a young man from Wooster, Massachusetts, along with a Circuit City employee badge. They also found a used plane ticket from Boston to South Florida suggesting that the squatter may have been living in the house for some weeks. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

No one in the neighborhood ever called the police while this home was occupied by one or more squatters.

The number of vacant homes is rising all over South Florida, including West Boca. It’s a sign of the times, caused by people abandoning homes that have more debt than equity, homes that are in foreclosure limbo, and sellers who had to move elsewhere before they were able to find a buyer for their home here.

Police say vacant homes everywhere have become targets for the homeless, for drug dealers and users, and for those seeking places to hang out.

In this deteriorating climate, it would be good if all of us paid a bit more attention to what’s going on in our immediate neighborhood. If you know an owner is away or has moved out and you see activity in their house, call the police.

And when you go away or move out and your home is vacant, let your neighbors know and ask them to keep an eye on your property.

We all need to become more pro-active neighbors in this worsening economy.

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The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District-7, West Boca Raton, would like to make you aware of a current crime trend in the West Boca Raton area. Law enforcement has investigated a number of “distraction” type thefts.

The scenario may go something like this: At least two people will approach your home and tell you that they are there to investigate a (water-gas or other type) leak. However, this is not the only guise they will use. Remember, their scheme is to get into your home. Once inside, a member of the “team” will distract you to another room while the other steals your valuables. Incidents have been reported in which the “distraction teams” are made up of both males and females. So beware!

If persons representing a utility company request access to your house, make sure they have proper identification or call and verify with the company. All true utility employees will be glad to prove their identity.

Don’t be a crime victim!

Immediately report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Detective Sergeant John Sluth at 561-558-2715.

Captain Matt Eisenberg
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
Commander, District-7
West Boca Raton

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by Debbie Umbdenstock

I have resided in West Boca since 1988, and since that time I have witnessed a major increase of residents, visitors and, most importantly, traffic. In recent times, the traffic violations seem to have reached widespread proportions.

The county can make all the rules it desires. However, they will not work unless they are enforced. The lack of enforcement is a major issue for all of us who have to get in a car and drive. I think we have all witnessed cars making right turns from left lanes, the brazen running of red lights and people who honk at you when you stop for a yellow light, or even a red one. I assume we have all been a victim of people who honk at you when you stop for a red light and then go around you and blatantly run that light, or those who pass you on the shoulder of the road. The list of infractions goes on and on. Many such drivers seem to think that the "Rules of the Road" only apply to others, not to them. I am not sure why some people think that they are above the law.

I know many others in West Boca feel as I do -- once we get on the road we are taking our lives in our hands. I believe we need not only better law enforcement, but more of it. I think we are all well aware of the speed traps that are set up in front of Albertsons as you head south on 441, but more law enforcement is needed at the traffic lights themselves. More police cars positioned discretely to observe violators are also needed. Cameras at lights are a wonderful idea, and have worked in many other parts of the country.

On the majority of the roads in West Boca, cars pass you like you are standing still. The "Crotch Rockets" own the road and fly past you doing at least 60 to 70 miles an hour if not more.

Our taxes have increased dramatically over the last few years, but speaking for myself, I have not yet seen the benefits of these increases. It is evident that tax money is not going to law enforcement.

Living in West Boca is like living in the Wild West, when there was only one marshall for an enormous territory. Perhaps a sign needs to be posted as you enter West Boca that says "Enter at your own Risk!"

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