The rise of online shopping has also led to an increase in package thefts. Boxes that are left unattended are stolen in broad daylight, and thieves are willing to risk getting caught because most of the time, they get away with the crime. Some homeowners who are fed up with porch pirates have turned to […]
Orinda police chief reports that cameras have led to arrests, convictions (CA)
Orinda has agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Flock Group, a Georgia-based company, that allows the Orinda Police Department to access data from community cameras stored in the Flock system. The action was taken by the city council, authorizing the city manager to enter into the MOU, following an update on March 16 by […]
Success with Security: Proactive Mindsets vs Reactive Measures
For many of us, experiencing some degree of property crime, or knowing someone who has, is becoming more of the rule than the exception. With any economic downturn comes an increase in property crimes such as mail theft, vehicle burglary, package theft and burglary of homes and businesses, to name a few. While there is […]
Shooter Targets Gold Coast Condos (IL)
According to reporting by a number of local and national news outlets, including the Chicago Sun Times and the New York Post, a trio of neighboring condominium buildings along Chicago’s Gold Coast have been struck by gunfire in recent weeks. Read the entire article……………………………….
How to Prevent Property Crime in Your HOA
An HOA should always be concerned with property crime prevention. Board members who ensure their communities are safe will give your HOA a considerable return on investment and a better and safer neighborhood. In order to prevent property crime in your HOA, there are many steps you can take. Here are the key strategies you […]
HOA Security Cameras: Maintaining Security And Privacy
HOA security cameras can help give residents peace of mind, but they can also be a source of conflict in the community. Thus, it is important to understand the legalities and intricacies of installing such cameras, whether you are a part of the HOA board or just a regular member. Read the article……………………………………
Success with Security: Proactive Mindsets vs Reactive Measures (CO)
For many of us, experiencing some degree of property crime, or knowing someone who has, is becoming more of the rule than the exception. With any economic downturn comes an increase in property crimes such as mail theft, vehicle burglary, package theft and burglary of homes and businesses, to name a few. While there is […]
PD launches program to access community surveillance video (AL)
With your permission, the Spanish Fort Police Department could have remote access to your surveillance footage to help fight crime more quickly. Read the article……………………………………
License Plate Readers Installed Natomas Neighborhood Generate Leads For Police (CA)
A Natomas neighborhood association said license plate readers installed just weeks ago are already generating leads for police. It’s a battle against petty crime, getting fast results. And what the cameras are able to track goes beyond street crime. Read the article……………………………….
HOA Homefront: Can a board ban tenants with a criminal past? (CA)
Q: My HOA made a change in the CC&Rs. Renters must be approved by the board, and nobody with a criminal record shall be approved. Can they make these demands for just rental units and not units being sold? Wouldn’t criminal records be just as important about potential buyers? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Natomas Community Installs License Plate Readers In Hopes Of Deterring Crime (CA)
Fighting crime, one license plate at a time. A Natomas neighborhood fed up with law-breaking drivers has installed license plate readers throughout the community known as “The Hamptons.” “We’ve been out here for 15 years and there’s a lot of drive-by crime in the area,” said Amy Gidding-Mora. Read the article…………………………………
HOA community lighting is a matter of security (NV)
Our community is small (less than 60 homes) with private streets without any overhead street lights The builder planned the community to be illuminated only by coach lights affixed to the exterior walls or garages of the individual dwellings. Such lighting creates the rural character of the community but results in a certain degree of […]
Delray Beach HOA Sued: Cameras, Lights Too Close To Home (FL)
When does security become a nuisance? That’s the question a Palm Beach County Circuit Judge may have to answer as part of a just-filed lawsuit involving a homeowner and his Delray Beach Homeowners Association. Read the article………………………………
Rancho Palos Verdes Expands Security Camera Program Into 2021 (CA)
Rancho Palos Verdes is stepping up neighborhood security and expanding its homeowner’s association security camera grant program into 2021. Homeowner’s associations and neighborhoods can purchase Flock Safety cameras to monitor vehicles on neighborhood streets. It’s part of the city’s public safety strategic plan to keep people safe and help eliminate non-violent crime. Read the article…………………………………….
Condos and Cameras: You Want to Install Security Cameras … Where? (ON)
Resident safety and security are of utmost importance in our condominium communities regardless of the size of the property or whether in a small town or larger urban setting. The following question was posed by a condominium corporation board of directors: Can the corporation install surveillance cameras in the common element hallways of their property? […]
High-tech cameras used to fight neighborhood crime (TN)
Bellevue HOA say license plate readers are the newest technology for area neighborhood watch groups. In the Poplar Creek Estates neighborhood in Bellevue, your license plate is guaranteed to be caught on camera. Read the article………………………………..
About 100 Houston-area neighborhoods using license plate readers (TX)
In northwest Harris County, Westlake and Westlake Forest are among the newest neighborhoods in the Houston-area to use technology once only available to police: license plate readers. Read the article…………………………………….
Felony charges filed against LOFS, 2 security guards alleging impersonation of cops (IN)
Nearly two years after a criminal probe opened into a Region gated community’s security team, felony charges have been filed against two of the guards and the homeowner’s association itself. The Lake County prosecutor’s office filed level 6 felony charges Monday against Lakes of the Four Seasons Property Owners Association and its security workers […]
Examining Safety in Multifamily Properties – How Communities Respond to Today’s Threats (NY)
A lot can be said about 2020, but this was certainly a year that forced people around the world to reexamine our processes and protocols around health, safety, and security—not just personally, but collectively, especially in our homes and communities as we face a series of threats novel to this generation. Not only is there […]
Condos in South Beach add facial recognition to robust security platform (FL)
Built in 2002, Continuum in South Beach is a two-tower, 38-story resort-style oceanfront condominium located on the southern-most tip of Miami Beach in South Florida. Set on 12 acres of manicured grass, with three clay tennis courts, two pools and an outdoor restaurant, property prices range from $1.5 to $35 million for a unit. The […]
Surveillance camera videos are private property (IL)
Q: The board of our condominium association installed surveillance cameras at various common element locations in the association. What if I suspected my spouse is cheating on me with an old flame while I am at work? Could the board refuse my request for a copy of the surveillance camera video that could support my […]
Twin Cities Neighborhood Association Turns To New Camera Technology To Deter Car, Home Break-Ins (MN)
A west metro neighborhood association is taking a new approach to preventing car and home break-ins, and so far it appears it’s working. Heritage Park is a 37-home development nestled in Plymouth. It’s where Jim Russell and his wife are raising their boys. Read the article……………………………….
West Covina Community Starts Neighborhood Watch Following Harassment (CA)
Residents of a West Covina condo community say they are being harassed by a family inside their neighborhood, and have started a neighborhood watch to protect themselves. Sophia Chavira has lived in the Monterra Pointe community for twenty years. Months ago she was awakened to the sound of boulders and rocks being thrown at her […]
Neighborhoods use police-linked license plate readers to monitor drivers in Hillsborough County (FL)
Tampa Bay residents are turning to license plate readers to keep an eye on who’s coming and going. A homeowner’s association in Temple Terrace says it’s an effort to keep homeowners safe and plans to install a system linked with police, just in case they have to share the information when a crime happens. Read […]
Benefits and Setbacks of Hiring A Security Service for Your Community Association
Security is a priority for individuals living in a community. For that reason, community associations or HOAs adopt various approaches when it comes to securing their properties, including the use of intercom systems and video surveillance. Other community associations opt to hire security personnel. The process of hiring security staff is no mean task. Read […]
Lake Forest families raise safety concerns about speeders, reckless drivers (AL)
Lake Forest families are pleading for help as they say speeders and reckless drivers are creating a dangerous situation in the large Daphne neighborhood. Diamond Reddick, who lives on Wedgewood Drive, said she and her baby were nearly hit by a speeding driver on Thursday. Read the article………………………………..
License Plate Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns in One Neighborhood (TN)
A Cordova neighborhood has installed cameras to reduce crime, but not everyone who lives there thinks they are a good idea. The solar-powered camera appeared recently in the Carrollwood Lakes subdivision in Countrywood. Carli Squires was happy to find out it is a license plate reading camera. Read the article………………………..
Burr Ridge Expands Surveillance Camera Program (IL)
Fourteen subdivisions in Burr Ridge have surveillance cameras that are connected to the village’s police department. On Monday, the Burr Ridge Village Board approved an agreement where a 15th subdivision — Carriage Way — would join the program. The neighborhood is investing $32,000 into cameras at the entrance to the subdivision, according to the village. […]
South Tulsa Neighborhoods Install High Tech Security Cameras (OK)
Several Tulsa neighborhoods are adding unique cameras to help solve crime. Two neighborhoods that cover a square mile near 81st and Sheridan have installed tag reading cameras. They can even sort out cars based on a vague description and help police get a tag number that might identify the driver. There are signs all over […]
Understanding the Legal Aspects of Privacy in the Age of Smart Phones and Residential Security Cameras (VA)
With most people in modern society having smart phones that have cameras and video recording capability coupled with the soaring popularity of residential security cameras, one may wonder to what extent does one have a right of privacy should their image and/or behavior be captured. One may also ponder such question when perusing through ample […]
Quality of Life Improvements for Condo Communities
Condos are an incredibly popular solution for residents from all backgrounds. These community housing solutions provide a convenient and beautiful place for singles, couples, and families to settle down. As the owner of a condo or a complex, it’s up to you to prove that your potential tenants can have the wonderful home life they’ve […]
Crime Prevention Tips
Crime can happen anywhere, at any time, so it’s important to stay vigilant. While there are safety measures your association may take to deter crime, it’s crucial for each individual homeowner to contribute to their own safety. Read the article……………………………
A Guide to Effective Community Safety Protocols (CA)
How important in community safety to your homeowner’s association? Do you want to make sure that your community has a safe environment for all homeowners? The best part about keeping your community updated about the latest events and issues is fostering a sense of community. Read the article………………………………
Millcreek killing leads lawmakers to debate a homeowners association’s ban on security cameras (UT)
Linda Nemelka, 57, was shot and killed while sitting in the driveway of a Millcreek home in March. Police are still looking for the person responsible for her death, a task that has been made more difficult as the homeowners association in that neighborhood bans outdoor security cameras, even those on homes. Read the article…………………………………..
Speed Bump Size Limitations for an HOA
Traffic safety should be a top priority for HOAs, where pedestrians and cars are often in close proximity to one another. Speed bumps can be an effective calming measure to reduce aggressive driving and potential accidents on association property. Regulations for installation will vary depending of the association’s location. Read the article……………………………..
Slowly Getting Over the Hump: Addressing Speeding with Traffic Calming Devices (FL)
Between kids at play, exterior maintenance projects, pedestrians, and cyclists, your association could be seriously impacted by speeders. As a follow up to Jennifer Horan, Esquire’s article “Slow Your Roll: How to Address Speeding Issues in your Association,” published on October 28, 2019, can or should your association install traffic calming devices, like speed bumps […]
Installing License Plate Readers in HOAs
Some homeowners associations are installing license plate readers, a new frontier of private surveillance that raises questions about privacy, data, and liability. Read the article…………………………….
Sea Gate Homeowners in Uproar Over Payouts Tied to Private Police Force Misconduct (NY)
The NYPD is not New York City’s only police force under scrutiny over reports of misconduct. A string of legal cases filed against members of the private Sea Gate Police Department, who patrol a gated community at the tip of Coney Island, allege some officers have: Read the article………………………
Why Trump Plaza removed Flagler Drive ground floor signs bearing president’s name (FL)
“Trump” means a lot of things to a lot of people but at the West Palm Beach condo towers that bear the President’s name, it means risk. Management removed the ground floor Trump Plaza signs Monday morning from both sides of the twin buildings’ Flagler Drive entry, “for your safety,” General Manager Michael Kampy wrote […]
Properly Addressing Speeding in your Community
Speeding is not just a nuisance but a danger to your community’s homeowners and their residents. It is a difficult issue to address and enforce effectively but it can be done and it should be addressed immediately to protect your community. As the HOA there are several steps you can take to minimize the frequency […]
Man fatally shot gatehouse security guard (FL)
PBSO deputies arrested Jones Phillipe, 21, of Greenacres, in the slaying of a security guard at a suburban Boynton Beach community. Read the article……………………………….
Could law enforcement contracts some neighborhoods have with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office go away? (TX)
An item on next week’s Harris County commissioner’s meeting regarding law enforcement contracts is creating quite the stir. City Oaks in south Harris County hired Precinct Seven. The $320,000 contract provides three deputy constables for protection. Read the article…………………………
Livingston Parish subdivision installs state of the art technology aimed at preventing crime (LA)
At the three entrances of the Spring Lake subdivision, drivers may or may not know that new devices are keeping track of who comes and goes. “They’re motion-activated cameras,” Spring Lake resident, Greg Bunch said. “They work day or night and basically anything moving through these entrances is picked up.” There is nothing standard about […]
Data Breach Prevention
Data leaks and hacks are happening every day. From a small business to a Fortune 500 company, chances are your private information was subject to a leak or a hack and you might not even know it. Moreover. you might not be aware what type of information these companies have of yours. Imagine all of […]
Neighborhoods installing license plate reader cameras (NC)
More and more neighborhoods in and around Charlotte are now using the same kind of high-tech cameras police rely on to track down criminals. Flock Safety said more than a dozen neighborhoods, over half of them outside the Charlotte city limits, are investing in license plate reader cameras. Read the article………………………
Security Cameras Damaged At Orland Park Condo Building (IL)
The prosecutor said Kleinpaste unplugged the security cameras in the lobby on Feb. 12. The condo association put boxes over the outlets, so they could not be tampered with. A few days later on Feb. 17, the prosecutor said Kleinpaste was captured on video hitting the outlet boxes with a pole. Read the article………………………..
Cyber Security Issues | Protecting HOA Data from Hackers
All homeowner associations have access to sensitive owners’ data. From social security numbers and driver license information to credit card numbers, you are responsible for keeping them out of the wrong hands by boosting your cyber security efforts. Read the article…………………………….
Installing License Plate Readers in HOAs
Automated license plate readers, also known as ALPRs, capture still images, not video. Artificial intelligence extracts numbers and letters from the license plates for cataloging and retrieval purposes. Pictures also may include the make, year, model, and color of a vehicle—characteristics that could prove useful when running a search. Depending on the angle of the […]
Jackson Township authorities warn of burglary uptick in senior communities (NJ)
Jackson Township is warning older residents to be aware of an uptick in burglaries in senior communities. Police say that nearly one dozen burglaries have occurred in several gated communities in the town. Authorities also say that a possible suspect has been captured on a security camera. Read the article……………………….
License plate cameras upgrade community watch – and intensify privacy concerns (NC)
Hang a left out of the parking lot of Spring Valley Elementary, down Northern Durham Parkway, and you’ll probably spot the sign before the camera. In red-and-white lettering, it warns the area is protected 24/7 by video surveillance from Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company on a mission to solve crime. Nearby, small devices strapped to […]