'tis the season for......car break ins...

We have 3 small communities that are in one of the most desirable areas of Austin, yet these three communities have been hit the hardest with car burglaries. I drove by today and saw two police cars in the parking lot dusting for prints after 3 cars were hit early this morning.

I would love input from y'all on how to curb the uptick in theft (due to the economy and holidays).
The officers suggested making it a fenced community, unfortunately, this is not financially possible. Our residents are, understandably, concerned...however, many are putting the blame squarely on our shoulders believing the management company should keep them safe.


We have:
~intalled better lighting
~sent notices to residents reminding them to leave thier car locked and empty
~posted a bulletin on our website reminding residents how to protect themselves and thier belongings
~looking into having an onsite community officer..however we have not had much interest from APD

Any other ideas that have worked for y'all? Again, the budget won't allow for gated access or a camera system and we have been told that "dummy" cameras can and have been a legal liability.

Thanks!

Carrie:
Car burglaries are a crime of opportunity and your tenants bear the burden of keeping things out of their cars. The biggest target seems to be the GPS units that are sitting on the dash. (If you are going to work, don't you already know that route?)

You are taking the appropriate action by notifying your tenants. You are doing more than most by just doing that. Be sure to keep copies of all those.

The economy has nothing to do with these types of crimes. Word gets out about easy pickings. Your tenants must stop feeding the supply chain.

Things to do:
1. Have a community meeting (regularly) to discuss all safety issues.
2. When any crime occurs, contact the tenant and discuss the fact that you have an active awareness campaign specifically about car burglaries. Apartments are a target rich environment. Once again, don't feed the supply chain.
3. If you entertain having an off duty police officer, read my article on that topic at www.lptoday.com/courtesy_officer.htm for some tips.
4. Dummy cameras are highly NOT recommended.
5. A fence and gate system is the best route but they have their own inherent problems and liability.

I'd be happy to talk with you at no cost. Seems like you are moving in the right direction. If you are having violent crimes, then I would really like to speak with you.
Thanks
Pat Murphy
LPT Security Consulting
[email protected]

There are some things I would like to add, being the fresh set of eyes:

1) Offer to support a neighborhood watch, and ask for resident and law enforcement assistance.
2) Explain to residents that safety and security issues do not fall under the responsibility of management, (even IF you offer gated access) unfortunately criminal activities are crimes of opportunity. Advise residents to take measures on their own to reduce their exposure: tell them NOT to leave that laptop/IPOD/GPS in plain sight! Tell them to LOCK their cars at night!
3) Form a relationship with local law enforcement and ask for additional random patrols between dusk and dawn; contribute to their fallen officer's fund if you have to. If you have a clubhouse, and it is not in use; allow them the ability to use it as needed.
4) If the law enforcement agency has an 'Explorer's' unit attached; allow them to use your clubhouse for meetings and training. Encourage the young people in your community to take part. One of my friends growing up was involved, and is now with the FBI! If they do not have such a thing; offer to support one.

Once the bad guys see that your residents are taking back their community, and you have made friends with law enforcement; they will seek easier targets.