I am the division commander for the Sheriff's Suntree / Viera office, and have had a number of inquiries about the validity of an e-mail that is circulating throughout the Suntree / Viera communities regarding a "Jamaican crime group" that is alleged to be victimizing our communities.  I thought it was important that I respond to as many as possible and make clear the facts about what is really occurring within your community.

On Monday, 8/7/2006, the Sheriff's Office received three (3) reported vehicle burglaries.  These burglaries occurred at the new Viera Regional Park at the corner of Lake Andrew Drive and Judge Fran Jamieson Way in Viera.  In both cases, the car window was smashed out, and ladies purses were stolen.

On Thursday, 8/10/2006, we had a similar event with six reported vehicle burglaries which occurred in the parking lot of the Viera Government Center.  Again, Car windows were smashed out and purses were stolen.

These incidents were isolated to just two locations, with a total of nine (9) victims, over a two day period.  We do have suspect information, from a variety of sources, and there is absolutely no evidence or intelligence that leads us to believe that there is a "Jamaican crime group" victimizing our community.   

Typically, burglary is a random crime of opportunity, and we these believe these events are more likely the result of a local thief finding and seizing a great opportunity.  A team of investigators from the Sheriff's Office - West Precinct is actively working all available leads, and we are taking a number of proactive measures to stop further victimization.  However, our best tool is a well informed citizenry talking proper precautions to avoid be victimized.

No matter where you are, whether your parked in your driveway, at the mall, or at the ball field, we would encourage you to always lock your vehicle, and secure valuables so they are not easily accessible.   Please be vigilant, and call 9-1-1 should you see anyone or anything unusual or suspicious.  We answer all calls for service based upon a priority system, and you are not bothering us for something trivial.  We would much rather come out and find that it was nothing, than come later and find that your friend or neighbor has been victimized.  We are in your community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Your not bothering us !

If you have ANY questions about this or any other matter, please feel free to reply to me via e-mail or call my office at 633-2123.  I or one of my staff will be happy to talk to you about any issue that you feel is important to your community.
 

Mike Scully 

Commander Mike Scully 
Brevard County Sheriff's Office 
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg. E 
Viera, Florida  32940 

321.633.2104 (V) 

Mike.Scully@BrevardSheriff.com