Our property manager informed the board that someone broke the gate at the pool and tampered with with the pool equipment, which partially drained the pool.
This will cost money to fix. Money that we all pay because someone vandalized our property. If you see something suspicious anywhere in the community, you won't only do your civic duty by reporting it to police, you might also save your wallet a favor.
The HOA has invested in a new security system at the pool, which soon will help us identify people who break in and/or do damage in the pool area. Even then, nothing works as well as people caring enough about where they live to keep their eyes open and report what they see.
If you ever see something that looks wrong and wonder why no on has addressed the problem, email board@stcharlesplace.us and ask. It could be that no one on the board or the property manager has noticed the problem.
Showing posts with label Safety and Security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safety and Security. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
We Have Private Roads
At the end of this month, workers will install new street signs. We'll get blue ones that indicate that St. Charles Place has private roads. We have one already on Johanna Avenue at US 301. Our builder, KB Home, should have had blue ones throughout the community but did not.
Defining our roads better gives us more ability to enforce our rights. For instance, solicitors claim that the green signs give them the right walk our roads and knock on our doors, because green signs denote public streets. The blue signs, that also state "Private Road" on them, gives any resident something to point to to say, "you are trespassing on private property, and you need to leave."
This takes on more meaning when you consider a recent report by WFLA-TV about door-to-door magazine sellers. These are teenagers that a for-profit company has recruited to knock on your door and tell you that they're earning points for scholarships, or trying to help charities.
They're not. They're trying to sell you magazines, or gift baskets, or something else. A for-profit company has recruited kids to sell you things in what is basically an attempt to end-run non soliciting rules, and to put an innocent face on what is essentially a scam.
That's not the only one. People sell security systems (or say they do), cable and satellite TV, and any number of other things. Some merely aim to case possible targets for burglaries. It's a security issue. The blue private road signs don't do much by themselves. But they are more arrows in our quiver as we defend our community.
Defining our roads better gives us more ability to enforce our rights. For instance, solicitors claim that the green signs give them the right walk our roads and knock on our doors, because green signs denote public streets. The blue signs, that also state "Private Road" on them, gives any resident something to point to to say, "you are trespassing on private property, and you need to leave."
This takes on more meaning when you consider a recent report by WFLA-TV about door-to-door magazine sellers. These are teenagers that a for-profit company has recruited to knock on your door and tell you that they're earning points for scholarships, or trying to help charities.
They're not. They're trying to sell you magazines, or gift baskets, or something else. A for-profit company has recruited kids to sell you things in what is basically an attempt to end-run non soliciting rules, and to put an innocent face on what is essentially a scam.
That's not the only one. People sell security systems (or say they do), cable and satellite TV, and any number of other things. Some merely aim to case possible targets for burglaries. It's a security issue. The blue private road signs don't do much by themselves. But they are more arrows in our quiver as we defend our community.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Security Cameras Coming
One of the most persistent issues residents voice concerns crime and security. Either luck has favored us, or the efforts we've made to inform people about ways to safeguard themselves and their community have helped protect us, or some combination of the two. We have few reports of crime (knock on whatever wood-like stuff constitutes this table), with the most recent being cars broken into.
Still the board has looked for ways to improve security. Soon, you will see several new things meant to do that.
Our first security cameras will go up in the pool area. The pool is our primary amenity, and has been an occasional target of vandalism, and people from outside the community using the pool. The outsiders, usually kids, and the vandalism may have a connection. At least I hope that our residents have not used the recently bought chaise lounges as diving boards.
Cameras won't stop misdeeds by themselves. They will deter some people, and they will give us something to show police if someone damages our property.
The board has also discussed, but not decided on, putting up other cameras to monitor our trash dumpsters, where people -- residents and not -- dump trash, furniture, tires, grills, and other refuse outside the dumpsters, which costs a lot of money to clean.
The board, in varying degrees, remains open to using cameras in other places. Some did not want them pointed at any units, though board member John McQuiston (also your humble blog author) says, "you are welcome to point them at my house!"
The board also decided to install an electronic key fob system for the pool that will replace the simple keys we currently use. This will prevent copying, and also help the community better govern pool use. It might also help the HOA collect outstanding dues. According to our governing documents, those who fall behind in dues payments lose privileges to our amenities. If someone's account gets more than 90 days behind, the HOA can disable his or her pool fob.
The board has also gotten bids on the cost of hiring security patrols. Board members at a recent meeting did not offer much enthusiasm for the idea, and our property manager did not express confidence in their effectiveness for the cost. The board also discussed trying to establish a community watch program. Its consensus was that people don't want to volunteer the effort or the time to do it.
This does not close the door on efforts to keep criminals out of St. Charles Place. As I have written before, our best defense is curious and engaged residents who know their neighbors and make it a habit of saying hello to anyone they see. If would-be criminals see that we notice things, they will look for easier targets where people don't look out for each other.
Still the board has looked for ways to improve security. Soon, you will see several new things meant to do that.
Our first security cameras will go up in the pool area. The pool is our primary amenity, and has been an occasional target of vandalism, and people from outside the community using the pool. The outsiders, usually kids, and the vandalism may have a connection. At least I hope that our residents have not used the recently bought chaise lounges as diving boards.
Cameras won't stop misdeeds by themselves. They will deter some people, and they will give us something to show police if someone damages our property.
The board has also discussed, but not decided on, putting up other cameras to monitor our trash dumpsters, where people -- residents and not -- dump trash, furniture, tires, grills, and other refuse outside the dumpsters, which costs a lot of money to clean.
The board, in varying degrees, remains open to using cameras in other places. Some did not want them pointed at any units, though board member John McQuiston (also your humble blog author) says, "you are welcome to point them at my house!"
The board also decided to install an electronic key fob system for the pool that will replace the simple keys we currently use. This will prevent copying, and also help the community better govern pool use. It might also help the HOA collect outstanding dues. According to our governing documents, those who fall behind in dues payments lose privileges to our amenities. If someone's account gets more than 90 days behind, the HOA can disable his or her pool fob.
The board has also gotten bids on the cost of hiring security patrols. Board members at a recent meeting did not offer much enthusiasm for the idea, and our property manager did not express confidence in their effectiveness for the cost. The board also discussed trying to establish a community watch program. Its consensus was that people don't want to volunteer the effort or the time to do it.
This does not close the door on efforts to keep criminals out of St. Charles Place. As I have written before, our best defense is curious and engaged residents who know their neighbors and make it a habit of saying hello to anyone they see. If would-be criminals see that we notice things, they will look for easier targets where people don't look out for each other.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
21 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
You know those lame e-mail forwards you get that are full of misinformation? This isn't one of those. Some of this stuff is common sense; other parts you've heard before but it's all valuable information worth reading.
So here you go...
THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste. And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door -understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
(NOTE: Dogs over 40 lbs. are prohibited in St. Charles Place. Nosy neighbors are welcome.)
16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
This is one reason why we don't allow solicitors into the community; it's a security issue. We have no way of knowing that they're not going door-to-door to case our homes. Plus, the people knocking on doors are often scammers of some sort.
If you see someone passing out literature or going door-to-door, please tell them that they are not allowed here and need to leave. You don't have to debate the merits of their visit here. You just tell them that they are trespassing and that your next call goes to the police.
I also recommend not letting flyers, phone books and the like pile up in neighbors' doorways, either. Damage or theft to any home here hurts the value of the rest of ours.
So here you go...
THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste. And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door -understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
(NOTE: Dogs over 40 lbs. are prohibited in St. Charles Place. Nosy neighbors are welcome.)
16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
This is one reason why we don't allow solicitors into the community; it's a security issue. We have no way of knowing that they're not going door-to-door to case our homes. Plus, the people knocking on doors are often scammers of some sort.
If you see someone passing out literature or going door-to-door, please tell them that they are not allowed here and need to leave. You don't have to debate the merits of their visit here. You just tell them that they are trespassing and that your next call goes to the police.
I also recommend not letting flyers, phone books and the like pile up in neighbors' doorways, either. Damage or theft to any home here hurts the value of the rest of ours.
Monday, November 9, 2009
It Can Happen to Anyone
While Tampa Bay Buccaneer player Sabby Piscitelli helped his team secure its first victory of the season, someone took advantage of a security breach at his South Tampa home, broke in and burglarized it, according to the St. Pete Times.
Point of entry? Rear door.
Point of entry? Rear door.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Track Sexual Offenders
A Jacksonville-area girl's death reminds us to keep an eye on our children. If you're not aware, 7-year-old Somer Thompson left her school in Orange Park Monday. She never made it home. Police found her body in a Georgia landfill two days later.
Police have not indicated that they have any suspects so we don't know if this is a case similar to that of Jessica Lundsford, the 9-year-old Homosassa girl who was kidnapped, raped and killed by John Couey in 2005.
(You may be glad to know that Couey died earlier this year.)
But it clearly wasn't an accident. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a website where you can search for for sexual offenders or predators within a radius ranging from 1/4 mile to 5 miles from our commuity. Here it is: http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/searchNeighborhood.do.
A search today turned up none in the community itself, one sexual predator and four other sexual offenders living within one mile of us. It's important not to overreact. It is the rare neighborhood that doesn't have some sexual offenders living in proximity to it.
This story is a reminder to take sensible steps to secure your homes from break-in and to use common sense to keep your children safe — such as making sure they have adult supervision at all times. In addition to keeping children from becoming victims of trouble, having adults around keeps kids from causing trouble too.
Police have not indicated that they have any suspects so we don't know if this is a case similar to that of Jessica Lundsford, the 9-year-old Homosassa girl who was kidnapped, raped and killed by John Couey in 2005.
(You may be glad to know that Couey died earlier this year.)
But it clearly wasn't an accident. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a website where you can search for for sexual offenders or predators within a radius ranging from 1/4 mile to 5 miles from our commuity. Here it is: http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/searchNeighborhood.do.
A search today turned up none in the community itself, one sexual predator and four other sexual offenders living within one mile of us. It's important not to overreact. It is the rare neighborhood that doesn't have some sexual offenders living in proximity to it.
This story is a reminder to take sensible steps to secure your homes from break-in and to use common sense to keep your children safe — such as making sure they have adult supervision at all times. In addition to keeping children from becoming victims of trouble, having adults around keeps kids from causing trouble too.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Secure Your Sliding Glass Door
I mentioned seeking ways to secure my sliding glass door, which has been the entry point for crimes in other units St. Charles Place. A fellow owner did some of my homework for me. Here are his thoughts:
I've had multiple conversations with the police with regards to the implementation of security devices and have also done a lot of my own research before installing our stuff so hope some of this helps.
Security Features:
Notes:
The only thing I'd add is that a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy advising us on starting a Community Watch group told us that monitored security systems don't do a lot of good. Criminals know they can get in and out before the police arrive. If you get a security system, he said, get one with a siren alarm.
I've had multiple conversations with the police with regards to the implementation of security devices and have also done a lot of my own research before installing our stuff so hope some of this helps.
Security Features:
- Brinks / ADT / Other actively monitored security system. Be sure to use sign and stickers in highly visible areas.
- Yard Sticks. In the area above the sliders you can get $.61 yard sticks at Home Depot and screw them into the frame, which blocks the sliders from being popped off the track.
- Door Pin. Get the door pin - $3.75 - and (carefully) drill a hole through both doors to install, which will make it easier to control the double sliding doors we have.
- Sliding Door Security Bar. Cost: $16.47. Install one end on the inside slider door and install the receiving end on the outer sliding door (Rather than the wall across from the inside door). When you lower the bar it not only adds stability, but actually works on both doors instead of just one.
- One thing that people often neglect is blocking that space on each side of the sliding door blinds where individuals can come up to the doors and peer right into the spaces where TV's and the other valuables they are looking for would be located. In the cross piece along the top and front of the blinds there is an extra blind piece that is inside the framework. You can take that piece out of the frame and then secure it along the side of the blinds with tape or some other fastener to limit the space available for thieves to peer inside your living rooms. I really don't have a visual for this, but hopefully my description works well enough.
Notes:
- When using larger diameter pins or locks, be very careful with the drilling process. I actually popped one of my windows on my first attempt. It ran $300.00 to fix and took a week.
- When you get a new alarm system installed, be sure to test it out occasionally by setting it off during the day with the doors open and allowing the community to hear.
- If you take time and do it on your own, you can keep the expenses below $25.00 and it will save you so much more in headaches and stress.
The only thing I'd add is that a Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy advising us on starting a Community Watch group told us that monitored security systems don't do a lot of good. Criminals know they can get in and out before the police arrive. If you get a security system, he said, get one with a siren alarm.
Before Criminals Come Calling
Though written for those who rent out their properties, the article, Before Criminals Come Calling Have a Security Plan, is good reading for anyone in the community because it has information about basic steps to secure your property.
It also has food for thought especially for owners who rent their properties. It explains that you want to keep the unit as safe for tenants you would keep it for yourself because of the potential liability involved.
It also spells out why you want to perform criminal as well as credit background checks. If you rent to someone who turns out to be a known criminal who does his misdeeds here, you could get sued! It might cost you a bit of money in the short run but could save you -- and those who live near your unit -- a lot in the long term.
It also has food for thought especially for owners who rent their properties. It explains that you want to keep the unit as safe for tenants you would keep it for yourself because of the potential liability involved.
It also spells out why you want to perform criminal as well as credit background checks. If you rent to someone who turns out to be a known criminal who does his misdeeds here, you could get sued! It might cost you a bit of money in the short run but could save you -- and those who live near your unit -- a lot in the long term.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Professional Security Patrols?
A victim of a break-in theft today proposed hiring a professional security guard to patrol the neighborhood during times crimes have typically happened in our community.
I have asked that the issue of hiring a security patrol be added to the next HOA board meeting's agenda. That meeting is Oct. 27 and is also our budget meeting. All owners are welcome to attend.
I have also sent our property manager a list of questions about whether it is common for HOAs to take on hiring security patrols, what the liability would be if either the guard or someone else was injured during the course of a patrol, what the cost would be and where we find qualified people to provide such a service.
Security is expensive. In a brief discussion on the matter at a previous board meeting, it became clear that we will not be able to afford to hire someone to cover all the hours that people are typically away from their homes. We'd have to hire someone to work different shifts on different days each week to ensure that criminals could not predict when we were unprotected.
Be aware that this may or may not be something that is in the board's power to consider. You should also know that even if it is something that the HOA can -- and wants to -- take on, action will not happen immediately. If the board is convinced of the merits of the idea, the vote at the meeting would likely be to solicit bids for security service.
Whether hiring professional security happens or not, we still have the responsibility to look out for each other and to protect ourselves.
I have asked that the issue of hiring a security patrol be added to the next HOA board meeting's agenda. That meeting is Oct. 27 and is also our budget meeting. All owners are welcome to attend.
I have also sent our property manager a list of questions about whether it is common for HOAs to take on hiring security patrols, what the liability would be if either the guard or someone else was injured during the course of a patrol, what the cost would be and where we find qualified people to provide such a service.
Security is expensive. In a brief discussion on the matter at a previous board meeting, it became clear that we will not be able to afford to hire someone to cover all the hours that people are typically away from their homes. We'd have to hire someone to work different shifts on different days each week to ensure that criminals could not predict when we were unprotected.
Be aware that this may or may not be something that is in the board's power to consider. You should also know that even if it is something that the HOA can -- and wants to -- take on, action will not happen immediately. If the board is convinced of the merits of the idea, the vote at the meeting would likely be to solicit bids for security service.
Whether hiring professional security happens or not, we still have the responsibility to look out for each other and to protect ourselves.
One Day - Two Break-Ins
Two residents reported break-ins to their properties today. Both were end units; both times the criminal or criminals popped the rear sliding glass doors off with a crowbar.
From accounts I have heard, that is the entry point for all these crimes. When we met with a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy earlier this year at the Riverview library, either he or someone else there mentioned a device that you can attach to your sliding glass door that makes it much more difficult for someone to pry it out of its frame. If anyone remembers what that was and where you can buy one, I'll mention it on the community blog.
These crimes have happened during the day, mostly between 10am-2pm. One of the affected residents suggests hiring security to patrol the community during that time.
The idea was broached at a previous HOA board meeting and the advice we got was that hiring someone every day would probably be cost prohibitive, even at just 10am-2pm.
However, we may not need someone every day. We could hire someone to work 2-3 days a week -- making sure that they aren't the same days every week so that criminals can't predict when we're unprotected.
I have asked that we address this issue at the next board meeting. If this is something you have ideas about and want the board to hear them, please plan to attend. The meeting has been moved to October 27. It will also be our annual budget meeting.
From accounts I have heard, that is the entry point for all these crimes. When we met with a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy earlier this year at the Riverview library, either he or someone else there mentioned a device that you can attach to your sliding glass door that makes it much more difficult for someone to pry it out of its frame. If anyone remembers what that was and where you can buy one, I'll mention it on the community blog.
These crimes have happened during the day, mostly between 10am-2pm. One of the affected residents suggests hiring security to patrol the community during that time.
The idea was broached at a previous HOA board meeting and the advice we got was that hiring someone every day would probably be cost prohibitive, even at just 10am-2pm.
However, we may not need someone every day. We could hire someone to work 2-3 days a week -- making sure that they aren't the same days every week so that criminals can't predict when we're unprotected.
I have asked that we address this issue at the next board meeting. If this is something you have ideas about and want the board to hear them, please plan to attend. The meeting has been moved to October 27. It will also be our annual budget meeting.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Community Security
One of the efforts discussed at the last HOA meeting was to set up a list of people willing to be called to help handle routine security matters that don't rise to the level of something that requires police involvement. They would be things such as confronting people at the pool after hours, people causing minor disturbances and solicitors.
People who noticed such activity could call people on the list until two or three who were available could go as a group to greet the offender.
Again, we're not asking that people who volunteer for this do police work. Nor are we discouraging people from not calling the police if they see criminal activity. This would be for matters in our community that need not involve the police but that should be addressed.
People willing to do this can e-mail communitywatch1@verizon.net.
People who noticed such activity could call people on the list until two or three who were available could go as a group to greet the offender.
Again, we're not asking that people who volunteer for this do police work. Nor are we discouraging people from not calling the police if they see criminal activity. This would be for matters in our community that need not involve the police but that should be addressed.
People willing to do this can e-mail communitywatch1@verizon.net.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)