I would like to respond to the opinion pieces by Robert L. Wheat (“Resident worries about rising crime,” Sun City Independent, April 6, 2022) and D. Lilla (“Lawbreakers know about lack of police,” Sun City Independent, April 6, 2022) regarding rising crime and the lack of police protection we have in Sun City.
It is true that crime is on the rise everywhere, but it seems like this community is a target because of the age of its occupants. It’s a shame, but unfortunately, it’s the truth. I know everyone knows of someone or they themselves have been affected by crime in Sun City. Just a couple of days ago we had a friend whose golf car was stolen in a matter of 10 minutes, in broad daylight, outside Fry’s on Grand and 107th avenues — he had the key in his pocket.
I want to thank these two for doing the legwork on what it could cost the residents of Sun City to hire policing for our community. I like options two and three that Mr. Wheat proposes. Crime is happening 24/7 so we need security 24/7. It wasn’t long ago that the board wanted to increase the PIF from $3,500 to $4,000 for new home buyers. It’s wonderful to have nice facilities but not at the price of our possessions being stolen, homes being broken into, etc.
I agree with the two writers that it’s way past the time to do something. I would be willing to have my rec fee increased by $25-$35 for Sun City to have its own “police force” presence. I’m willing to bet that many of the Sun City residents feel the same. Sun City is a wonderful place and I love all it has to offer, but not at the expense of safety.
The Posse is great, but unfortunately, they are unable to do anything to stop a crime from being committed and criminals know that. It would be wonderful to have them working in conjunction with actual trained officers who can make arrests.
Thank you again, Mr. Wheat and D. Lilla, for all the work you have already done. It would be wonderful if the board would reach out directly to both of you (rather than recreate the wheel) and ask you to work with them and go over your findings and determine if the options you both propose are the best options or if there may be other options for Sun City to look at.
If we want to continue to attract people to Sun City, we must address the crime in the community and what can be done about it, and we need to do it sooner rather than later. Sun City is a wonderful community and I hate to see it reduced by crime. I hope the board will see fit to add security as an item to the agenda for the next board meeting. It’s time we began looking out for ourselves.
