How Safe Is South Walton?

[Beach Runner]

Sowal is a relatively safe/crime free place, but you should still use some common sense. Criminals could have a field day in Sowal w/ all of the unlocked things and unattended bags, wallets, cars w/ keys in them etc. :roll:

I know. It was just a brain freeze that he left the car unlocked. He never does that.

 

[scooterbug44]

I know. It was just a brain freeze that he left the car unlocked. He never does that.

I wasn't directing that at you - was just thinking of some places I have lived where you rode public transportation w/ your hand on your wallet/in your front pocket because pickpockets/petty theft were so prevalent.

 

[Dia]

Or your cars, or your homes. And don't leave important things in the back of your truck overnight.

I do worry that folks get a false sense of security, because there is crime here, but not to the level of large cities or even neighboring counties. Most of the thefts are burglaries instead of actual robberies. And, unfortunately, we do have some wayward youths, and "carhopping" is a common activity.

General safety precautions do go a long way, though.

yup! We've had things stolen out of our car (parked in our driveway)

 

[SHELLY]

...not as safe as it used to be--just like everywhere else in the USA.

You can either take someone's word for how "safe" the area is or you can lock your doors; watch your kids; and secure your possessions to make it so. How many TV interviews of bystanders at a crime scenes begin, "Nothing like this has ever happened around here before." :roll:

.

 

[30ashopper]

I've never locked my car at the grocery or outlets or restaraunts or any place else for that matter over the last nine years I've lived here. I guess I have too much faith in the area.

I also love the fact that this is a great free roam area for kids. When I lived in San Fran, I always felt sorry for my friends kids, their parent watched over them like hawks. Down here I see young kids running around, riding bkies, having fun.. reminds me of my time as a kid.

 

[Carol G]

I wasn't directing that at you - was just thinking of some places I have lived where you rode public transportation w/ your hand on your wallet/in your front pocket because pickpockets/petty theft were so prevalent.

I still can't get over the fact that one day, while living in Chicago, my wallet was stolen out of my ZIPPERED purse, while I was walking down Milwaukee Avenue, running errands. I had it at the post office and carefully zipped it back into the center section of my purse; when I went to pay for my purchases at the consignment store 15 minutes later, it was gone. And my purse had been zipped back up. I never felt a thing. I ran home, immediately called my credit card company, and the thieves were at that moment attempting to use my card at the grocery store across the street from where I had been shopping. I took some small satisfaction in the fact that the Visa rep was able to decline the charges while I was on the phone with her.

I'm a door-locker, ingrained city habit that I will never lose. Other SoWallers have made fun of me for this, but unfortunately in the world we live in, it's the wise thing to do. I have learned though, that if someone really wants your stuff, locks and zippers and precautions are not going to stop them. Better to let it go, and let karma do its thing - it always does eventually.

 

[Beach Runner]

I wasn't directing that at you - was just thinking of some places I have lived where you rode public transportation w/ your hand on your wallet/in your front pocket because pickpockets/petty theft were so prevalent.

Oh, I know. But it was still a careless thing for him to do.

He has also left the sunroof and windows down in the SUV twice in the past few months and an unexpected rainstorm came up. The console had an inch or so of water in it. It took the seats several weeks to dry.

 

[ShallowsNole]

I've never locked my car at the grocery or outlets or restaraunts or any place else for that matter over the last nine years I've lived here. I guess I have too much faith in the area.

I also love the fact that this is a great free roam area for kids. When I lived in San Fran, I always felt sorry for my friends kids, their parent watched over them like hawks. Down here I see young kids running around, riding bkies, having fun.. reminds me of my time as a kid.

Not to pop your bubble, but you do have absolutely too much faith in the area. ;-) And I would hope that the areas you are seeing the kids roam are in resorts or in neighborhoods where the whole "village" looks out for them.

Just sayin'...