HELP DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY By Justin Mocha, BP Director of Security for Allied Universal

Criminal activity within Boca Pointe is lower than surrounding areas.  This is due to many factors including: manned gated entrances, roving security patrols on-site, strong PBSO presence in the vicinity, adequate lighting in villages and common areas, consistent and effective screening policies for new homeowners and tenants, etc.  All of these factors deter criminal activity.  However, it’s important to recognize that these factors do not exist in a vacuum.  Proper management of criminal opportunity is vital to ensure our deterrents function optimally.

Opportunity in this context can be illustrated by the following example: an individual walking on the sidewalk at night encounters an unlocked vehicle on the street with a laptop bag visible on the front passenger seat.   The laptop bag on the seat creates temptation.  The unlocked vehicle creates opportunity.  Our deterrents listed above may no longer be strong enough to prevent this crime from occurring.

Good security is a collaborative effort.  Here are some ways residents can be active in managing criminal opportunity, and make our community safer:

-          Ensure you have a functioning alarm system, and arm the system any time you leave your home unattended. 

-          Keep car doors locked with valuables out of plain sight.

-          Have a local contact with keys to your home available if you will be away for an extended period of time.

-          Check the lighting around your home.  Replace bulbs as needed.

-          Ensure any vendors performing work on or within your home are properly licensed and ask for references.

Also, be sure to contact Access Control if you observe any suspicious activity.  Patrol can be dispatched to any location within Boca Pointe in minutes.  If a crime has been committed, report it to both security and PBSO.  We collaborate with the Sherriff’s Office extensively, and can assist them with investigations when necessary.