Police say they found 70 pieces of stolen mail in a man’s car. Video from a security camera shows the suspect in action. It’s just before 2 a.m. on Atwater Drive in Smyrna. A security camera was positioned perfectly to catch the man’s every move. He opens a mailbox, pulls out an envelope, places it […]
Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities
A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
Understanding Community Association Security Measures and Liabilities
A recent article from the Community Associations Institute in the organization’s excellent Ungated blog focused on important security and liability issues for associations. It discussed how communities can be exposed to legal liabilities for negligent security and crimes occurring on association property. Read the article…………………………….
Someone stole a master mailbox key in Sacramento. What’s being done to stop break-ins? (CA)
Mail theft has been an ongoing issue in her Arden Arcade condominium community, Woodside Homeowners Association, over the past few years, she said. Braden filed a report with the inspection service to help her recover her stolen credit card in February. “You’ll receive an email response in 1-3 days,” the confirmation said. She never heard […]
2 Wynmoor Village employees arrested for allegedly stealing up to $10,000 worth of items from a resident (FL)
Two men have been arrested following a stunning crime at a South Florida condominium making the 83-year-old victim’s family ask questions. Coconut Police Police said that a building manager and director of security who were employed by a Coconut Creek retirement community were arrested for allegedly stealing from one of its residents. Read the article…………………………….
‘I would blow it all up’: Suspect arrested for threats to Palm Beach condo board (FL)
A man was arrested in Palm Beach on Wednesday after he allegedly threatened to blow up a residential building during a condo board meeting. According to the Palm Beach Police Department, Paul Cataldo was arrested shortly after an April 3 condo board meeting during which made statements about blowing up the building. He was booked […]
Video Cameras—for Surveillance Purposes Only (FL)
Many associations have installed video surveillance cameras within the community common areas as a means to provide security for their residents. However, good intentions often lead to unanticipated consequences. In fact the use of video cameras may expose an association to liability. Read the article…………………………….
Fact Finders: What’s the legality of neighborhood security cameras? (MO)
Neighborhoods from Baltimore to Oklahoma City to Oakland are making news this year for installing security cameras that can read license plate numbers. And now we’re getting a question from a local viewer. Mary Ann wants to know: Is it legal for a neighborhood association to install speed limit signage with cameras that record vehicles […]
Neighbors in Katy subdivision raise concerns on lack of sidewalks after car hits babysitter, 2 kids (TX)
Neighbors are calling attention to the lack of sidewalks in their Bridgewater Meadow subdivision in Katy after a babysitter and two kids were hit by a car over the weekend. They pointed out that cars often speed down Bridgebluff Lane, and there are also no speed bumps or speed limit signs to mitigate risks to […]
Cameras, Are the Risks Worth the Rewards?
As technology has evolved and home security/camera systems have become more affordable and accessible, many associations have grappled with the question of cameras (both association and owner) and whether cameras should be installed: (1) on common areas to “protect” the association and to help control theft and vandalism in the community; or (2) on individual […]
‘We’re getting fed up:’ Cleveland neighborhood debates using license plate readers as crime spikes (OH)
Between West 117th and West 65th streets, 46-year-old Jeon Francis has counted at least 20 city-owned cameras. But he said they aren’t enough to stop crime plaguing his neighborhood. Over the past two months, a team of neighborhood advocates living near West Boulevard in Cleveland’s Edgewater and Cudell neighborhoods surveyed residents about an effort to […]
San Francisco Tenderloin condo building gets fence to keep drug market out (CA)
A new fence, installed by a nonprofit organization, was installed in San Franciscos Tenderloin on Wednesday. Its purpose is to deter open drug dealing that has overwhelmed the area in recent years, even by Tenderloin standards. Some neighbors say the fence at McAllister and Leavenworth streets is a step in the right direction. The nonprofit […]
Oakland HOAs are quietly installing surveillance cameras to watch public roads (CA)
Last October, the city of Oakland announced it would soon be installing 300 automated license plate readers—cameras that monitor public streets and instantly scan vehicle license plates, running them against “hot lists” for stolen cars or vehicles associated with crimes. But the rollout of Oakland’s big new vehicle surveillance system has gotten bogged down as […]
Miami’s Villaggio Condo Residents Demand Tighter Security After Bold Daylight Mail Theft (FL)
Thieves have once again targeted the Villaggio in the Grove condominiums, striking in broad daylight and pillaging residents’ mail, according to surveillance footage from the Miami neighborhood. As 7News reports, on Wednesday, a masked man bypassed a supposedly secure call system entrance and proceeded to pry open multiple mailboxes before absconding with a bounty of […]
Las Vegas-area apartments, condos increase security patrols to combat car break-ins (NV)
Bass said while police are on other calls the onsite security can be more proactive, deterring criminals. “Even if they are gated communities the homeless are walking in as the gates are open and they start touring the parking lot and they may not do something during the day. But they will come back that […]
Video captures crook breaking into mailboxes inside Coconut Grove condo (FL)
Police are searching for two crooks who broke into community mailboxes in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood; surveillance video captured the criminals in action. It happened around noon on Wednesday at the Villagio in the Grove condominium building, at 2740 SW 28th Terrace. Read the article…………………………….
Security measures: How communities can protect residents while minimizing liability
Community associations need to tread carefully when it comes to security. Employing various security measures and creating a perception of security could make communities liable if a crime occurs. For example, where a resident or member sees that the association has installed cameras or license plate readers or employed roving guards, the expectation naturally arises […]
Video Surveillance Policy for Your HOA
From time to time, homeowners request copies of video surveillance footage. In general, the unwritten policy has been to not provide copies to homeowners. Should we have a written policy? What would it look like? While it’s not necessary for the board to have a written policy when it comes to providing surveillance footage to […]
Privacy Concerns: Video Doorbells in Condos (ON)
In the age of technological advancements, the integration of video doorbells in condos have become an increasingly hot topic. Video doorbells, equipped with real-time video streaming, have revolutionized home security. While these devices offer enhanced security and convenience, the rising installation of video doorbells in condos has sparked concerns about privacy. Read the article…………………………….
New security cameras now operating in Spyglass Hill as part of pilot program (CA)
As part of a pilot program approved last June by the Newport Beach City Council, private security cameras are now up and running in the public right-of-way at the entrances to the Spyglass Hill neighborhood. Eight cameras were deployed on Monday and Tuesday, with two at each of the four main thoroughfares to Spy Glass […]
Rocky Hill Condo Community Rattled by Car Thefts: Demanding Enhanced Security (CT)
In the quiet heart of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, a shadow has been cast over the serene Greenfield Villages condo complex. A recent wave of car thefts and break-ins has left the community on edge, with residents like Kathy Egan experiencing the startling reality of witnessing her own car being stolen right outside her condo. Read […]
County approves funding for new security cameras in Edgewater neighborhood (OH)
Members of the Cuyahoga County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to approve a grant that will help the homeowners association in Cleveland’s Edgewater neighborhood purchase new security cameras. The HOA’s pursuit of the $25,000 grant from the county created controversy among some Clevelanders because the county’s top elected official lives in Edgewater Read the […]
Condo owner asks: But aren’t pools ‘private’ areas too, with regard to use of security cameras (FL)
Q: I read with interest your answer to a question regarding security cameras pointed at a pool. While I do agree on the basic premise of public spaces and expectation of privacy, what if we assume that the condo pool is a public place as well as a private place? Read the Q&A………………………………..
Can An HOA Board Make Homeowners Remove Security Cameras?
Homeowners may be shocked to find a letter from their HOA asking them to remove security cameras. This reaction may be quickly followed by confusion and then anger, wondering whether or not their association even has the ability to regulate security cameras on private property. Read the article…………………………….
Thieves caught on camera robbing mailboxes from Doral condominium (FL)
The United States Postal Service police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Watch the news report………………………………
How to Handle HOA Trespassing Incidents (AZ)
Let’s be honest: Living in a HOA community comes with shared amenities and a sense of belonging. But there is another side of the coin, too. It also expects the residents to follow certain rules and regulations. What’s more? Among these rules, HOA trespassing is a matter of concern. Here, we have come up with […]
‘A major problem’: Thieves target Midtown condo’s mail kiosk, stealing every unit’s mail multiple times (GA)
He said each time they break into their kiosk which is inside their gates, the thieves steal every piece of mail from the 188 boxes. Read the article……………………………….
Condo Smarts: Surveillance causes concern for condo owners (BC)
Q: I live in a condo building in the Okanagan. There is an ongoing dispute with our strata council over the type and frequency of surveillance imposed on owners, tenants and visitors. Our strata council has introduced a number of cameras, not all of which were disclosed to owners and residents, that record the access to […]
Surveillance in Buildings & HOAS: Privacy vs. Safety? (FL)
In 2017, a Boston couple were brutally murdered in their penthouse apartment in a high-end condominium building. The murderer, the former employee of a company that supplied concierge services to the condo, had worked there, and so knew the ins and outs of the building—including some serious gaps in the property’s security that both the […]
Village of Four Season Property Owners Association to end agreement with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (KY)
Homeowners in one big area around Lake of the Ozarks say they don’t need sheriff’s deputies to patrol anymore. So, they are ending the agreement with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. Read the article……………………………..
Towne and Terrace a point of concern for IMPD patrols and security upgrades (IN)
“It’s a big effort that we’re putting in over there as well as some other places around the east side and around the city,” said IMPD Capt. Joe Finch. Police say they’ve added cameras and extra patrols in the area. Read the article………………………….
What Legal Remedies May Be Available to Condominium Associations When Criminal Conduct is Committed?
A shocking, criminal incident in Florida recently garnered national media attention when a unit owner was arrested and charged with injecting a poisonous chemical into a neighboring unit on several occasions. The liquid tested positive for the narcotics methadone and hydrocodone and caused the victim’s family members to suffer shortness of breath and eye and […]
License plate readers popping up in St. Johns County as an extra layer of security (FL)
“It can catch cars up to like 50 miles per hour. It gets a clear shot of them and their license plate,” Gran Lake Homeowners Association President Paul Proios said. “They’re hard to bypass, they’re very accurate.” Read the article………………………..
Surveillance in Buildings & HOAs: Privacy vs. Safety (IL)
In 2017, a Boston couple was brutally murdered in their penthouse apartment in a high-end condominium building. The murderer, the former employee of a company that supplied concierge services to the condo, had worked there, and so knew the ins and outs of the building—including some serious gaps in the property’s security that both the […]
Should Your Condo Association Allow Ring Doorbell Cameras? (MI)
For better or for worse, we live in a society where security cameras are everywhere. With the rise of technology companies such as Amazon and Google, security cameras are now available to the average consumers. For under $200.00, anyone can now buy a doorbell camera that can record high-definition video (day or night) and audio […]
Q & A: Can a Condo Board Spy on Staff and Unit-Owners? (NY)
Q: The board president at our Midtown East condo building has installed cameras above the doorman’s desk and in the passenger and commercial elevators. We suspect the cameras monitor conversations, as well as everyone’s comings and goings. But only the board president and our superintendent can see the video footage. The doormen go outside so […]
La Grange Private Roads May Get Police Enforcement (IL)
A La Grange subdivision’s homeowners association is seeking police enforcement of parking and traffic laws on its private streets. Read the article………………………..
Case Study – Westside Manor HOA – From Break-Ins to Breakthroughs
(I normally don’t publish articles that are basically press releases, but I think this one is something I’m going to see more of in the future) Westside Manor, an ungated, middle-class community in San Jose, California had a problem with daytime break-ins and trespassing. Adjacent to a high school and an expressway, much of the neighborhood’s […]
Mail thief caught on camera using postal master key in Chicago condo building (IL)
A mail thief was caught on surveillance camera using a postal master key to steal from people living at a condo building in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Read the article………………………..
Chickasaw Gardens HOA looking to gate two public entrances (TN)
What would you do to try to keep your neighborhood safe? For people who live in Chickasaw Gardens, the Homeowners Association thinks it could be gating off some of the public entrances. Read the article………………………..
Private Security Cameras on Public Streets Raise Questions in Newport Beach (CA)
Privately operated security cameras facing public streets and sidewalks could soon be installed in up to 10 Newport Beach neighborhoods as a part of a roughly year-long pilot program officials are testing out. Read the article………………………..
‘The Neighborhood Cameras Film Us In Our Yard’
Dear Newsweek, My family and I live in an interesting gated neighborhood. There are several private streets along one parkway and each street has a gate. Essentially, each street is its own gated neighborhood, but also part of one larger community. Read the Q&A…………………………….
Growing popularity of doorbell cameras raises privacy concerns in condo buildings (MA)
…..many unit owners consider their decks, porches, and balconies an extension of their space — and want to install a camera to monitor that space — but that’s likely a violation of the condominium rules. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/08/09/real-estate/popular-doorbell-cameras-feed-privacy-concerns-in-condo-buildings/
California community gets crafty to thwart mail thieves
Security cameras have caught many individuals using stolen USPS mail keys to steal mail from the Riva on the River community in West Sacramento. It’s why the homeowner’s association president Kathy Bailey and other volunteers physically sit and guard their mailboxes overnight. Read the article………………………..
Lakewood residents on edge as 27 car prowls strike local condominiums in a single weekend (WA)
Lakewood residents are on high alert after 27 vehicles were broken into over the weekend. The Lakewood Police Department (LPD) said they were investigating the string of car prowls that took place between July 21 and 22. Read the article………………………..
Dashcam video shows closed gate slowing Summerville police response to drowning child (SC)
For the first time, we are seeing the moments Summerville police struggled to get to a 2-year-old drowning in a retention pond. According to an incident report, officers had difficulties getting to the scene because they could not open the community gate. Read the article………………………..
City of Bee Cave City allows HOAs to pay for extra police patrols (TX)
You could soon see police officers patrolling private neighborhoods in Bee Cave. In a recent meeting, the Bee Cave City Council approved a resolution to allow homeowners associations to pay for overtime so officers can patrol neighborhoods. Read the article………………………..
Newport Beach launches pilot program for private security cameras in public right-of-way (CA)
A new pilot program that will allow private security cameras to be installed in the public right-of-way of select neighborhoods was approved Tuesday by the Newport Beach City Council. Read the article………………………..
Evaluating safety: Recognizing a need to protect communities
Community association board members, managers, and business partners regularly face challenging and complex issues that can spark strong emotions. Many recognize it’s time to prepare for worst-case scenarios and to take steps to protect communities, colleagues, neighbors, residents, and themselves Read the article………………………..
New Law is a Benefit to Condos and Requires a Boost to Security (FL)
Florida condominiums always had the obligation to provide for the safety of its owners, residents and guests when it came to preventing crime in the community. The condominium association was negligent if it knew or should have known about prior crimes in the community or surrounding areas, and failed to take reasonable safety measures to […]