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SADM SECURITY BULLETIN August 27, 2008
RECENT SECURITY PROBLEMS
Because security is our #1 priority, we believe that it is important for all of our residents to be aware of recent events that have occurred in our community. Bottom line, last week was a difficult week for San Antonio del Mar’s security program. We handled a series of problems with our contract security company, Alta Seguridad Privada:
The guard assigned to the evening patrol quit without notice on the evening of August 16, and the company was not able to replace him until Friday evening, August 22.
The company’s vehicle, used for night patrol, broke down last week and has not yet been replaced. In the meantime, Dr. Alvarez has temporarily loaned her private car to the company.
Friday morning, August 22, a car was stolen; and that same morning four unsuccessful car thefts were reported in San Antonio.
Friday evening, two Alta guards leaving our community after completing their shift, received a ride from a friend. While traveling to Rosarito, they were stopped for speeding. A pistol was discovered under the driver’s seat. The driver and the two guards were arrested. Subsequent investigation has determined that the guards were innocent passengers in the car and no criminal charges were filed against them. Alta Security has provided us with official criminal history documents, obtained from state law enforcement officials within the last 72 hours, which show that both guards do not have any criminal history.
DETAILS OF THE CAR THEFT AND ATTEMPTED THEFTS
Based on evidence and reports we have gathered, these are the facts, as we know them, concerning the car theft and attempted thefts:
On Friday morning, August 22, at approximately 0600 hours, the guard assigned to the south entrance recognized a car as belonging to a resident and detained the car at the south entrance with the gate down.
While questioning the driver and asking for documentation (driver’s license, permission to drive the car, etc.), the driver accelerated the car into the gate.
Because of the low profile of the car, the front engine compartment went under the gate, causing it to spring upward. The car sped off.
The guard immediately called Alta Security and Dr. Alvarez and informed them of the incident
Dr. Alvarez directed the guard to call the police.
With the description of the car, Dr. Alvarez, with the help of maintenance personnel, eventually was able to identify the owner later Friday morning -- at about the same time the owners reported the theft.
There is no evidence that the guard acted negligently in performing his duties.
On August 22, one car was stolen. That same morning there were four car-theft attempts reported, including one car that was abandoned in the middle of Cantil.
ACTIONS TAKEN BY YOUR COMMITTEE
At a special, emergency meeting on Monday August 19, the SADM Homeowners’ Committee discussed possible security options to resolve our security issues. The options we discussed were:
Keeping the services of Alta Security
Finding a security company willing to take over our existing security personnel
Finding another security company with entirely new personnel
Directly administering our own security program
To implement an immediate resolution and to remain within our budgetary constraints, the Committee and Dr. Alvarez decided to retain the services of Alta Security. We have allowed Alta Security to use our employees as back-up security guards when unexpected vacancies occurred during this period.
We have met and continue to meet with Alta Security in an effort to improve procedures and the quality of security services. We have consistently emphasized to Alta Security that we expect the guards to work one shift of 12 hours per day only and that the team of guards assigned to San Antonio remain unchanged as much as possible. When we began as your new committee in February of this year, we decided to continue the security services of Alta Security which had been working for San Antonio for about one year. At the time, they were providing 24x7 guard coverage at both entrances and a night patrol every other night. In March, we decided to increase the night patrol coverage to include 7 nights a week. We consider this level of security, which costs our community about $1,500.00 (USD) per week, basic and minimal. We want to increase the number of patrols to include days and expand the evening patrols. But to do this requires more residents joining the Association and paying the monthly fee of $60.00 (USD).
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS WE CAN TAKE AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A COMMUNITY
Whatever the level of security we are able to provide to the community, it will not prevent all crimes in our community. There was a time when that might have been true, but it no longer is. Ultimately, it still comes down to the individual resident exercising sensible and cautious procedures to secure their vehicles, homes and personal safety, as well as being alert to suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Building supportive relationships with our neighbors may be the best security we can provide ourselves. Law enforcement officials consistently emphasize that the best protection for all communities is a solid neighborhood watch program. Talk to your neighbors, exchange phone numbers, keep an eye on their houses and report any suspicious activity to the guard caseta immediately (631-3026).
To those who were the victims of the theft and attempted thefts there is a sense of violation and vulnerability that cannot be erased or minimized. The only positive thing that might come from these incidents may be a heightened sense of vigilance and cooperation from all of us.
These are a few other practical things we can do now:
Obtain and place the 2008 vehicle identification sticker on the front windshield of your car. In the past, we have asked residents to pick these stickers up at the office (294 Morro). Thus far, the response has been poor. These stickers are available to all residents, whether they pay dues or not. This is a matter of security. Effective security is not one solution; it is many effective strategies consistently performed to make predators think twice before committing a crime. The ID sticker is one such piece It helps our guards readily identify cars as belonging to residents and reduces waiting at the gates.
If you do not have a secure garage, park your car next to a street lamp, near the house of a neighbor who lives in San Antonio full-time; install outside lights. Light and activity are not appreciated by thieves.
Use techniques to disable the power system and/or mobility of your car. Here is a website that presents some options: http://www.2sportscars.com/prevent-car-theft.shtml. There are many such websites available through Google etc.
In addition to car thefts, be on the look-out for thieves stealing catalytic converters from under cars. We know of one such incident occurring here in San Antonio. Such thefts are being reported more frequently here and in the U.S. The thieves are after the rare and valuable metals contained in the catalytic converters.
SUPPORT OUR GUARDS. There job is difficult, complicated and potentially dangerous; and the pay is minimal. A “thank you” and a cold soda on a hot day can go a long way to making them feel part of the community and its welfare.
Be patient when exiting and entering through the gates. The guards are doing what we have asked them to do – check who is coming into and leaving San Antonio (Two months ago we instructed the guards to record essential information on a form about non-resident vehicles and their passengers.)
Be especially vigilant this weekend. We will have many non-residents and visitors in our community for the U.S. Labor Day Holiday.
JOIN THE ASSOCIATION IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER. Your dues will help us strengthen our security program.
Finally, please help us to manage the “rumor mill” by ensuring that you have accurate facts before passing information on to your neighbors and friends. Communications amongst ourselves is also KEY to our safety and peace of mind and one of the main reasons that we have taken the time to inform you, in writing, of our recent security problems. A divided community is a weak community. Predators know that all too well.
If you have other tips and ideas regarding practical security solutions for San Antonio, please send them to our email address: sanantoniobaja@yahoo.com or drop them off at our office: 294 Morro. We intend to develop a separate security link on our website. Other information about our community is available at: www.sanantoniodelmarbaja.com.
Your San Antonio del Mar Homeowners Committee and Administrator
Al Rosen, President
Dra. Martha Alvarez, Administrator
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