Edhat StaffSource: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with our County partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to help return the community of Montecito to normalcy as soon as possible. While there will be a significant Sheriff’s Office presence in Montecito for the foreseeable future, we request that property owners take action to secure their property. While no specific date has been selected for the lifting of the disaster declaration, preparations for that event should begin.
The provision of security is the primary focus of the Sheriff’s Office. Nevertheless, it is up to property owners to ensure that their property and valuables are safe. There are many steps you can take to secure your property including:
- The installation of fencing with the following reminders:
- Fencing taller than 8 feet requires a County permit
- Keep fencing close to structures to avoid creating a dam effect in future storms
- Keep fencing out of and away from waterways
- installing security cameras
- installing motion activated outdoor lighting
- removing/moving valuables and storing them in a safe place
- boarding up windows, doors and other access points
Additional disaster zone and property security information can be found in the Declared Disaster Zone FAQ available at www.CountyofSB.org and www.SBsheriff.org.
Most importantly, we urge Montecito residents to look out for each other especially during this recovery process and help safeguard each other’s property. No one should be in the area without a legitimate and lawful reason to be there. Report any suspicious people or activity to law enforcement right away.
The Sheriff’s Office is here to help Montecito residents as they go through this challenging recovery and restoration process. For guidance on the best ways to secure your property, please consult your contractor, contact the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce at (805) 965-3023, or visit the Contractors State License Board website at www.cslb.ca.gov/ for recommendations on contractors specializing in property security.
Yes owning a firearm does statistically increase your chances of dying from a firearm as over 50% of gun deaths are suicide not murder. May we always have freedom of choice.
This advice from the Sherriff’s office is sound as community watch programs are not too effective when most people are forced out of their homes by disaster. Law enforcement can only do but so much, and need for property owners to take responsibility and not simply rely on them.
The deputies never were responsible for anyone’s stuff. They can’t be everywhere at once but do the best they can. People need to take some responsibility for protecting valuables.