Seabrook resident David Ritchie spoke to attendees

                                                                              at the Seabrook Beach Civic Association's first

                                                                              meeting of the summer season Monday night.

                                                                              Ritchie highlighted many ways people can increase

                                                                              their level of security while away and at home.

 

 

 

 

         Photo by Kiki Evans/Seacoastonline

 

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The project began  when David Ritchie, Beautification Chairperson,  made the suggestion to the *Seabrook Beach Civic Association' board as the final touch to the "corner" of Hooksett Street and Ocean Boulevard .  Once everyone agreed it was worth pursuing, the idea  was brought before the membership where it received quick approval.   David  moved forward on behalf of the board connecting with several flag companies- ultimately the decision was made to go "local" and we began working with Paul at Union Flag in Hampton, NH.

 

At the same time David was checking on the physical items of the project, others were working with the town of Seabrook as well as Dig Safe . Things moved fairly quickly and a 30' flagpole (the beach  district height limit) was installed and the American flag was raised on the corner of Hooksett Street and Ocean Boulevard.

 

The corner was originally cleared of debris approximately 20 years ago as one of the original projects taken on by a group of retired men who quickly became bored just hanging around. It wasn't long before a planter was created and the area was grassed in. The original  granite planter honors Joan Cargill who along with George Ziady started the beautification of the district and the Seabrook Beach Civic Association grew. 

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                  Photo by Frank Leone

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SEABROOK

Former cop offers safety, home security tips

By By Kiki Evans

hamptonunion@seacoastonline.com

 

May 21, 2015 - 8:43 PM

 

SEABROOK - Seabrook Beach resident and former law enforcement officer David Ritchie led a discussion with his fellow beach residents Monday night about personal safety and home security.

Ritchie, who has worked in state and federal law enforcement for 33 years in the greater Boston area and spent 28 years as an undercover officer, spoke to residents who attended the monthly meeting of the Seabrook Beach Civic Association.

“Don’t trust anyone,” he advised. “Be streetwise, be aware of your surroundings, be confident and self-assured.”

Ritchie explained many ways that people can increase their level of security. Parking in well-lit areas at night, close to the entrance of the destination, and watching ones handbag inside stores and at ATMs are ways people can increase their personal safety, he said.

Ritchie said that at the beach during the summer, people are used to strangers wandering around, but he cautioned the crowd against complacency.

He said that most homes are broken into during the daytime, and that criminals stay inside a house for an average of only two to three minutes.

Ritchie advised the use of solid door frames and locks as deterrents against crime. He said that air conditioners should be well-installed so they can’t be kicked in.

He urged residents to store their valuables in creative places, especially when they’re away from their homes. Ritchie said that he had worked on many cases of home theft and burglary in the Boston metropolitan area, and one place that criminals never seemed to check were the pots and pans.

“I have never found on any investigation, and I’ve been to hundreds of house breaks, where they go through pots and pans,” he said. “You have to be innovative where you hide your valuables.”

When asked if there were any specific concerns that beach residents should have, Ritchie urged caution.

“We’ve been fortunate down here at the beach,” Ritchie said.