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.