"Safety and
Association
Crime Stoppers"
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Article by The Community Associations Institute (CAI) -
Everyone wants a safe place to call home, and
our association strives to make all residents feel secure. While we’re diligent in our efforts to reduce possible dangers
in our community, we can’t do it alone. It’s up to everyone to pitch in to keep crime rates down. Thankfully,
taking a few simple steps can go a long way in keeping theft, vandalism and other felonies and misdemeanors out of the association.
Know Your Neighbors.
And not just the neighbors on your block, but also the neighbors from all parts of the association. At the very least, you’ll
get a better idea of who actually lives (and in turn, who belongs) here. Talking with your neighbors will also give you the
chance to find out if there have noticed any crimes or suspicious activity in the association recently so that you can be
on the lookout as well. Consider creating and distributing a list with everyone’s contact information so that you and
your neighbors can alert each other of any problems that arise. Of course, be sure to get your neighbors’ permission
first to put their information on the list.
Leave The Light On.
A good way to deter felons from breaking into your home is to make sure your front porch light stays on all night, even when
you’re out of town. Not only does it signal that someone’s home, it also makes it harder for vandals to hide among
the shadows. If you’re worried that you’ll either forget to turn the light on at night or off in the morning,
you can purchase an inexpensive timer that will automatically do that for you every day. Also, if you see any street lights
around the association that are burnt out, please let the board know as soon as possible so that we can replace them for everyone’s
safety.
Lock Up. If
you want to keep unwanted guests out, don’t make your home inviting. Even when you’re around, it’s best
to keep all gates, doors and garages locked at all times. It’s also a good idea to keep your windows closed and locked
when possible, especially if they’re on the ground floor.
Put On Your Walking Shoes.
Taking as stroll around the association isn’t just good exercise. You can casually patrol the community for anything
suspicious or usual, as well as swap notes about criminal activity in the area with other neighbors who are out and about.
Also, when more residents regularly walk around the association, it can help scare off hooligans who are afraid of getting
caught in the act.
Clean It Up.
Picking up litter, removing graffiti and keeping trees, bushes and lawns trimmed not only makes the association look better,
but also sends the message that our residents are diligent about keeping the neighborhood a respectable place to live. This
can help discourage troublemakers from hanging around our community and encourage responsible and involved people to move
to the association.
See Something, Say Something.
If you notice a crime or a suspicious activity, regardless of how small the incident may seem, notify association security
and the police immediately. Of course, only call 911 if it is an emergency; otherwise, contact the police on their non-emergency
line.
We all have a responsibility to our community
to help keep it safe, and incorporating even a few of these tips can go a long way. Do your part to make our association a
place you’re happy to call home.
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