MEETINGS | OFFICIALS | DOCUMENTS | PERMITS | FINANCES | SAFETY | SERVICES | ABOUT OAK HILL | SCHOOLS & CHURCHES | HISTORY | HOME
Sign up for our free Vacation Watch program to arrange to have Metro Police keep a closer eye on your residence while you’re gone. SIGN UP
Reporting Crimes
If you see a crime in progress: Call 911.
If a crime has already been committed: Call 862-8600.
After calling Metro Police, make a follow-up call to the Safety Coordinator at 557-7329.
You can also call the City office or email observations or questions about safety issues.
City Crime Map
Click here. Click the blue date at the top to change the range. Click and drag to scroll the map.
Get CrimeWatch by email here
Past CrimeWatch emails
Solicitation Permits
Any person or group going door-to-door in the City, selling items or asking for contributions, must have either a valid Solicitation Permit from Oak Hill, proof that their group is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, proof that they are a member of the United Way, or proof they represent a church that has been in existence for two years and are not soliciting donations. The following companies or groups have valid Solicitation Permits:
Company/Group: Southern Home Exteriors
Location of business: Tennessee
Number of Persons: 3
Vehicles: White Lincoln Town Car
Permit Expires: 11/30/2011
Company/Group: Midsouth Construction
Location of business: Tennessee
Number of Persons: 1
Vehicles: Gray Ford F-250
Permit Expires: 12/22/2011
Please report all crimes
and suspicious activity
The first and foremost thought we need to convey to our citizens is the need to call the Metro Nashville Police Department, at the non-emergency number of 862-8600, when suspicious activity occurs in their area. For a suspicious person or suspicious vehicle call we prefer a chance to get an officer in the area quickly to at least identify the person or vehicle if a problem is discovered later. Hopefully by doing this you can help prevent a crime.
Then call me at 557-7329 or the City office at 371-8291 so we may pass the information to our patrol officers and to the rest of our citizens.
Another request I have had recently comes from concerned citizens wanting to get involved to help the police by organizing a Neighborhood Watch program in their area. They can do that by contacting either Lt. Dana Lyons or Sgt. Connie Tripp at the Metro West precinct at 862-7747, who will be glad to help you get started and stay in contact with your group.
Get a free home security survey
Contact me for a free home security survey. I will be glad to assess your home’s strengths and weaknesses and suggest improvements if needed.
Vacation Watch program starting
Sign up for our free Vacation Watch program here or get a form from the office, and I’ll arrange to have Metro Police keep a closer eye on your residence while you’re gone.
While we hope that this will reduce the risk of your property being burglarized while you are away, it is not a substitute for other important safety steps to take before leaving home for an extended time. The form includes several questions to remind you of what should be done before leaving home to reduce the signs that no one is at your home.
Citizens can keep up to date with what’s going on in their area by clicking on the City crime map on the left of this page. You can also check out the Metro Nashville West Precinct’s monthly headlines or media releases at www.police.nashville.org.
Please call me any time at 557-7329 or send me an email.
Here to serve you,
Tommy
Burglary on Outer Drive
A home was burglarized on Outer Drive at mid-day Monday, September 12, while the owner was out for about 45 minutes. There are no descriptions, but please aware of this incident and be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles or persons.
Pair strike local school
Local businesses and schools should be on the lookout for a male and female that stole credit cards at Franklin Road Academy.
The couple, described as heavyset blacks in their 30s wearing white T-shirts and shorts, visited FRA middle school and requested applications. While one was being waited on, the other slipped away and stole credit cards from an employee's purse under her desk.
The crime has been reported to Metro Police.
Burglary on Forest Acres Drive
A burglar stole a leaf blower, weed eater, and pressure washer from a storage shed on Forest Acres Drive Sunday, July 31, between 10:40 a.m. and 1 p.m. No suspects or vehicles were seen.
Watch for red Honda Accord
Be on the lookout for a 1994 red Honda Accord, B53-54B, with two males inside. The vehicle was seen around 9 a.m. August 2 in the Robertson Academy Road area.
Garage break-in on Overton Court
A resident reported signs that someone got into her garage on the evening of May 31. Nothing was stolen.
Break-in on Ragland
A break-in occurred on Ragland Drive May 12 around 12:30 p.m.
Burglars strike on Oak Valley,
Robertson Academy Road
Burglaries occurred recently on Oak Valley Lane and Robertson Academy Road. Residents throughout the City, and particularly in this area, should be on the lookout for unusual activity. Report any suspicious activity to Metro Police at 862-8600 and to the City of Oak Hill at 371-8291. Call 911 to report emergencies to Metro Police.
Please report crimes
If you are a crime victim, please report this to Metro Police as soon as possible at 862-8600. Making Metro aware of crime helps to ensure a greater police presence in Oak Hill.
Tell Metro Police our City needs more patrols
With burglaries seemingly on the rise lately in Oak Hill, it’s important to let Metro Police know the City needs extra patrols. Call the West Precinct at 862-7747 and request more police presence in Oak Hill.
Oak Hill coordinating supplemental patrols
Although policing Oak Hill is the responsibility of Metro, Oak Hill is focusing its supplemental police patrols in an effort to deter crime in the City.
Medicare scam targets residents
At least one Oak Hill resident has received a telephone solicitation from someone claiming to be with Medicare. The caller states that bank account information and a Social Security number are needed for a person’s Medicare coverage to remain in place. There is also some connection to this information being needed to send out a new Medicare card.
Residents should know that Medicare will not solicit information from participants by telephone. It also does not send replacement cards, unless your card has been lost and you request a replacement.
Never give out your bank account information or Social Security number over the telephone unless it is to a trusted source with whom you have initiated contact. To repeat, you should never give this information to anyone who contacts you by telephone or email.
If you believe a call requesting such information from another source may be legitimate, offer to hang up the telephone and contact them utilizing the numbers that you have on file at your home on official documentation, such as a bill, statement, or other correspondence.
Three burglaries reported
A burglary occurred on Brentview Drive Tuesday, April 19, in the afternoon. Also, a house was broken into on Lakeview Drive last week during the day while the owners were away.
In addition, the owner of a residence on Ridgeview Drive reports a break-in the week of April 11.
Car break-in at Judson Baptist
A car break-in occurred Wednesday, April 13, at Judson Baptist Church, 4900 Franklin Pike.
The security chief at the church reports that cameras spotted a black Nissan Maxima with sunroof, tinted windows, and factory spoke wheels.
The break-in occurred in the rear by the gym at 12:13 p.m. and the Nissan left the parking lot at 12:15. The cameras show a white person looking into another vehicle during this period.
The criminal took a wallet from a purse left on the front seat.
More car break-ins reported
A car break-in occurred Sunday, March 27, at Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. The car window was broken and a purse grabbed. A second vehicle was reported broken into on Pasadena Drive.
Don't leave valuables visible in a parked car, whether in a school, church, park or your own driveway, even in daylight hours.
Car break-ins in West Lot at Radnor Lake
Two cars were broken into at Radnor Lake's West Parking Lot the night of March 23.
Both vehicles had their rear left windows smashed with rocks. One vehicle had a purse stolen from it.
Park manager Steve Ward said both cars were parked in the dark side of the parking lot away from the trailhead. The incidents occurred as it was getting dark, he said.
In addition, a suspicious vehicle was noticed in the park after dark. A gold Honda Accord or similar model was seen about 9 p.m.
Additional patrols have been requested from Metro Police. The last break-ins at Radnor were in July 2010, seven incidents in a two-week period.
Remember to keep your valuables out of sight if you leave them in your vehicle.
Police say Heineken sweepstakes a scam
Metro Police West Precinct reports that a recent email from the Heineken Online Sweepstake Promotion is a scam.
The email says the recipient is the winner of a £100,000 prize and asks for personal information.
If you receive a message like this, be very skeptical. The "prize" may cost you hundreds of dollars in taxes or service charges — and never arrive.
If it looks too good to be true—it probably is. Check online at sites like this to see if your email is a known scam. And don't ever send personal information by email to someone you don't know.
Car break-ins at Franklin Pike church
Several car break-ins have been reported recently at a church on Franklin Pike in the southern portion of Oak Hill. Vehicle windows were smashed and items in plain view were taken.
Please don't leave your belongings where people can see them. Put items like purses, phones, GPS units, or music players under the seat or in the trunk even if you'll just be away for a minute.
Auto break-in on Granny White
An automobile break-in was reported in the 4800 block of Granny White Pike. The small driver's side passenger window was broken on a car in the driveway. A police report was filed.
Watch for blue/purple Ford Taurus
Be on the lookout for a blue to purple, late-model Ford Taurus with two or three black males. A police officer patrolling Oak Hill spotted them possibly trying to enter a home just outside the City.
If you see this vehicle, please call the police at 862-8600.
Watch for two males in white 1990s Camry
An attempted burglary occurred around 11 a.m. Friday on Harding Place. The owner was at home and got a description of the suspects.
Be on the lookout for a white mid-90s Camry with the left front hubcap missing. Occupants are two white males in their mid-20s.
If you see a vehicle with this description, call Metro Police at 862-8600 immediately.
Burglaries reported on Brentview, Robertson Academy, Grassland
Burglaries have been reported recently on Brentview Drive, Robertson Academy Road and Grassland Lane. Oak Hill residents are urged to be alert to unusual or suspicious behavior in these and nearby neighborhoods.
If you see anything unusual or suspicious, please first call Metro Police at 862-8600, then call the Oak Hill City Office at 371-8291 or email. For a crime in progress call 911.
Vehicles broken into at Radnor Lake
At least six vehicles have been burglarized at the west parking area at Radnor Lake in the past two weeks.
Two incidents occurred on Saturday, July 17, and four on Thursday, July 22. Local news stations have reported similar crimes at various locations throughout the Franklin-Cool Springs-Brentwood area.
In each case, valuable items, particularly purses, were left in plain sight in the car while the owners were out enjoying the park. Please do not leave valuables in your cars, either at residences or at parking facilities. This is an open invitation for loss.
Watch for unreliable repair contractors
Please be aware that there are untrustworthy individuals ready to take advantage of the situation created by the flooding. Be careful when hiring contractors or workmen; many come from out of state, and are not licensed. If they have no state license (or license of any kind) it can compromise your insurance!
Also, there are crews going door to door, hiring out to remove trees and similar debris. Unfortunately they are generally dragging them to the drainage areas, which causes more problems.
There have also been reports of people impersonating City employees in order to inspect your home. Legitimate employees will be in vehicles marked as being from Oak Hill, Metro, or the state, or the employee will have a government issued employee ID.
Unvictimize yourself
Recent weeks have seen an increase in car burglaries in Oak Hill and across the county. Oak Hill has become a target because we have "nice stuff" to steal and we are easy pickings, according to the thieves who have been caught. The residents of Oak Hill make thieves' job easier by offering items of value in ways that draw them to our neighborhoods. If thieves wrote a list of requests to their victims it would read as follows:
- Park your vehicles in dark areas. Lighted areas make me nervous.
- Leave anything we might want in the vehicle in plain sight.
- You can hide the items under the seat or in the trunk, but if I have the time, I will find them.
- Don't call police when a theft is discovered. Police make me nervous, too.
A resident on Elysian Fields reported that two of his three vehicles were burglarized during the night. The third vehicle was left untouched. Why? Very likely, the reason was simple — no items were in view inside. The other two vehicles had a purse, backpack with an iPod, laptop, GPS, and other items that thieves love to steal.
It is important that we unvictimize ourselves by following a few simple steps to deter the thieves who are obviously roaming our neighborhoods. If we protect ourselves, the thieves will go elsewhere.
Light your driveways during the night. If you have a garage, park your vehicles inside and lock the door. Do not under any circumstances leave anything a thief might want in sight inside the vehicle. (If a thief sees even a small amount of change in the console he'll break the window and take the change.)
If there is a car burglary or even an attempted burglary — report the incident ASAP to the police at 862-8600.
The Police Department has prioritized the crime of car burglary, and extra attention is given to areas that show an increase in that crime. So every incident that is reported is shown on a crime map, and the areas that show clusters of car burglaries get special attention.
Oak Hill will remain a target for auto burglaries as long as we provide them with targets of opportunity. Let's remove those targets!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Watch for suspicious SUVs
Be on the lookout for one or possibly two suspicious SUVs in the Oak Hill area.
The first, which was seen on Sill Court late on the morning of April 5, was not positively identified; it might be green. The men were asking to do yard work and gutter cleaning. While they may be legitimate, they do not have an Oak Hill solicitor's permit.
The second sighting was a silver or champagne-colored SUV seen on Van Leer Drive. This vehicle pulled into a resident's carport, and then left upon realizing that someone was watching.
“If you see any suspicious vehicles and can get the license plate number without placing yourself at risk, please do so, and relay this information to Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329 or the City office at 371-8291,” said Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
More cars burglarized in 700 block of Elysian Fields Drive
Two cars were burglarized in the 700 block of Elysian Fields Drive sometime the night of March 30.
These crimes follow a car burglary in the same block March 29.
Last night, two cars were entered, one forcibly. A purse, iPod, and laptop were taken.
A third vehicle that appeared to have nothing in it was undisturbed. “This is a good example of the effectiveness of keeping items of value out of the car or at least out of sight,” said Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Car burglarized in 700 block of Elysian Fields Drive
A resident reported an auto burglary in the 700 block of Elysian Fields Drive that probably occurred the morning of March 29.
The car, which belonged to a guest, was unlocked and full of items to steal. “The burglar took full advantage of this situation,” said Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs.
“It’s likely this crime could have been avoided if all items in the vehicle were moved into the house,” he said.
Even the trunk is unsecure if the car doors are open because the trunk release is accessible, he reminds residents.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Cars burglarized on Crestwood
Two cars in the 800 block of Crestwood Drive were burglarized late March 23 or early March 24.
Windows on the cars were broken out. Police were notified in at least one of the incidents.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Watch for green Bonneville
A resident in the 4600 block of Lealand Lane saw a suspicious vehicle in her driveway around noon Friday, March 5.
The woman was visiting a neighbor when she saw a teal green 1997 Pontiac Bonneville in her drive. Based on its position, it seemed to have pulled through her yard.
The woman walked home and the driver left quickly. He is a white male in his 50s. The license plate contained “487” and is registered to Ross Subject, who may live off Edmondson Pike.
If you see this vehicle, call Oak Hill Safety Commissioner Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329. If a crime is in progress, call 911.
Thursday, February 11
UPDATE: ‘ADT solicitor’ legitimate but lacks solicitation permit
A man representing ADT Security Systems was interviewed Wednesday afternoon near Tower Place just outside Oak Hill. He was driving the red Volvo with Auburn University specialty tags mentioned in previous CrimeWatch reports.
He works for a legitimate company, CTS Protective Services. “Although ADT says it does not do door-to-door solicitation without a prearranged appointment, its affiliate broker/vendor companies apparently do,” said Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs.
However, the man had neither an Oak Hill nor Metro solicitation permit. He was informed that door-to-door solicitation of any kind is not allowed in Oak Hill without a permit.
“We encourage residents to only deal with companies that are properly licensed and have a solicitation permit,” said City Manager Kevin Helms. “Part of the review for issuing a solicitation permit includes documenting the vendor and its employees in an attempt to assure the safety and security of our residents.”
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
UPDATE: Driver of gray Jeep-type vehicle hits home on Churchwood
The driver of the older-model gray SUV/Jeep-type vehicle spotted Tuesday on Prescott Road hit a home on Churchwood Drive at 4 p.m. that afternoon.
The driver is a white male age 50 to 60 with a short, stocky build, salt and pepper hair, and bad front teeth. He entered a storage shed on the property. The homeowner called the police; nothing was believed stolen.
Yesterday, the driver claimed to be looking for a worker at a house to pick him up, but the owner of the house says there is no work being done there.
If you see this vehicle and can safely get the tag number please do so; do not put yourself at risk. If you see this or any other suspicious vehicle, call Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Watch for gray Jeep Cherokee-type vehicle
An older model gray Jeep Cherokee-type vehicle was just spotted on Prescott Road — the driver claimed to be looking for a worker at a house to pick him up, but the owner of the house says there is no work being done there.
If you see this vehicle and can safely get the tag number please do so; do not put yourself at risk. If you see this or any other suspicious vehicle, call Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Fake ADT solicitors seen on Evans near Crestridge
Individuals claiming to be with ADT Security Systems have been spotted along Evans Road near Crestridge Drive. (See story below.)
They do not have a permit to be soliciting, nor does ADT have people going door-to-door at this time.
The people have a red Volvo; if you can safely get the tag from this car, please do, but do not put yourself in harm's way. Please contact the police at 862-8600 and Oak Hill Safety Commissioner Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329 if you spot them.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Watch for gray F-150
Be on the lookout for a gray Ford F-150 seen roaming the streets in the Morriswood Drive area Monday morning.
The truck containing three white males is an ’80s model with no license plates, observed driving slowly around the neighborhood. If seen, call Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs at 557-7329.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Watch for fake ADT survey
A Green Hills resident reports two visits from a woman in an “ADT-type uniform” inquiring about her security system and window alarms.
On the second visit, the resident did not answer the door — the woman continued to knock, then looked through the windows.
An ADT spokesperson says, “If someone knocks on your door purporting to be from ADT and you're not expecting them for an appointment, call the police.” ADT representatives never knock on doors unless they have an appointment, the spokesperson said.
All ADT employees have two photo IDs and should be happy to show them. One is a white ADT identification badge with photograph; the second is another general photo ID such as a driver’s license.
ADT employees do sometimes hang door-hangers to advertise. But they are required to have an Oak Hill solicitation permit in addition to a Metro-issued photo ID permit.
Anybody knocking on doors, then peering into windows, is engaging in suspicious behavior. If you experience or observe this, call the police at 862-8600.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Watch for men selling gravel in Battery Lane area
A white male and two Hispanic males were in the 800 block of Battery Lane Tuesday morning attempting to sell gravel out of a large pickup truck with a black dump bed.
If you see this vehicle, please call Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs immediately at 557-7329.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cars vandalized in Brentview area
Two or more cars were vandalized in the Brentview area January 9-10. In one instance, a GPS device was stolen from a vehicle.
The police were notified and information taken, but there was no description of the criminals, said Oak Hill Safety Coordinator Tommy Jacobs.
"I strongly suggest that you remove ALL items of value from your vehicles," Jacobs said, "especially since many people are parking on the street during inclement weather."
More Safety Alerts
Contact: 557-7329 EmailCampsey named safety coordinator
Tommy Campsey, a veteran police officer, has been named safety coordinator for the City of Oak Hill.
“We are fortunate to have someone with his experience and commitment to public service to be Oak Hill’s official liaison with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department,” said Mayor Austin McMullen. “Captain Campsey has been with the Brentwood Police Department for 34 years and for the past 10 years has been commander of the Criminal Investigations Division.”
Campsey said his previous experience would benefit the City. “The two communities of Brentwood and Oak Hill are virtual mirrors of each other and I have worked hand in hand with Metro Police over the years, including many cases with Tommy Jacobs,” the City’s first safety coordinator who retired in 2010.
Campsey will return to the process established by Jacobs in reporting crimes. “He will be responsible for scheduling the patrols of off-duty Metro Police Officers hired by Oak Hill based on information from the West Precinct,” said City Manager Kevin Helms.
Helms said a community meeting is scheduled July 12 for Oak Hill residents to meet Campsey, who will give a presentation on safety and answer questions about policing and crime.
A native Nashvillian, Campsey has lived in Williamson County for the past 34 years. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University Police Staffing Command College and attended Aquinas College and Columbia State Community College.
Residents are urged to report any criminal activity — no matter how small — because response from Metro Police is based on number of crimes committed. If a crime is in progress call 911. To report a crime committed call Metro Police at 862-8600 AND the safety coordinator at 557-7329. His e-mail address is oakhillsafety@gmail.com
Coyotes pose threat to neighborhoods
Without a doubt, coyotes have claimed Middle Tennessee as fair ground for homesteading.
Though once found mostly in the American Southwest deserts, coyotes now make their home in every state except Hawaii. Reasons for their migration include the decline of wolves, habitat availability, and natural range expansion.
This poses a serious threat to neighborhood safety. Coyotes can live almost anywhere including fields, woods, and urban areas. In neighborhoods, coyotes will feed on almost anything including garbage, pet food, small cats and dogs, and other wild animals such as rodents, skunks, raccoons, and birds.
The only way to keep coyotes out of your neighborhood is to convince them that the area is dangerous. Unfortunately, they’re accustomed to the sights, sounds, and scents of humans.
In areas where they are hunted and trapped, coyotes are extremely wary of humans. However, in urban areas where they are less likely to be harmed and more likely to associate people with an easy and dependable source of food, they lose the fear of humans. Coyotes will come up on porches and decks if food is regularly present.
If you see a coyote, do all you can to scare it. Wave your arms and make lots of noise. Throw rocks. Shake a stick. Only fear will deter the coyote from returning.
Avoid car break-ins
Lock your doors
In nearly 25% of thefts from vehicles, criminals got in through unlocked doors. Even if you'll "just be a minute," this is too long to leave your vehicle unlocked.
Hide your valuables
Don't tempt thieves: put your valuables —purse, wallet, electronics—in the trunk or take them with you. Accessories like adapters, power plugs, and windshield mounts should be hidden as well.
Clean up inside
Even an empty sack or box could make criminals want to look inside. If your station wagon or SUV has an open cargo compartment, consider a retractable cover.
Hide before parking
Put your new purchases in the trunk when you return to the car, not when you get to the next destination. Thieves watch for drivers hiding valuables and leaving their vehicle.
Close windows, sunroofs all the way
Open windows can block the pressure sensor in car alarms.
Get an alarm
Consider a vehicle alarm, whose noise will drive away criminals.
Watch where you park
Look for a bright, busy spot away from large vehicles and greenery. The better your car can be seen, the less likely it will be targeted.
Take precautions during the holidays
As you move through the hectic days leading up to and after the holidays, be extra careful to protect yourself and your belongings. Otherwise, you might fall prey to a criminal who takes advantage of distracted victims.
Shopping during the holidays presents special dangers.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry. You're setting yourself up as a target.
- Put valuables in the trunk or out of sight in the car. Leaving packages in sight is too tempting.
- Don't overload yourself with packages. That makes it too easy for someone to grab and run.
- If you shop with children, teach them to find a store employee and ask for help if they are separated from you.
- Beware of anyone who approaches you. Con artists may be working in pairs: one to distract you and another to rob you.
- If you are uneasy about returning to your car, ask a security person from the store or mall to accompany you.
- Avoid shopping alone. There's safety in numbers, especially after dark.
Use extra care around the house to protect yourself from those who take advantage of the unsuspecting generosity of others.
- Be cautious of anyone you don't know who comes to your door. Don't let anyone in or give donations to any "organization" without seeing proper credentials.
- Don't pile or display gifts where they can be seen from outside.
- Always lock your doors, even if you're only going to be away from home for a few minutes.
- Don't announce your new acquisitions by putting product boxes outside. Flatten them and put them inside trash bags or cans.
- Leave lights on if you'll be returning home after dark. If you're going out of town, buy a timer to turn different lights on and off at various times.
- Cancel newspaper delivery and have a neighbor collect your mail while you are gone.
- Arrange to have packages delivered to a neighbor if you work during the day or are traveling.
Prepare for emergencies
Plan ahead to be better prepared for unexpected disasters like fire, flood, or tornado.
Things to gather:
- Clean water for your family for several days
- Non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking
- Flashlight and battery-powered lamps
- Spare batteries
- Emergency radio