~ Michael Waters

Name and Purpose of the Committee

The Barefoot Neighborhood Watch is a program which –

• Creates a body of concerned and involved neighbors.
• Encourages neighbors to get to know each other and their routines and to recognize any out of place activities.
• Emphasizes the importance of being aware of suspicious activities and sounds, evaluating then and knowing how to properly communicate this information to the authorities and within Barefoot if appropriate.
• Teaches techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized.
• Advises how to make homes more secure, to accurately identify property, and how to look out for each other.
• Fosters a partnership with both the North Myrtle Beach Police Department and Fire Department.

Focus

• Achieves results by working at the neighborhood level.
• Uses Block Captains and telephone chain contact lists to disseminate information.
• Promotes “Neighbors helping Neighbors” through the exchange of information related to neighborhood and individual household safety issues.
• Educates residents about safety and security.
• Encourages residents to stay informed by using reliable resources such as Everbridge (North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Alerts).

Summary of 2022/2023 Accomplishments

The NW Committee met and established the following dates for our open meetings.  February 28, 2023, May 9, 2023, August 8, 2023, October 10, 2023 and December 12, 2023.

The February 28, 2023 meeting was held at Putters Pub and a presentation on golf cart safety was presented by our single family coordinator John Karpovich.  John is a former law enforcement officer and an expert witness on auto accident investigations.  It was very well presented and a learning experience for all who attended.

The May 9, 2023 open meeting was a discussion on the new trespassing ordinance adopted by the North Myrtle Beach Town Council.  Police Officer Michael Johnson led the discussion that explained the use of this ordinance to cut down on trespassing offences.

All communities within Barefoot should be advised that NO TRESSPASSING signs must be posted on properties such as the common pools stating the times that NO TRESSPASSING will be strictly enforced by the Police Department.

Our upcoming meetings will be held at Putters Pub at 4 PM on the dates found above.  Looking forward to seeing you all in the upcoming months.