Security Director's Report

I hope this article finds you all in good spirits and in good health. As we all continue to make adjustments in our lives because of COVID-19, we must continue to be vigilant within our community. Criminals and their activities continue to play a role in our everyday life, even during a pandemic.

Over the past few months, security has received and responded to service calls for packages missing after being delivered, burglarized vehicles, stolen vehicles, and suspicious people within the community. Not in large numbers or anything to panic over. However, it is a reminder that PGA National is a place of interest for those with criminal intent. To reduce your chance of becoming the next victim, make sure your home is alarmed and secured when not in use. Make sure your vehicle is secured and no valuables are left in sight. If you do not already have them, consider adding surveillance cameras to our home.

We are here with you and together we can make a difference

Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been personally affected by this virus. You are encouraged to avoid “the Three C’s” to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowed places, and close-contact settings.

As the country begins to open back up bit by bit. Remember to continue to practice your best safety practices. Wash your hands as much as you can.

We are here with you and for you. Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been personally affected by this virus.

I hope you and your loved ones have remained safe during these unprecedented times. As we face these challenges together, I want to convey that my entire team is committed to serving and protecting PGA National. As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as we all maneuver through COVID-19. Hurricane season is right around the corner and making early preparations is key to being ready for storm season. Clean your yard of any items that could pose a threat to you or your neighbors in hurricane force winds. If possible, trim all trees and shrubs around your home. Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period.

Criminals are still active and now is not the time to become complacent. Do not leave your key fob in your vehicle or leave your vehicle unlocked. Most vehicle thefts and burglaries are the result of these two occurrences. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm when you leave your home. Never open your door for any unexpected or unrecognizable visitors.

Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been personally affected by this virus.

It seems like the more technology invades our lives. The more we must do to safeguard ourselves in order to enjoy the benefits of it. Criminals are becoming ever so crafty and using the same technology we enjoy, to commit crimes against us. One of the crime trends that seems to be on a rise is keyless car thefts.
 
Keyless car theft is where the signal from your key fob is captured by someone standing outside your home using a signal capturing device. The device transmits the signal to somebody else standing by your car. This tricks your car into thinking the key is near it, which will disable your factory alarm, unlock the doors and allow for the “push button” ignition to be started. I know, if it isn’t one thing it’s another.

Like any crime of opportunity, criminals are depending on our assistance. The success of this crime depends on the location of your key fob. Based on some of the articles I’ve read and news videos. There are a few simple steps that you can take to prevent this occurrence. Such as keeping your keys away from the front door and windows of your home. Placing your keys in a signal blocking pouch aka Faraday Bag or utilizing a wheel lock. I’m sure there are more steps you can take to not become a victim of this crime, but these steps seemed to be a common method of prevention.

As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. 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.

One last thing. If your bar code is more then five years old or looks a little worn and faded, head over to the POA Office for a replacement. This will save you time at the gate.

I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Remember to submit a Property Check form if you have plans to travel out of town. Make sure all your doors and windows are secure when you leave your home. Your peace of mind is what’s important.

As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at (561) 627-1600.

If you see something, say something. 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.

Happy Holiday Season from Allied Universal!!!

As you all know, PGA National is vastly unique compared to the surrounding gated communities. Not being a 24-hour gated community makes us susceptible to the threat of crime. Criminals are actively seeking communities to target. Groups of thieves are traveling from other counties to commit residential and vehicle burglaries. In the past two months, we’ve had one vehicle stolen and one home burglarized within PGA National.

This isn’t an attempt to scare anyone, but rather a time to remind you that crime does happen here. So far this year we have experienced eleven residential burglaries and several vehicle burglaries in our commercial areas. When criminals are canvassing an area in search of their next target, open garage doors and leaving valuables in plain sight in your vehicles increases your chances of becoming the victim of a crime.

As homeowners and board members there are a few counter measures that you can subscribe to that will increase the level of safety in your community as well as at your home. Surveillance systems are one of the biggest deterrence to crime and a great asset to a community. Installing cameras that will capture vehicles entering and exiting your community along with signage, will greatly reduce the likelihood of your community becoming the next target of criminals. Communities could also install cameras around the pool area that would monitor activity throughout the community. Installing a home security camera system is another great idea. These added tools could greatly assist the police department with their investigation.

Your peace of mind is what’s important and the previously mentioned measures can help immensely. As your security provider, we are always ready to lend a hand and together we can make a difference. Never hesitate to call security at 561-627-1600, if you see something, say something. Report all suspicious people and activities. Remember to close your garage door when not in use and always set your alarm and lock your doors when you leave your home.

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.