Patrol Report

Chief Catri

The SunBird Patrol urges safe, sober driving wherever you might be, to start the new decade. New Year’s resolutions are made and quickly forgotten as life gets in the way. Instead of making a resolution that you aren’t likely to stick to, why not concentrate on making this year a safer one. We are generally protected by the police and other members of law enforcement in our communities, but our first line of defense is ourselves. When we are more aware of our own safety and take steps to protect it, we are much better off.

When you live in a Homeowner’s Association, you become a member of the community. When you’re a member of a community, you want to remain in good standing and do your part, such as following the rules. Just like when you were a kid in the playground, the rules were there for a reason. Waiting in line for the slide taught you patience and courtesy, and being forbidden to flip off the swings kept you from getting your head split open. Your HOA has rules, too. Please make it a point to read them, understand them, and follow them, because they teach you your rights and responsibilities, as well as keep you safe.

Homeowner and Renter Cards. They should always be carried and, upon request, please be proud to present them to the Patrol when asked to do so to verify the person’s entitlement to use the facilities. Please do your part to ensure that only property owners, tenants, and bona fide guests are using our facilities.

Important reminder to residents with garages. Occasionally, Patrol officers will notice garage doors left open after dark. There is no violation associated with leaving your garage door open. It’s just that one of the most obvious security mistakes that a homeowner makes is leaving their garage door open at night. This is an open invitation for burglars and thieves to steal your possessions, take your car, and gain access to your home. Double check to make sure garage doors are closed and secured. Don’t let the bad guy win.

The Patrol is always busy this time of the year patrolling at night, looking for vehicles parked on the street without the proper authorization. To be parked in the street between the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., you must have a parking permit issued by the HOA Patrol, and if you have a guest staying with you for less than 30 nights, you may use your guest card, visually displayed on the driver’s side of the vehicle’s dashboard. Please contact the Patrol for questions in reference to street parking in SunBird.

The SunBird Patrol is looking forward to helping make the new year a great year for the SunBird Community. As always, our commitment to the community remains strong, and we will continue to work with you to improve the quality of life for each one of you. It is my pleasure to say “thank you” to our community as we wish you a year of success, happiness and excitement. Please contact the Patrol when my staff and I can be of assistance.