The HOA Board is currently brainstorming on cost-efficient methods to improve security throughout the neighborhood, particularly given the recent break-ins. In fact, the HOA Board was already in the process of organizing a Neighborhood Watch, when all of the break-ins started to occur.
Although the Board has no personal knowledge of the status of the break-ins, we have heard through the grapevine that one or both of the perpetrators has been arrested. Our condolences go out to those families who were victims of the break-ins, and we hope that you will soon feel safe in your homes once again.
If you would like to be a part of the planning committee, or otherwise serve on the Neighborhood Watch, please contact Jan Hirsch [email protected].
In the meantime, let's all work together and take steps to make our homes (and cars) safer and deter burglars and thieves. Here are a few tips:
1. Don't mention travel plans online.
2. Use deadbolts.
3. If you're going out of town, let your neighbors know so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and pick up your mail/newspaper.
4. Burglars are less likely to invade a home that has dogs.
5. Have a home safe -- a heavy one that the burglar can't pick up and carry.
6. Install a home security system.
7. Consider using "Smart Home" tools, such as video door bells, locks and garage door openers that you can monitor and control from your smartphone, and entryway (door and window) monitors that you can monitor from your smartphone.
8. Use a paper shredder to protect against identity theft.
9. Use timing devices for lights.
10. Maintain a well lit home.
11. Utilize the garage. Burglars are better able to monitor when you're not home if you always park in your driveway.
12. Use blinds and window coverings so burglars cannot see into your home.
13. Don't have jewelry and other valuables lying in view of your windows.
14. Do a double-check for references for any service provider that you invite into your home.
15. If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as locking doors, not telling strangers your travel plans, and not telling strangers about the contents of your home.
16. Don't leave notes on your front door that could tip off burglars.
17. If you've just moved into your home, have the locks changed by a reputable locksmith.
18. Have a reputable locksmith do an inspection of the locks on your doors and windows to make sure they are of sufficient quality and not in disrepair.
19. Call the police immediately if you see suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
20. Get to know your neighbors. The more we know one another, the more we will look out for one another to protect our homes.
Although the Board has no personal knowledge of the status of the break-ins, we have heard through the grapevine that one or both of the perpetrators has been arrested. Our condolences go out to those families who were victims of the break-ins, and we hope that you will soon feel safe in your homes once again.
If you would like to be a part of the planning committee, or otherwise serve on the Neighborhood Watch, please contact Jan Hirsch [email protected].
In the meantime, let's all work together and take steps to make our homes (and cars) safer and deter burglars and thieves. Here are a few tips:
1. Don't mention travel plans online.
2. Use deadbolts.
3. If you're going out of town, let your neighbors know so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and pick up your mail/newspaper.
4. Burglars are less likely to invade a home that has dogs.
5. Have a home safe -- a heavy one that the burglar can't pick up and carry.
6. Install a home security system.
7. Consider using "Smart Home" tools, such as video door bells, locks and garage door openers that you can monitor and control from your smartphone, and entryway (door and window) monitors that you can monitor from your smartphone.
8. Use a paper shredder to protect against identity theft.
9. Use timing devices for lights.
10. Maintain a well lit home.
11. Utilize the garage. Burglars are better able to monitor when you're not home if you always park in your driveway.
12. Use blinds and window coverings so burglars cannot see into your home.
13. Don't have jewelry and other valuables lying in view of your windows.
14. Do a double-check for references for any service provider that you invite into your home.
15. If you have children, discuss home security with them, such as locking doors, not telling strangers your travel plans, and not telling strangers about the contents of your home.
16. Don't leave notes on your front door that could tip off burglars.
17. If you've just moved into your home, have the locks changed by a reputable locksmith.
18. Have a reputable locksmith do an inspection of the locks on your doors and windows to make sure they are of sufficient quality and not in disrepair.
19. Call the police immediately if you see suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
20. Get to know your neighbors. The more we know one another, the more we will look out for one another to protect our homes.