Grants Pass/Merlin (Joseph: high crime, house, to buy)

[kadylady]

I'm moving to an area just outside of Merlin, near Azalea Dr. Is this a high crime/break-in area? Can I feel that it's safe to leave our house empty while we travel? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by kadylady

I'm moving to an area just outside of Merlin, near Azalea Dr. Is this a high crime/break-in area? Can I feel that it's safe to leave our house empty while we travel? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

You know, in rural Josephine County there have been reports of break-ins and burglaries occasionally, mostly by people who are on drugs and desperate for things to sell so they can have more money to buy drugs with.

So yes, that happens on occasion, but in all honesty, that isn't a very realistic thing to be concerned about. You are in the middle of NOWHERE out there and no one is going to really be coming around, especially since your house is probably set back from the road behind some trees down a driveway.

You ought to worry more about cougars and coyotes than about people breaking into your house out there. As for other crime? Domestic disputes happen, and that should not affect you at all. A few years back kids would go driving around and smashing mailboxes for fun, but I haven't heard of that happening for a few years.

Anyway, just take normal precautions of locking your car at night, locking your house at night or when you're gone, maybe leave the porch light on, etc, and you'll be fine. It will be easy to be lulled into a sense of security because it really is very safe, but just take standard precautions you would anywhere (no need to be overly paranoid, just use common sense) and you'll do fine.

[kadylady]

Thanks! That what I thought. From what I've heard, the meth problem seems to have died down some. I imagine that to be the source of many crimes in most areas.

[ConeyIsBabe]

It's always a good idea to make friends with your neighbors and then when you go on vacation you can ask them to keep an eye on your property !

[rtg143]

The Sheriff dept volunteers check homes when you're gone too. All you have to do is call the dept and ask.

[kadylady]

I didn't realize that the Sheriff Dept had volunteers that will check on our property. That's always good to know. And of course, a good neighbor is a valuable asset!
Thanks!