Neighborhood Notes

On Saturday evening, one of the Pearl buildings had a security intrusion. A team comprised of a man and woman (both professionally dressed) accessed a secure front entry (details not being released) and inspected the mail and lobby area. Then they descended into the garage, opened the garage doors from the inside and proceeded to drive their car -- the license plates covered by sweatshirts -- into the garage where they stayed for roughly ten minutes. Although nothing has been reported stolen YET, the building may be a target for a larger criminal endeavor.

This pair obviously knows how to compromise security features in a condominium building. Please alert your security committees, property management companies and board members so they can be aware of this issue.

More than two weeks ago, another Pearl building was accessed by a stolen access card key. The intruders also checked out the mail area, descended to the garage and stole a navigational system from a resident's vehicle.

About a month ago, a vehicle drafted into a building garage behind a resident. The intruder followed the resident into the elevator vestibule. Suspicious, she asked him who he was and what he was doing there. He didn't answer and followed her into the elevator. She told him that was going to call security and exited the elevator on her floor. Meanwhile, the intruder got off on another floor and entered a unit. Fortunately, the resident was there and the intruder exited the unit and then the building.

We've enjoyed a relatively low crime rate lately -- property crimes are the most prevalent in the Pearl -- but as we approach the summer season, these crimes increase. Please remember that your building's security relies on participation from every resident.

General safety tips

* Lock your unit door, even when you are inside.

* When exiting or entering through a courtyard or street door, make sure the door latches behind you. Do not let others follow in behind you unless you know them. If you don't know them, say "Hi" and introduce yourself. Getting to know your neighbors is one of the best security measures.

* Pick up your mail, newspapers and packages every day. If you are going out of town, have a friend pick up your mail, packages and newspapers. Don't make it obvious that you are not home.

* If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately and then call your property management company.

Garage safety tips

* Stop as you enter or exit the garage. Do not let vehicles, bikes or people draft in behind you.

* Be a good neighbor: do not tailgate behind someone else going into the garage, especially if they are stopped and waiting for the garage door to close.

* After you park, take all of your personal items with you. Keeping your car showroom clean in back and front will prevent break-ins. Set the alarm if you have one.

* If you store your bike in the garage, make sure that it has a good lock.

* If you have lost your fob, garage door opener or access card, report the loss to your property management company immediately. They can deactivate the stolen device.