Patrol Report

Chief Catri

One of the primary purposes of a gated community is to offer its residents safety that they wouldn’t experience in a nearby non-gated community. In addition, many people today crave security, so they locate in a gated community to feel safe. The trend is that crimes against people go down and stay down in controlled-access developments.

Criminals can be very smart though and will target gated communities because they know that some residents will take a lazy approach to securing their vehicles and homes. This false sense of security means that some residents will leave their vehicles, doors and windows, bicycles, golf carts, and other valuable personal assets unlocked or basically just not properly secured. This can make your community a tempting target for savvy thieves who are looking for complacent homeowners.

Automated gates, along with walls, are only as secure as residents make them. A gate and secure access alone will not eliminate the threat of criminal activity. While criminal activity is reduced in gated communities, there is no guarantee you will not be the victim of a crime. Homeowner security measures make a big difference when it comes to deterring criminals and protecting themselves and their property. Despite the ongoing best efforts by the homeowners association to control access, all residents should understand that they are the last line of defense against crime. Therefore, please take all reasonable steps to secure your belongings and property as if there is no patrol or automated gate services provided by the homeowners association.

Springtime is a great time of year to enjoy the swimming pools. Whether it’s sitting poolside to catch some sun or splashing around in the water, we want everyone to have fun and to be safe. There are no lifeguards on duty. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Important reminders: Please walk and don’t run on the pool deck. No jumping into the water. No eating or drinking is permitted while in the pool or jacuzzi water. Absolutely no glass of any kind is permitted in the enclosed pool area.

It is important to spread kindness in our daily lives. Remember to always stop and think before you talk or act (Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?). Put an end to petty criticism. Remember the saying, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. Try your best to keep it positive. Everyone is affected by an act of kindness. It is contagious, and you never know just how big of an impact a small gesture of kindness can have. Laugh throughout the day. Laughter makes us healthier and can be an important tool for keeping our troubles in proportion, for realizing that things aren’t always as bad as we think they are.