PGA NATIONAL Property Owners Association

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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security managers report

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 – August 2017

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BAR CODE REMINDERS:

If your barcode isn’t opening the gate, it is probably a result of one of these things:

  • you are a renter with an expired lease
  • you had a temporary tag that expired and you didn’t notify the POA of the new license plate number; or
  • your barcode decal is old and/or damaged.

If the sticker looks gray and black (instead of black and white) or if there are scratches or tears on the decal, it is time for a replacement. If you park outside or use a car wash regularly, the barcode will typically start to fail after approximately two years. The most sensitive reader is at the Northlake Blvd entry so if you are having problems there (or any other PGA gate) just stop by the POA office with the vehicle registration and $5.00 (and the car, of course) and we will have you in and out in minutes.

Please do not pull barcodes off and re-stick them on new cars (or other cars). They are designed to tear but even if you successfully transfer the barcode, it won’t work (or not for long). As indicated above, it only takes a couple minutes to get a new barcode so please help us keep our database accurate and get a new barcode. Likewise, let us know if you get a different license plate so we can update the records.

A point on the weather and barcodes: We are in the regular afternoon rain cycle. It’s good for the plants and grass but doesn’t allow us to attach barcodes. Please don’t get upset with staff when we can’t attach a barcode immediately following rains. We don’t mind getting wet, but the glue on the barcodes does not like any dampness. If there is any moisture at all, the decal just slides off. To answer your next question, no, we can’t just give it to you.

We are hopeful that someday we will have 24 hour access control so it is important the database is accurate. If we don’t attach the decal we have no way of knowing whether it was put on the registered car or given to a friend, relative, housekeeper, etc. (Amazing I know but, yes, it does happen). Also, if the device isn’t attached exactly right, the scanner won’t accurately read it.

STORM SEASON:

Just a quick reminder (again: yes, I’m nagging) storm season started already and late August starts the peak time for those “H” storms to blow in and devastate the place! If you don’t already have your preparation procedures in place please get started. Information for preparation before, during and after a storm can be obtained at any local TV station website and here in the POA website.

A LOSS TO ALL OF US:

After almost 20 years as your property manager, I’ve come to know a lot of you and with deep sorrow and regret, had to weather the loss of a good number of residents.  Although I can’t mention everyone, I would be remiss not to mention Phil Slifka who we lost last month.

Phil served on the POA Board from 1999 to 2012 where he Chaired the Maintenance & Landscape Committee. He continued to chair the Landscape Committee for several more years after leaving the Board.   He was instrumental in the plan for Masters Park and the “In Honor Of” benches and plants in that park.  His daughter Judy has a tranquil bench/arbor on the west side of the park. I remember when residents donated to buy it in Judy’s memory…..so many donated!

That alone speaks volumes for Phil and Naomi Slifka. I think almost everyone in PGA knew and loved Phil and even those who didn’t know him personally saw him walking his best bud, Sammy, along Ryder Cup while keeping an eye on the common areas of  The Legends and PGA National. He always had a smile and time to chat; he truly cared about the community and all of PGA National.  Phil will be sadly missed by his neighbors and friends, and the Lang Management team at the Legends and at PGA POA.  Our thoughts and sympathy to his wife, Naomi.

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 – November 2011

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It seems like 2011 has zoomed by, the holiday season is upon us again. I would like to welcome home our returning residents. As many of you make preparations to visit friends and family this season, I would like to offer a few safety tips.

It is a good idea to put a stop or hold on newspaper deliveries. A driveway with several newspapers in it is a great indication to those with criminal intent that no one is home. By doing this you reduce your chance of becoming a victim of a crime. 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.

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. Also, have the POA Office to update any contact information that may have recently changed.

Holiday driving often means spending several hours behind the wheel. Long journeys can be tiring, and fatigue can be fatal. Get plenty of sleep before your journey, and try to drive at times of the day when you are normally awake. If possible, share the driving duties.

Driving during the holidays does not have to be stressful or dangerous. By preparing properly, having your vehicle checked before travelling and allowing plenty of time for long trips you can help ensure your safety on the road.

As a reminder, 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. Never leave valuables in your vehicle.

The smallest piece of information may be the biggest part of the solution. The strides we make as your security provider is based on your involvement in safety awareness as a community.

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.