In June a gang of armed teens invaded Point-O-Woods Beach in South Lyme at 2 a.m. The gang, sent to Point-O-Woods by older gang members, stole two cars, ransacked others, stealing cash and a gun.

Since June, there has been a dramatic increase of armed teen gang activity, including home invasions, along the shoreline. Police warn of further such crime. During these long, desolate winter months the more than 80 year-round POW residents, mostly seniors, are "sitting ducks" without any enhanced security. The small Old Lyme police force occasionally whizzes through our beach. We "year-rounders" have pleaded with our board of governors, some of whom have fled their gated Florida homes, to provide some form of enhanced winter security, especially greater lighting at our beach's entrance. Thus far, the board has ignored our security needs, safety, and well-being!

Bob Sirkin

South Lyme