Security Director's Report

We got lucky and Hurricane Dorian spared us, but remember we are in hurricane season which does not end until December 1^st. As a reminder making early preparations is a key to being ready for any impending storm. Early preparedness also increases your peace of mind during a storm. While stocking up on water, food, and other storm supplies. Agencies like the National Hurricane Center, Solid Waste Authority or websites like www.ready.gov/hurricane offer additional safety information and tips. The more information you have, the more prepared you will be.

Also, if you have travel plans, be sure to submit a “Property Check” form so that security can check your residence while you are away. As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand. Together we can make a difference, never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home.

Well it’s Summertime again, so let the summertime fun begin. The kids are out of school, time for weekends at the beach, fishing trips and family vacations. As you head out to enjoy yourself and have fun in the sun. Here are a few things to think about.

If your plans include going away this summer, now is a good time to make sure your phone numbers and emergency contact information are up to date in the ABDI system. You can contact the POA Office for assistance at 627-2800. Also, remember to pick up and submit a “Property Check” form. Security will conduct a weekly property check of your home while you are away. Property Check forms can be obtained and drop off at any gatehouse. You can also fill out the form online at www.gateaccess.net

Another good idea to think about is the installation of some sort of surveillance system. Whether it’s a popular doorbell camera or a full home security system, your peace of mind is what’s important. Also, before you leave make sure that all your doors and windows are secured. Remember to set your alarm.

As always you are encouraged to never hesitate to report all suspicious vehicles, person(s), or activity to security at 627-1600. Any information on the person(s) involved or vehicle description will be helpful. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

A Friendly Reminder from Security:
Remember to secure all doors and windows before you leave your home. Also, remember to set your alarm before leaving your home.

If you have any vacation plans, remember to fill out a Property Check form before you leave. Property Check forms can also be submitted at www.gateaccess.net.

Report any suspicious person(s) or activity to security at 561-627-1600. For all
emergencies dial 911.

In 2018, there were two recorded residential burglaries within PGA National. This year at the time this article was written, PGA National had experienced four residential burglaries already. As residents of PGA National, you must prepare for the urbanization that is occurring within the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Prepare for the urban sprawl that will come with the growth of the city.

According to a retail tracking service, in the United States from May 2017 to May 2018, the sale of smart doorbells increased 147 percent and the sale of home security cameras increased 190 percent. The rising incidents of security concerns has led to these increased safety measures by residents. Security camera systems are proving to be very beneficial in preventing crime. Cameras are an extra layer of security that will help deter burglaries and other criminal activity within your community.

As the city grows, lets be prepared for the unexpected surprises. As your security provider, we are ready to serve. Never hesitate to call security at 627-1600 to report any suspicious persons or activity. Whenever you leave home, no matter for how long, always secure your home and close your garage door. Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

On behalf of Allied Universal and the security staff at PGA National. It gives me great pleasure to inform you of the notable year 2018 was in security. Security calls for service increased by three percent in 2018 after seeing some decline over the previous years. The continued support from the residents is the contributing factor.

Over the past three years major crime within PGA National has continued to decline. Residential burglaries, auto burglaries, stolen vehicles and theft are examples of incidents classified as major crimes. In 2018, there were thirty-four recorded major crime incidents in PGA, which is a twenty-one percent drop from 2017 with forty-three. In my opinion the most significant area of decline was in the number of residential burglaries. In 2018, with nearly five thousand homes, PGA National recorded two residential burglaries, compared to the fifteen that was recorded in 2017. Now that’s something we all can be proud of.

In 2018, on two separate occasions, with the help of residents, while working in conjunction with Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. security assisted with the arrest of two nefarious individuals. Of the two, one was a drug dealer who was operating out of his home in PGA National. Although the numbers don’t suggest it, there was also a decline in auto burglaries as well. There were fourteen reported auto burglaries, eleven of those occurred off Fairway Dr.

As we begin 2019, with our commitment and focus renewed, we are ready to face the challenges the year brings. As always, security’s success is predicated on the involvement of the community we serve. Together we will continue to create change and make a difference.

The holiday season is amongst us again. Time to visit friends, family, and take that well needed vacation. So, before you head out to your destination, here are a few safety tips from security.

It is a good idea to put a stop or hold on newspaper deliveries. A driveway piled with newspapers it is a great indication that no one is home. As your security provider we offer a “Property Check” form that can be obtain and returned at any gatehouse. You may also submit a “Property Check” form via the Internet at www.gateaccess.net. By completing this form, your home will be checked at least twice a week for any suspicious activity. For those without any travel plans. As a good neighbor, if you see a home in your community with several newspapers in the driveway, contact security and we will come out and move the papers to a less obvious location.

It is also recommended that before you travel, research your destination thoroughly if traveling to an unfamiliar place. Keep your valuables on you while in transit, only take what you need. Because times have changed and so have the people in it, don’t trust people too quickly. Identity theft is among the biggest challenge’s travelers face while on vacation. With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual’s identity to conduct a wide range of crimes. Lastly, contact the POA Office to update your contact information and/or guest list if any of that information has recently changed.

As a community, we all share in the responsibility of safeguarding PGA National. Never hesitate to call security to report any suspicious persons or activity at 627-1600. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock your doors and set your alarm. For security reasons, close your garage door when not in ingress and egress from the garage. Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

In the past few weeks, security has received several phone calls regarding coyote sightings. Coyotes sightings aren’t rare in PGA National, but the number of calls we’ve received suggest either that the population has grown or due to surrounding development, it has pushed more of them into PGA National. Florida has a diverse wildlife and the coyote is here to stay.

However, I’d like to take a moment to share some information that may ease your mind. In Florida, coyotes are not large animals, typically weighing between 15-30 pounds. Males tend to be larger than females. It’s a timid animal that rarely approaches a person. A coyote’s fur is occasionally black but is usually grayish-brown. They have pointed ears, a narrow mouth, and a bushy tail.

Coyote attacks on people are extremely rare across the U.S., but some have occurred. Coyotes eat whatever is available, including garbage, dead animals, and pet food. Given the opportunity coyotes will prey on small dogs and cats with most attacks occurring in early morning hours, late evening and at night. Its advised to not walk your dogs in areas where vegetation presents cover for a coyote and keep your dog close to you. If you’ve seen or suspect that there are coyotes in your community, carry a stick or club while out walking your dog. If you encounter a coyote make loud noises, aggressively wave your arms up and down, or use the stick to frighten them away.

Remember, coyotes are timid animals and you should not be intimidated by them. By cleaning up any pet food outside, fallen fruit and securing your garbage cans. You can reduce the chances of a coyote snooping around your home. You can contact Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) at 561-625-5122 if you feel that the coyotes are becoming a problem. You may also visit the FWC website: myfwc.com/trappers for a list of licensed Nuisance Wildlife Trappers. I hope this information was helpful.

As a community, we all share in the responsibility of safeguarding PGA National. Never hesitate to call security to report any suspicious persons or activity at 561 627-1600. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock your doors and set your alarm. For security reasons, close your garage door when not in ingress and egress from the garage.

Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

There are several explanations for the crime that takes place within a gated community. The most concerning to me is what contributes to a community being perceived as vulnerable or unprotected. In 2017, security issued 6,026 open garage citations, nearly twice as many as issued in 2016. So far this year, security has issued 2,353 open garage door citations. In my opinion we are on track to surpass the number of citations issued in 2017 if a change does not occur. A community with multiple open garage doors creates the perception of vulnerability that criminals look for.

Criminals are actively seeking communities to target. Individuals and groups are traveling from other areas such as Dade and Broward county to commit residential and vehicle burglaries. When criminals are canvassing an area in search of their next target. Multiple open garage doors increase the chances of you, your neighbor, and community becoming the next victim. As residents, you can prevent this and end the perception of being a vulnerable community simply by closing your garage door when not in use. Advancements in technology have made accomplishing that task easier with the creation of automatic garage door closers. These devices are designed to close after a specified time determined by you, the homeowner. If you contact your garage door company I’m sure they can make recommendations to you.

As a community, we all share in the responsibility of safeguarding PGA National from individuals with bad intentions. Together we can change the perception that PGA is vulnerable. For security reasons, close your garage door when not entering or leaving the garage. As always, never hesitate to call security at 627-1600 to report any suspicious persons or activity. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock your doors and set your alarm. Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

In today’s society the daily use of computers is as common as brushing your teeth. We use computers for everything from online banking, paying bills, booking vacations or purchasing movie tickets. The convenience and ease that computers offer within our daily lives is unmeasurable. However, there are many risk associated with using computers.

I’m sure we have all heard the horror stories associated with identity theft and the difficulties with rectifying the issue once you become a victim. Unfortunately, there are just bad people in the world and hackers are working hard to obtain your personal or financial information. Their sole purpose is to assume your name or identity to make transactions or purchases.

The unfortunate truth of the matter is that there is no system in place that will prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft. As a consumer, you must review and monitor your bank statements carefully, limit your use of free Wi-Fi networks while in public, don’t open any unknown or unfamiliar emails and never give out personal information to an unsolicited caller. I’m sure there are other steps you can take that may help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft, but any information is good information.

Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always secure your house and close your garage door.

As always, never hesitate to call security to report any suspicious persons or activities. You can reach PGA Security at 627-1600. Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution

A reminder from your security provider to remain vigilant. Never hesitate to call security at 627-1600 to report any suspicious persons or activity.

• Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock your doors and set your alarm.
• Always secure your garage door when not in ingress and egress to and from the garage.

Together we all can make a difference.