The Pioneer Park Homeowner’s Association gave Ring doorbells to local residents to prevent or help solve crimes in the area. President of the association, Angela Harris, says these doorbells were given out to serve one purpose. Read the article………………………..
Security Issues for Associations (MA)
A recent Massachusetts Superior Court decision (Field, et. al. v. Highbridge Concierge, Inc., et. al.) has rattled windows in the condominium world, describing, in large capital letters, the security obligations of condominium associations and association managers. Read the article………………………..
City settlement with Ely Walker condo board requires security on site (MO)
The Ely Walker Lofts Condominium Association will have to hire licensed security personnel, install a security camera and begin using a new locking and access system under a settlement finalized with the city Tuesday. Read the article………………………..
License plate reader cameras requested for Port Royal neighborhood (FL)
The Port Royal homeowners association requests to install eight license plate reading cameras in the neighborhood. The association is will donate $105,000 towards their request to install the cameras. Read the article………………………..
HOA safety concerns arise after deadly Midtown Atlanta shooting (GA)
People in Midtown are asking serious questions about safety in homeowners associations after a deadly shooting this week. Two people were killed and one person is still fighting for his life after a HOA dispute at a popular Midtown condo. Read the article………………………..
Keep your community safe with policies and procedures
The safety and well being of community members should be of utmost importance to your HOA. Associations should act to the fullest extent possible to adhere to all procedures and policies that keep communities safe. Ultimately, the safety and security of the community is in the hands of the HOA or the management company. That […]
OPD gains access to Grand Oaks (HOA) security camera data (MS)
The Board of Aldermen voted to approve an agreement between Oxford Police Department, and Flock Safety to share video footage captured in the Grand Oaks subdivision. Read the article………………………..
A burglar is terrorizing a north-side condominium community, residents say (TX)
“The community feels like we are being stalked and it’s a very ugly feeling,” said Gonzales. KENS 5 reached out to the Lafayette Place Homeowners Association. Over the phone, board member Kathy Beer said they are taking steps to increase safety and security. Read the article………………………..
Cybersecurity tips for condo and co-op boards (NY)
As the number of devices connected to the internet (known as the Internet of Things, or IoT) grows, so does the risk of cyberattacks. With the increase in technology used in coops and condos, the board has a responsibility to protect the association and its owners from these threats. Here are some tips for NYC […]
Police discuss crime prevention after 80-year-old attacked in his Summerlin home (NV)
Mitzi Mills, Executive Director of the Sun City Summerlin Community Association, says the association has worked hard to inform residents of area crime. The association puts out emails to residents when crimes happen. She says the association holds Zoom meetings on Fridays to discuss crime and other topics, and the association even has a monthly […]
HOA License Plate Readers in Bay County Raise Privacy Issues
Homeowners associations have started installing HOA license plate readers in Bay County, Florida. But, some organizations are raising concerns over privacy. Read the article………………………..
Bay HOAs installing license plate readers to prevent crime. Some are raising privacy concerns (FL)
License plate readers are typically used by police seeking to nab car thieves, recover missing persons and even track crimes in progress. Now, local homeowners associations are getting in on the action. And some organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, are crying foul over privacy concerns. Read the article………………………..
NE Miami-Dade woman says condo HOA ordered doorbell camera removed after video of theft involving security guard goes viral (FL)
A Northeast Miami-Dade homeowner is upset and frustrated after, she said, her condo association told her to remove her doorbell camera, days after another resident’s camera recorded a theft involving the building’s security guard. Read the article………………………
Jacksonville mother wants Miya’s law to include people who live in condos and other rental homes (FL)
To Roth, Miya’s Law doesn’t impact condos because the language in the law uses “transient and non-transient apartments.” He explained how there are Florida statutes that transients is defined as ‘intending to be temporary’. Non-transient means ‘intending to be permanent.’ The attorney said it is possible law makers could make amendments to the law, but […]
Securitas to Pay $517M in Surfside Condo Collapse Settlement
According to the lawsuit, the Securitas guard on duty failed to activate the building-wide in-unit voice alarm prior to the collapse. Read the article……………………..
Condo Q&A: Can Owners Install Video Doorbells?
Question: Can an owner install a security camera to monitor his or her unit front door entrance area in a condo complex, and can the board approve this as an agenda item? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Highlands Ranch group says it’s received hateful messages for hosting drag comedy show (CO)
community group in Highlands Ranch said they’re getting threats because of a drag comedy show they’re putting on Friday night. As some conservatives ramp up targeting of the LGBTQ community nationwide, it’s led Highlands Ranch Community Association in Douglas County to hire more security for the event. Read the entire article……………………………….
Cybersecurity protection: Understanding and addressing community association risks
Mike McGinnis, board president of a condominium in Spokane, Wash., was surprised earlier this year when his community association changed insurance carriers and he discovered that the new policy did not include cybersecurity protection. “Our debate was paying out an additional $700, which could go to upgrading, say, our security cameras,” McGinnis says. “Is our […]
9 Advantages Of Hiring HOA Security
One of the chief considerations many homebuyers make before purchasing a home is security, especially if the home is located within a community association or subdivision. Even after the homebuying process, though, security remains important. The residents of an HOA community deserve to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. And, when security starts to lax, […]
Midtown condo complex residents frustrated over constant car break-ins (GA)
Residents of a Midtown Atlanta condo complex are frustrated at what they say are a rash of car break-ins plaguing their community. In the video, taking at the Siena at Renaissance Park condominium complex on the morning of May 27, the man opens the car door and rummages through it like it’s his own. Read […]
Best Practices for the Use of Video Cameras (FL)
If an association undertakes the use of video cameras for its community, it should consider the following issues and measures: Read the entire article……………………………….
The Best Recommendations to Help Protect Your HOA’s Sensitive Data
Every Association has sensitive information that it needs to protect to ensure the safety of the association and its residents. Associations that have safe practices for keeping their residents’ information safe can protect their residents, avoid liability and generally operate more smoothly. Read the entire article……………………………….
Traffic calming devices in White Columns draws pushback (GA)
The Milton City Council voted May 2 to defer a potential agreement with the White Columns Homeowners Association to install four new radar feedback signs in their neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Teen Accused Of Damaging Vernon Condos With Plastic Gun Bought Online (CT)
A Vernon teen is accused of damaging several condominium units at a local complex with a mostly plastic handgun he purchased online and then assembled at home, police said. Read the entire article……………………………….
Sneads Ferry neighborhood installs license plate readers (NC)
One neighborhood in the east is bumping up its safety measures by adding automated license plate reader cameras. The ALPR system scans plate numbers and then runs them through a national crime database for wanted criminals or persons of interest. Chadwick Shores Homeowners Association voted to install the cameras in response to several crimes reported […]
Security Camera Policies for HOAs
Security is a big deal for homeowners associations. Most members value the security and privacy that a planned development offers. Meanwhile, community leaders work hard to ensure that sense of safety remains intact. Read the entire article……………………………….
Vista Nueva residents asking for more security in neighborhood (TX)
A subdivision in east Laredo is seeing its fair share of crime. The Vista Nueva Homeowner’s Association is speaking out about recent cases of vandalism and property damage happening around the neighborhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Thief in stolen U-Haul robs multiple cars inside parking garage of Sunny Isles Beach condo (FL)
Local 10 News has covered several stories of what is becoming a disturbing trend of late in which stolen rental vehicles are being used in burglaries across South Florida. Read the entire article……………………………….
Dozens of residents at downtown lofts come forward blaming management and the building’s condo association for lack of safety (MO)
Ely Walker Lofts is one of the many condominium buildings that sits on downtown St. Louis’ main corridor, Washington Avenue. It’s also been the site of a murder, multiple car break-ins, and suspected illegal parties. Now, dozens of residents who have contacted News 4 want answers. Read the entire article……………………………….
Villages of Cascade Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Edwards (GA)
Court reverses denial of Homeowners Association’s motion for summary judgment on injured resident’s claims for premises liability, nuisance, and punitive damages Read the decision (PDF)…………………………………….
Downtown residents fear short-term rentals are causing deadly issues (MO)
News 4 has learned the Ely Walker Lofts has units owned by individual condominium owners and some property companies, one includes STL City Wide. Smith Management Group does on-site management for the property as well. However, the building is governed by the Ely Walker Lofts Condominium Association. A member of that board reached out to […]
HOAs taking to the use of speed cameras to ticket homeowners and promote safety
Some HOA (homeowner’s organization) entities have been picking up the act of using speed cameras randomly installed throughout neighborhoods to promote safer driving. Using technology to combat unsafe practices that put neighbors and children at risk. Read the entire article……………………………….
Board Member to Board Member Emails—Are They Official Records? Division of Condominiums Muddies The Waters (FL)
In January 6, 2022, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), through the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (Division), entered a Final Order Granting Petition for Declaratory Statement in the matter of In re: Petition for Declaratory Statement, James Hanseman, Petitioner (the Hanesman Declaratory Statement). Read the entire article……………………………….
Monte Nido neighbors unite to crack down on speeders (CA)
When the sleepy neighborhood of Monte Nido, tucked right off Malibu Canyon, suddenly became a drag racing destination on the way to Malibu, residents sought to take action. Read the entire article……………………………….
Gated Community Guards Don’t Guarantee Security (FL)
Some people who live in gated communities get a false sense of security that they are “safe” because they live behind the gates and there are “security guards” at the gate. They probably don’t understand that their community is just providing gate guards to control access through the front gate, but they do not guarantee […]
Security Tips For Protecting Your HOA’s Data
Technology can enhance homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in a variety of ways—including helping with data storage. Many HOAs depend on digital platforms to store contracts, resident databases, banking information, and other confidential documents. This method of storing data can be extremely efficient, but as with all technology, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches is present. Read […]
Speeding in Hampton Heights to be monitored (PA)
A speed-measuring device is to be placed temporarily in the Hampton Heights residential development, Reading Township supervisors decided Monday during a regular meeting. The action came after homeowners association representative Jason Mleczko and others expressed concerns about speeding traffic. Read the entire article……………………………….
Thieves using USPS ‘master key’ to steal mail in Leander (TX)
Thieves somehow obtained a stolen US Postal Service ‘master key,’ which was used to unlock hundreds of mailboxes and steal its contents — including letters and packages — surveillance video exclusively obtained by KXAN shows. Read the entire article……………………………….
Tahoe Keys residents push for more bear-proofing amid break-ins (CA)
Hank the Tank may no longer have a target on his back, but residents are not backing down when it comes to preventing another bear from the same fate in the future. Read the entire article……………………………….
Shreveport Policemeet with HOA’s (LA)
The Shreveport Police Department takes initiative to hear the concerns of home owners, right from the source. On Tuesday evening they met with seven different homeowner’s associations at Willow Pointe Church. Read the entire article……………………………….
Judge finds unwise use of smart doorbell in condominium (AB)
An Alberta court decision last month provides a useful lesson about how living in a condominium complex requires tolerance — and sometimes the compromise of deeply-held views and principles. Read the entire article……………………………….
Smile, You’re on Candid Camera! Camera Considerations for Community Associations (CO)
Let’s face it, being a board member is no easy task, especially if there is discord among directors on the board. When there is distrust among directors, communication becomes funnelled, selective, and exclusionary. But is this type of communication really in the best interests of the community? And even more so, is it legal? Oftentimes, […]
Neighborhoods get organized to deter crime (OR)
Due to recent criminal activity in Wilsonville, neighborhoods are taking steps to improve coordination as a way to prevent and respond to illegal behavior. Charbonneau Country Club is starting a Neighborhood Watch program, while local homeowners associations in Villebois and Morey’s Landing recently met with Mayor Julie Fitzgerald and Police Chief Rob Wurpes to discuss […]
Bradenton police search for men accused of posing as pest control workers to commit burglaries (FL)
The Bradenton Police Department is searching for two men they say posed as employees of a pest control company to rob homeowners. According to police, the burglaries occurred between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Ironwood/Pinebrook neighborhood and at the River Oaks Condominiums. Read the entire article……………………………….
Collierville neighborhood concerned about TN license plate issues (TN)
Residents in the Estanaula Trails community of Collierville are worried cameras they bought to fight crime are now ineffective. Those cameras, like others used by Bartlett Police, Germantown Police and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, are having trouble reading the state’s new license plates, particularly at night. Read the entire article……………………………….
Westchester’s Biggest Co-op Tackles a Security Breach (NY)
Its 778 units make Sadore Lane Gardens the largest co-op in Westchester County, and since its five buildings don’t have doormen, security is a major concern. So when hundreds of shareholders started experiencing glitches with their intercoms, the property manager got busy. Read the entire article……………………………….
Neighbors frustrated after car burglars hit Alamo Ranch community several times (TX)
Residents living in the Summit at Alamo Ranch community hope one of their gates is fixed soon to prevent the crime they’ve experienced since it became inoperable recently. The Summit I Exit Gate has been open for several days, which meant an open invitation to thieves to enter the community with bad intentions. Read the […]
Huntsville Police officers will soon access more security cameras around the city (AL)
HPD Investigator Mike Eichhorn says they’re mostly on Homeowners Association buildings and private businesses. He says every Flock camera in Huntsville will be privately owned, HPD will not be buying any additional cameras. Read the entire article……………………………….
‘We’re kind of under siege’: Residents of Kelowna condo building plead for crime activity to stop (BC)
Residents of a downtown Kelowna condo building are desperately hoping for some action to help stop what they describe as ongoing crime activity in and around their building and neighbourhood. Read the entire article……………………………….
Watch this: Mail thief has regular stop at South Beach condo, residents say nothing’s been done
A person is caught on video taking mail from a South Beach condo building and stuffing it in a bag, but he’s not a mailman. In the video, the mail thief looks around to see if anyone is watching and then dumps more mail in a bag. It has happened more than a few times at […]