The Jupiter Police Department wants residents to be aware of thieves posing as landscapers or HOA construction workers. Officer said the strangers, a man and woman, are knocking on people’s front doors and are carrying walkie-talkies. The thieves attempt to gain access to the homeowner’s backyards. Read the article……………………….
Is Your Co-op’s or Condo’s Data Safe? (NY)
Cybersecurity experts agree that surprisingly few co-op and condo boards or their property managers treat personally identifiable information (PII) with the care it deserves. Social Security, bank account, and credit card numbers, plus email addresses and passwords, are all things criminals can exploit. Read the article…………………………
Communities, Cars, and Cameras: Automated License Plate Readers in Associations (IL)
Condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations have traditionally relied upon security gates as the sole means of controlling vehicular access to their communities. While a gatehouse that is staffed 24/7 may provide residents with a sense of security and grandeur, the relatively low cost, efficiency, reliability and increased capabilities associated with implementing new Automated License Plate […]
Pros and Cons of Dummy Security Measures for Communities
Are you a community board member who’s worried about the security of your community? One of the best ways to deter burglars is by having a security system. In fact, every 13 seconds, a home burglary occurs in our country. Besides providing protection, security cameras can give residents peace of mind. If you don’t want […]
Gated Communities have Fences; They can still offer a false sense of security (FL)
Even though gated communities have fences, they can still offer a false sense of security because of vulnerabilities in the physical security and a lack of a security program that integrates people, procedures and equipment. Do gated communities mitigate criminal activity from occurring in the neighborhood? Residents tend to feel they can leave their car […]
Security Cameras in Condos: Privacy Interests vs. Safety & Security (ON)
We are routinely asked to provide advice to our clients about the installation of security cameras on the common elements. Sometimes the cameras are installed by the condominium on the common elements to reduce vandalism and property damage. Other times an owner wants to install a camera on the common elements adjacent to his unit […]
When does protection trump privacy in condo communities? (VA)
I remember the very first time I walked up to a home with a video doorbell camera a couple of years ago. While intercoms of some sort go way back in time, it was a rather strange feeling talking to someone I knew could see me, but I couldn’t see them. Welcome to 2020! I […]
Bonita Bay community board won’t share video of burglar entering home (FL)
Surveillance video caught a burglar breaking into a Bonita Bay home last month, where he stole hundreds in cash. But, the victim says the homeowners association will not release the video to his neighbors. Right now, the burglar is still on the loose. Homeowner Roger Brookes calls a surveillance video unnerving. A man crawls through […]
Tips to Protect Your HOA from a Data Breach
If you’re like most association board members, you probably think you have a good handle on potential risks the association might face. Concerns such as injuries from accidents, disputes among neighbors, and potential lawsuits against board members may top that list. But there’s a risk too many people overlook: data security. Read the article…………………….
18 cars broken into at Erie condo complex (CO)
Police are investigating a series of smash-and-grab burglaries at an Erie condo complex early Friday morning. Police believe it happened at 2 a.m. Friday at the Blue Sky Complex at Vista Ridge. “I opened the door and noticed there was glass shattered just everywhere,” said Matt Skurdahl. “Here we are in the middle of January […]
Montgomery City Councilman Wants More Security Cameras in Neighborhoods (AL)
District 7 Councilman Clay McInnis says these cameras are like ring door bell cameras, except for neighborhoods. His goal is to have 30 cameras installed in his district by the end of the year. The Hillwood neighborhood off Vaughn Road already has seven cameras installed and paid for by the Homeowner’s Association. Read the article………………………
Security Cameras
Many homeowners, in both single family and condominium communities, are investing in their own security and surveillance cameras. Technology has made it extremely easy to access security footage on an individual’s cell phone. Further, a number of companies have released reasonably priced devices for individual usage. For example, a “Ring” doorbell allows the homeowner to […]
Alleged Thieves Use USPS Master Key to Break Into Bucktown Condo Building (IL)
Chicago police are looking for two alleged thieves who used a U.S. Postal Service master key to break into a Bucktown condominium building. Surveillance video from Friday, Jan. 3 showed the suspects entering the building using a USPS master key and then proceeding to the basement where they made off with several items including a […]
Homeowners Association and Security
One of the most important aspects of a managed community is its security. Homeowners obviously want to feel safe. But having a great security system isn’t just needed for homeowners’ peace of mind. Security is part of the fiduciary duty of the HOA board of directors. That’s right — a lack of security can be […]
Alpharetta police get access to Flock tag reader data (GA)
Alpharetta is the latest metro Atlanta community to join the Flock. The City Council has approved a five-year agreement with Flock Group Inc. so police can access data collected by the firm’s automated license plate readers. Read the article…………………………..
Community Safety: Beyond Neighborhood Watch Programs
According to a 2019 study in the Journal of Urban Economics, “nearly 60% of recently built single-family houses in the US, and 80% of homes in new subdivisions, are part of a homeowners association.” Many homeowners choose to live in Home Owners Association (HOA) or Condominium Owner Association (COA) neighborhoods because they appreciate the focus […]
Virginia Community Installs Its Own Traffic Signs After Teen’s Death
A Virginia community is trying to make its streets safer after a teenager was struck and killed in a hit-and-run last December. The 16-year-old victim was crossing South Lakes Drive toward Castle Rock Square near the Bristol House Condos in Reston when he was hit by a car. Readthe article……………………….
Few companies are prepared for upcoming data privacy regulations
Many companies that handle user data are not prepared for the upcoming California privacy law that is being compared with the European Union’s GDPR regulation. According to privacy technology firm Ethyca, as many as 88% of these companies have not reached “an adequate state of compliance” ahead of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which […]
Looking to combat crime, H.B. gated community turns to license plate reading cameras (CA)
In the increasingly high-tech world of home security, one Huntington Beach gated community is pushing the envelope on a neighborhood scale. Seabridge Villas, located near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Adams Avenue, has installed license plate reading cameras to document the comings and goings at the condominium complex, which is home to 344 residents. […]
‘It’s a peace of mind’: Ortega homeowner pleased with license plate readers (FL)
For two years, one Ortega neighborhood has used license plate readers to track who has been going in and out of the area bringing some residents a peace of mind. “Prior to the cameras, we had nothing at all other than you know your eyeballs, we just wanted to have something on film that would […]
Slow Your Roll: How to Address Speeding Issues in Your Association (FL)
Speeding is a big problem for many community associations — a problem that is not always easily addressed or corrected. How can your board slow the speed of traffic in your community? If your association does not currently have traffic rules, you may be able to rely on a nuisance provision in your Declaration. Alternatively, […]
HOA installs license plate readers at Riverview neighborhood entrance (FL)
A Riverview neighborhood is using new technology they say will prevent crime, but some say it’s an invasion of their privacy. Cameras were installed in April to capture the license plates of vehicles coming and going from the Paddock Oaks neighborhood. Read the article………………………..
License Plate Surveillance Expands to Escondido Neighborhood (CA)
An advanced surveillance system is expanding in San Diego County, with its latest home in the Kent Ranch neighborhood of Escondido. The system, Flock Safety, uses cameras atop light poles to collect images and data from the license plates of cars driving by, including plate number, vehicle type, color, and the time the information was […]
Hermitage neighborhood installs license plate readers to catch criminals (TN)
So far this year, more than 2,100 cars have been broken into in Nashville, according to Metro Police. Jeremy Gossett, a Hermitage resident for nearly 20 years, noticed Nashville’s changing landscape and decided to do something about securing Hermitage Meadows. He is also on the board of directors. Read the article………………………..
Surveillance Cameras and HOAs: What residents need to know
Q: Read the article……………………….Our board refuses to circulate images captured on surveillance cameras of trespassers who hop locked pedestrian gates or tailgate cars to get into the garage. Many of us want these images in case we see the intruders or their vehicles in the future. Can the board appoint a volunteer committee of residents […]
Naperville Couple Says Condo Board Came Down On Them For Surveillance Camera Doorbell (IL)
Surveillance camera doorbells are popular, provide a safety net for many homeowners, and are relied upon by police departments. But as CBS 2’s Charlie De Mar reported Thursday night, one west suburban couple says it has brought them nothing but trouble. Read the article………………………..
Hercules Neighborhood Installs License Plate Surveillance Cameras To Deter Crime (CA)
A neighborhood in the East Bay city of Hercules has installed new surveillance equipment to deter crime. And even though they don’t have a lot of crime, residents are determined to keep it that way. On Camden Lane and Kensington Circle in the city’s Coventry neighborhood, there are plenty of signs to remind residents of […]
Your neighbors are watching: License plate readers cause privacy concern (FL)
The quiet Riverview community of Paddock Oaks has a new crime-fighting tool that tracks your whereabouts by scanning your license plates. “I like the fact that it supports the police department’s efforts to try and reduce crime,” said Bill Staley, president of the Paddock Oaks homeowner’s association. “If they come into the neighborhood thinking they’re […]
Suspected thief caught on cameras while in the process of stealing them (OK)
Police are searching for a man caught on camera stealing a southwest Oklahoma City neighborhood surveillance system. “And of course, they were on camera, stealing the cameras,” said Rick Shoffstall, who lives in the neighborhood. Read the article……………………….
License plate cameras may be watching your Tampa Bay neighborhood (FL)
Atlanta-based Flock Safety has provided 14 area communities with high-speed, high-definition cameras for surveillance. Read the article………………………..
6 Things Your HOA Needs to Know About Biometric Technology
Biometric technology is steadily growing in popularity in many areas, including many HOAs. This technology offers a number of advantages, including the ability to more tightly control access to common areas in your community. Unfortunately, biometric technology also comes with a number of challenges, including the fact that not every member of your community is […]
Loomis community takes crime fighting into their own hands (CA)
The Sierra de Montserrat Community is doing what it can to help police and deter criminals. Community leaders installed license plate readers that capture the license plates of people going in and out of the neighborhood. The data can also help catch speeders and possibly stolen vehicles. Read the article……………………….
Neighbors question ex-officer turned felon ‘patrolling’ Kissimmee community (FL)
Homeowners in a Kissimmee neighborhood said they are outraged that a former police officer, turned convicted felon, is being allowed to act as a security officer inside their community. Read the article…………………………
HOA requiring every home in Georgetown neighborhood to have video surveillance (TX)
Every home in the Wolf Ranch neighborhood has a video camera. Some homes even have a video doorbell. It’s required by the homeowners association. Stephen Bednarski’s family moved in several months ago. He says it was a selling point. Read the article………………………….
Residents at local condominium complex endure seven years of mailbox break-ins (NV)
It’s a felony punishable by federal prison. Residents of a local apartment complex near Maryland Parkway and Vegas Valley Drive say mailbox break-ins are happening on a regular basis, and they’re not sure what can be done. They’re fed up. Longtime residents say broken and damaged boxes are a regularity. Wathc the news report………………………….
Can an owner in a homeowners’ association install security cameras?
After recent break-ins, a homeowner who lives in a homeowners’ association wants to install surveillance cameras outside his home and in the association-owned common areas. What should he know before putting in cameras? Read the article………………………..
Australia: ’24/7 presence:’ Building manager who built underground cave amid stolen goods also allegedly hacked apartment security database (NSW)
A strata apartment manager, who built an ‘Aladdin’s-cave’ inside the complex filled with hundreds of stolen items, watched residents on an allegedly hacked CCTV system from his makeshift bedroom. Jaden Hati, 42, was arrested late last month, following an investigation into the theft of hundreds of items stolen from the underground storage cages of residents […]
High-Rise Security and Privacy Concerns: Best Practices for Better Safety
Living on an upper floor in a high-rise building presents different challenges for security and privacy than a single-family home. There are several reasons why proactive security and privacy measures are smart for association members. While it is impossible to keep everyone safe from harm at all times, there are ways condo association board members […]
License plate cameras watching McCalla neighborhood (AL)
License plate readers once meant to help law enforcement are now popping up in neighborhoods here in Alabama. Drivers are now on notice in Letson Farms. A few months ago, the homeowners association installed two Flock safety license plate reading cameras to take pictures of cars coming into the McCalla subdivision. Read the article………………………
A Miami Neighborhood Divided Over Unregulated Surveillance Technology (FL)
Surveillance technology is getting cheaper and easier to access. That goes for the police, but it also goes for private citizens. A neighborhood in the City of Miami has been divided over how they should be using technologies like virtual fence. Read the article…………………….
Rights of residents for providing email addresses (FL)
Q: Does the president of a condominium association have the rights to the email addresses of all its residents for emailing information to the residents? We do not have a community newsletter and the only one who I was told has the rights to all email addresses is the property manager, who is a paid […]
Is a Crime Watch Committee A Good Idea for Your HOA?
Imagine a way in which to reduce crime in your neighborhood while simultaneously sparking fellowship and engagement among homeowners and local law enforcement. Considering these possible benefits, a crime watch committee may appear to be an opportunity for homeowners to serve as a vital utility in securing the entire community’s safety and camaraderie. However, the […]
Navigating the Hidden Risks of Homeowner Security Devices
As security technology becomes less expensive and more accessible to average consumers, homeowners are provided with an exponential increase in available options for exterior security devices. A cursory Amazon search reveals hundreds of such devices including motion sensor lights and home camera offerings that can be accessed remotely from the convenience of one’s smart phone. […]
Neighborhoods use new tech to curb crime (TX)
Many homeowners use surveillance cameras to curb crime, but now some neighborhoods are using more advanced technology that can not only record footage but can also bank that footage into searchable software. Helen Cronenberger, president of her local Homeowner’s Association, says her neighborhood started looking into surveillance cameras, hoping to curb crime. Read the article…………………..
DING-DONG – WHERE HAS YOUR PRIVACY GONE? RINGTM VIDEO DOORBELLS IN CONDOMINIUMS
If you have heard of the Ring™ Video Doorbell, then you have likely heard and/or read about its promise of bringing security to answering one’s front door and reducing crime in neighborhoods. It makes sense, doesn’t it? The idea that by placing this product outside your front door and connecting the device to your smartphone, […]
Colorado neighborhoods using license plate readers to reduce crime, raising privacy concerns
It’s not your typical neighborhood fixture, but people who live in the Bel Air Estates in Aurora believe the two towering light poles that stand watch over the entrance to their community will help keep it safe. Read the article………………………….“It’s the world’s first tool built for neighborhoods to solve crime,” said Garrett Langley, Founder and […]
Get Smart – What Associations Should Consider in Light of the Rising Popularity of Smart Doorbells (MI)
Whether its excitement over new technology or a desire to discourage criminal activity, the demand for smart doorbells continues to grow. With these devices, someone is virtually always home and can easily respond to the delivery person, scare off a porch pirate or share video with the police in relation to a criminal event. With […]
Debate Over HOA’s License Plate Reading Camera Divides Neighborhood (CA)
A Carmel Valley neighborhood is using a high-tech tool to keep the community safe, but a civil liberties nonprofit and even some residents say the tool infringes on privacy. The new tool is a solar-powered, wifi connected camera that reads the license plate of every vehicle that leaves the Torrey View neighborhood. There’s a sign […]
Suspect wanted for stealing expensive siding from Gahanna condo community (OH)
A two million dollar face-lift for a Gahanna neighborhood has become tarnished after a suspected thief walked off with thousands of dollars worth of exterior siding. “(It was) pretty blatant, ” said Barry Nease, Commercial One Property Manager for the Lakes of Harrison Pond, “It’s 9:45 (a.m.) on a Sunday in broad daylight.” Read the […]
Condo column: Can homeowners association install security cameras in common areas? (FL)
Q: Our condominium association is fairly empty during the summer months because most residents spend the summer up north. As a security measure, we want to install a security camera facing the common areas so that residents can view the camera up north and to monitor the property. Can we do this? Read the Q&A…………………