Think before you post

BREWSTER – There was a time when burglars had to put in a little surveillance time casing a residence before pulling a job. Things like watching for newspapers piled up in front of the door, or mail spilling out of an overloaded mailbox were part of scouting residences for one where nobody was home, and chances of detection reduced.

No more.

Online postings have made the job much easier than it once was. Little social media tips like:

“Can’t wait ‘til Friday when my vacation starts, and I’ll be gone for two weeks!”

In her report to the regular monthly meeting of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday, Feb. 6, Brewster Police Chief Nattalie Cariker cautioned citizens to be thoughtful about what they post on social media. To the wrong person, the right message might spell opportunity for someone waiting to capitalize on vulnerable targets.

Cariker also recommended that homeowners consider purchasing an affordable surveillance system and said models with an iPhone app allow the owner to check the security status of a property in real time from any location.

Cariker discussed Brewster Community Care & Outreach, a program to provide immediate emergency help in the absence of access to other resources. The handout Cariker distributed included a contact for a Crisis Text Line for free access to a confidential crisis counselor 24 hours a day seven days a week. Those needing help can text “START” to 741-741.

By dialing 2-1-1 citizens can also request referrals for health and human services resources and other needs.

The Outreach program includes contact numbers for scores of local and national resources for a wide variety of issues. For more information about Brewster Community Care & Outreach call the Brewster Police Department at 509-689-2331 or email brewstercommunitycare@gmail.com.