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Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Keith Echols

Security Director’s Report – February 2018

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If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve seen several stories involving acts of violence within gated communities. Law enforcement agencies feel that the increase in criminal activity is related to gated communities being perceived by criminals as soft targets. Something that is relatively vulnerable or unprotected to attacks.  

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. In the first two months of this year, security has already issued over one-thousand open garage citation. In my opinion, this is what gives a community the perception of being vulnerable.

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. Which are designed to close after a specified time determined by you, the homeowner.

As a community, we all share in the responsibility of safeguarding PGA National from individuals with malice intentions. Together we can change that perception. For security reasons, close your garage door when not in ingress and egress to and from the garage. As always, 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. Sharing information is vital; the smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

Property Managers Report – October 2017

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IRMA – NO LAST NAME GIVEN:
We are happy to report that the expected Category 4 hurricane was nowhere near that strength by the time PGA National felt its effects. According to the Palm Beach Post, the top wind speed in Palm Beach Gardens was 84 mph with gusts over 90 mph but that was enough to topple and break apart over 500 trees on POA property and along main roads and pull branches down from an additional 425 trees. A number of PGA owners were without electricity for up to 3 days but we know of no structural damage. Those residents in Miami and the Keys and along the west coast should remain in our thoughts and prayers; they took the brunt of the storm.

For those with plywood, metal panels and Fabric Shield on windows and doors, please be aware these items should be removed by now and we respectfully request that you remove this type of window protection ASAP.

The City of Palm Beach Gardens and FEMA worked hard to pick up debris inside the communities. It took a little longer in the POA Common areas but we appreciate your patience during the cleanup.  We truly appreciate the residents and the HOA/Condo Associations promptly cleaning everything up so quickly in the neighborhoods!

PGA security, with sincere appreciation to Keith Echols, Security Director and the on-site team who stayed during the hurricane, started immediately clearing streets and storm drains as soon as the “all clear” was given. PGA Golf Maintenance, Resort Security and NPBCID were all pitching in to ensure that the roads were not flooded and emergency personnel could get though – Great Job Everyone! Annco Maintenance personnel and Bartlett Tree Service have been cleaning up all POA common areas and roadways. PGA National covers 2,340 acres so it is no small undertaking. As of the writing of this article, we anticipate it will take 30 days to fully restore order so it looks like there was never a storm and we can resume our regular prune and mow schedule. 

I think we were very fortunate and hope we don’t have to go through this again.  Thank you to everyone who prepared in advance then immediately cleaned up yards and communities.  Mother Nature will regenerate the landscape; I’m happy it is only landscape that was destroyed. Thanks again everyone!

SOME REMINDERS AFTER THE STORM:
Being human, we tend to be reactive instead of proactive and many owners will realize they need to install hurricane shutters (or change panels to something easier to install/close); generators will be a popular item; and roofs may need replacement. Certainly landscape will need restoration!

Please remember that any and all exterior changes require prior written approval from the POA Architectural Review Committee (“ARC”). If you lost a tree during the storm, you can of course remove it but you must still get approval. The ARC application form is available here. The process is easier than it sounds and Lori Moody at the POA office is always willing to help.

In summary, we need a photo of the tree (or, if it has been removed, a photo showing where the tree was) and this needs to be submitted with your request for removal. No, the ARC isn’t crazy asking for pictures of invisible trees – they need to know whether the tree must be replaced so your request should indicate whether or not you want to replace the tree and, if so, advise what species/size you would like to use. The POA Design Review Manual requires a certain number of trees on each lot. The idea is to buffer architecture so the photo does serve a purpose. Be sure to take it from far enough away that the ARC can see the area around the tree (ie: we don’t need a close up of a stump please).

The ARC meets on the 3rd Thursday each month and applications must be received a week before the meeting, so be sure to make application in plenty of time to ensure that any conditions for approval can be met. For example, don’t have the shutter company start fabrication of your new accordion shutters before you get approval. The ARC may deny the type of shutter where you want it (eg: accordion shutters on arched windows are not typically permitted).

Again, you can reach Lori Moody at (561) 627-2800 and she can help you with the process.

STAY SAFE – HURRICANE SEASON IS THROUGH NOVEMBER SO WE STILL HAVE A WAY TO GO!

Security Director’s Report – March 2013

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sdn2In 2012, PGA National experienced twelve (12) residential burglaries. This year, at the time this article was written, there have been four (4) residential burglaries on file. In reviewing the details involving these burglaries, although unrelated, there were a couple of things that caught my attention and I would like to take a moment to share them with you.

When it comes to your home, many residents rely on the services of a cleaning person, home watch person, pool guy or a general contractor. In many cases it has been the same person in and out of your home for years. Times have changed, people have changed and so must you. I believe now is a good time to reevaluate who has access to your home. Who knows your alarm code, who’s on your guest list, who knows when you’re out of town. Although change is a scary thing it may be necessary to increase your level of comfort and decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a residential burglary.

The other thing that caught my attention is that residential vehicle information has not been updated in the ABDI gate access computer system. It is important that you not only update you guest list from time to time but your personal vehicle information as well to reflect the most accurate information possible. This allows for security to better differentiate between a residents vehicle and a guest vehicle that may be part of a police investigation.

Lastly open garage doors are an open invitation for any individual with criminal intent to quickly remove whatever valuables are in view. Leaving your garage door open may seem convenient in several different circumstances but by doing so it leaves things like your bicycles, power tools, golf clubs and other easily carried-off items vulnerable to theft in seconds. PGA National rules and regulations state that garage doors are to be closed except during ingress and egress to and from the garage. This rule is written specifically with the safety of you and your family in mind.

Remember that it only takes seconds for anyone to become the victim of a crime but with these few small changes you can greatly reduce the chances of becoming the next victim.

As a reminder please fill out a “Property Check” form if you have plans to go away for an extended period.

You are encouraged to report all suspicious vehicles, person(s), and activity and never hesitate to call 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.

Security Director’s Report – September 2012

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Hello again, it’s been a while since my last article.

The transition of security companies has kept me pretty busy.

Making sure that our priority is to provide you with customer service and security service that is second to none has kept me busy as well.

Last month we experienced our ninth residential burglary of the year. We had a total of twelve last year. Reviewing the events that took place in last month’s burglary, started me pondering how could security have been more beneficial and proficient in our service to you? When the burglary occurred, the alarm company notified the resident, the resident notified Gardens PD and then security was notified. A lot of precious time lapsed from the time the alarm company received notification of the alarm to the time on-site security was notified.

Many residents have arranged with their selected alarm company, that when an alarm is received for their residence. They want to be notified first or the local police department. I believe that it would be beneficial, as well as effective, for you as a homeowner to have your on-site security notified first. The benefits will allow for a faster response time and allow us to identify and gather pertinent information. Information such as, description of suspect(s), number of suspects, vehicle description, direction of travel, etc.. This information can be lost when the on-site security is the last to know of the alarm at your residence.

We currently have three patrols on site 24-hours a day and we are no more than five minutes away. We can advise the security company to contact Gardens PD or call them ourselves. This small change can be the difference maker in apprehending criminals and securing PGA National. As your security provider Elite Protection Services is committed to providing the finest community safety and awareness.

Remember to report all suspicious vehicles, person(s), and activity. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Sharing information is vital; never hesitate to call security.

Our number is still  627-1600.

Security Director’s Report – March 2012

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No matter how old or young we are, using computers has become a part of our daily lives. We use computers for everything from online banking, paying bills, booking vacations to purchasing movie tickets etc.. Even though computers make our lives convenient, they also come with a risk.

We have all heard the horror stories associated with identity theft. How hard it is or how much the victim has to go through to get their life back to normal. Unfortunately those with criminal intent are hard at work seeking for victims online. I would like to share with you some information I received from Palm Beach Gardens Police Department about an ongoing scam.

They are seeing a big increase in email scams lately, as well as viruses delivered by clicking links in emails or opening attachments in emails. The viruses are designed to steal your passwords and logins, such as to your bank account etc.. To keep yourself safe; DO NOT click any unknown links in emails and attachments. Even if you receive an email that appears to be from your bank or from some business that you routinely work with, DO NOT click the link in the email.

Many of these are spoofed emails, designed to look like the real thing but will actually lead you to a web site that gives you a virus or steals your information. Instead open your web browser and go to their web site yourself. For example, if you bank with Washington Mutual, and you receive an email from Washington Mutual that says you must click a link in the email to login and resolve some problem; DO NOT click the link. Instead open your web browser and type in www.washingtonmutual.com to go directly to the Washington Mutual web site and resolve the issue. This way you are sure that you are going to the proper web site and you’re much less likely to get a virus or have your information stolen. The bad guys often try to make the problem sound urgent to get you to click the link quickly without thinking. Do not fall for these tactics.

As your security provider we are committed to our pledge to provide community safety and awareness. Sharing information is vital, remember never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

Remember to report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Being a proactive community will make the most significant difference.

Security Manager’s Report – January 2012

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From a security point of view, PGA National had a great year in 2011. As your security provider we are ready to face 2012 head on, and tackle any and all challenges it may bring. I am confident that with your continued support, we will continue to do our best.

As we prepare for 2012. As PGA National residents, you must continue to be ever vigilant. There is a tendency to relax a bit after the holidays. Please continue to call and report any suspicious person, vehicle, or activity.

At the time this article was written, PGA national experienced eight (8) residential burglaries in 2011. Each one of the burglaries shared a common cause. No, it was not the point of entry or the time of day in which the burglary occurred. In each burglary the common cause was that the home alarm was not set. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm.

As I have mention in some of my previous articles. The strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in safety awareness at home as well as a community. Never hesitate to call security at 627-1600. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. . I will continue to work with my staff to make sure we are doing everything in our ability to make this a safe environment for you and your family.

In closing, please remember, you can have a real effect on crime by simply getting in the habit of locking your car doors when you arrive home and when you leave, making sure you have properly secured your home and set your alarm.

I am optimistic about 2012 and we, as your security provider, will continue to do our best to make sure your community is a safe one.

Security Manager’s Report – December 2011

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With this being the last Community Safety article for the year. I thought it would be a great idea to offer everyone a security update and a few safety tips for holiday shopping.

While the final community statistics have not been compiled, there is every indication that major residential crime numbers are down. To date, major crime such as residential and auto burglary, auto thefts and vandalism in PGA National have decreased by 53% from last year. We experienced twenty-two home burglaries in 2010, which have dropped down to eight this year.

As a means of increasing our presence and our impact within your community, I felt it was necessary to modify our patrol functions. This year we decided to step out of the patrol vehicles and step into the community. One of the best assets for deterring criminal activity is to have security be as visible as possible. We have conducted over eighty random foot patrols throughout PGA National. The feedback and information that we have received has been outstanding. As I have stated before in previous articles, the strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in the community.

As your security provider, I would like to offer a few more tips to help ensure that you have a happy and safe holiday season. Whenever possible do your holiday shopping during the day. Always be aware of your surroundings when walking to your vehicle. Never leave valuables in your car in plain sight and always buckle your seat belt.

Remember for those with plans to visit friends and family this holiday season. Please stop by any one of the gatehouses (or click here) and pick-up a “Property Check Form”. This will allow us to check your property while you are away. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution.

It has been the pleasure of my staff and myself to provide security and service to you all. We would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!!!

Security Manager’s Report – October 2011

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Wow, it’s October already and the year is nearly up. Before you know it we’ll be bringing in the New Year. I would like to take a moment to revisit some topics from some of my previous articles.

In August, Hurricane Irene threatened to make landfall here in South Florida. Thankfully we were spared by her wrath. Unfortunately we all saw the destruction and chaos Irene caused to the Northeast. We are not out of the woods just yet. Hurricane season ends in November, yet we are still susceptible to many tropical storms and severe weather. Remember to check your hurricane supplies by ensuring you have ample amounts of water, batteries, candles and non-perishable food items. Remember to place important documents in waterproof containers. It is also of great value to have an emergency contact list available and ready.

Last month, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department made a significant amount of arrests pertaining to vehicle burglaries. Although living in a gated community may give you a false sense of security, it is up to every resident within PGA National to remain vigilant. Remember to always secure your vehicles and remove valuables that may be in plain sight. As your security provider, we continue to promote the Car Smart Program, informing residents of their potential to become the next victim of an auto burglary. Last year we inspected over 1300 vehicles in PGA National, finding 4 % of those having valuables able to be seen by anyone with criminal intent. This year, we are on track to see that percentage nearly cut in half.

As your security provider, we will continue to provide optimum security service with your assistance. So far this year in PGA National we have seen a reduction in our major crimes, in such areas as residential burglaries and auto burglaries. The strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in safety awareness as a community.

As a PGA National resident, you must be ever vigilant. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Being a proactive community will make the most significant difference. Remember never hesitate to call security. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Never leave valuables in your vehicle.

Security Manager’s Report – August 2011

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As your security provider, it is our duty to make PGA National residents aware of any potential problems that could lead to opportunities for crime. The subject I want to discuss is one that I have already touched on in previous articles, which remains important, so I think it is appropriate to bring it up once again. Last month, Palm Beach County experienced some violent crimes of an unfamiliar nature. These crimes included carjacking and armed robberies.

It has come to my attention that criminals, not only in our immediate area, but also throughout the country, are using a number of “white collar” scams. One scam in particular is the “Grandparent scam”. Con artists have swindled the elderly out of hundreds even thousands of dollars by posing as a grandchild in need. According to local law enforcement agencies, the scam works like this:

You receive a phone call from someone who greets you with, “Hi grandma.”

“Do you know who this is?”

“Johnny?”

“Yeah”

Now the con artist claims that they’ve gotten into some kind of trouble and need money to fix the problem. “But please don’t tell mom or dad. Please help!”

Scammers are very cunning and are good at what they do. They have fooled many people by choosing their targets carefully. If you receive this type of phone call, do not fill in any blanks for them. Ask some of your own questions, such as to which grandchild this is or what’s your mother’s name. This should expose the scam; the con artist will most likely hang up the phone. Call Palm Beach Gardens Police and provide them with any information that you may have.

As I previously mentioned it is part of my duty to make PGA National residents aware of any potential problems that could lead to an opportunity for crime. You must remain ever vigilant. Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Make sure your garage door is closed.

Remember never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600.

Security Manager’s Report – July 2011

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Last month Palm Beach County experienced some violent crimes of an unfamiliar nature. There were armed carjackings and robberies in areas, such as Abacoa, which you as a resident of PGA National could be affected by.

The criminal’s method of operation is to bump the back of a vehicle. When the driver exits the vehicle to check for damage, they are robbed at gun point for their valuables. In some cases victims were forced to drive to an ATM machine and withdraw money. In one of the cases, the victims were robbed and forced into the trunk of their own vehicle. Local law enforcement advises that if you find yourself involved in minor situation where you are rear-ended. Drive to a well-lit and populated area and call 911 immediately.

Here are some other tips law enforcement agencies recommend to reduce your chance of you becoming a victim.
• Be alert of your surroundings
• Use extreme caution when using a ATM machine (avoid using ATM’s at night at all costs)
• Be wary of people asking for directions
• Keep your purse and other valuables out of view while driving or parked
• Do not stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down

Another issue of great concern facing Palm Beach County is the water shortage. There have been irrigation and watering restrictions placed in effect to help conserve the limited supply we do have. As a reminder, if your address is an even number, you can water Wednesday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. If your address is an odd number, you can water Thursday and Saturday from 12:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. Each one of us has a responsibility to comply with these restrictions.

As the 2011 Hurricane season progresses, you should make plans to secure your home. Clean your yard of any items that could pose a threat to you or your neighbors in hurricane force winds. Be sure that all trees and shrubs around your home are trimmed. Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. These supplies should include several containers of water, non-perishable foods, batteries, a radio, flashlights and candles. It is also very important to place papers and documents in waterproof container.

Whenever you leave your home – no matter for how long – always lock yours doors and set your alarm. Make sure your garage door is closed. Remember, never hesitate to call security. The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. Report any suspicious persons and activity to security at 627-1600.