Prevent Crime in Your Community

by John Raabe

Over the past month, the Association has been receiving more and more notifications from residents who have experienced theft from cars, bike rooms and storage cages in the parkades. It has become abundantly clear that an individual (or individuals) with regular access to the Toscana property is committing these crimes.

In an effort to help prevent future instances of theft and vandalism, the Association will be increasing staff presence outside regular operating hours and increasing patrol walks. To assist in these efforts, please also consider implementing the following crime-prevention steps into your daily routine.

If you see or hear anything suspicious, call the local authorities. For urgent concerns, dial 911; but if there is no active threat you should dial the Phoenix Police nonemergency line at 602-262-6151 and the Night Manager at 480-861-0875.

Notify the staff. If you notice doors left open or intentionally tampered with to common area or storage spaces such as bike rooms, hallways, or Association supply rooms. The Association has found duct tape placed on the latches to such doors to prevent them from fully closing. Any work being done by the Association will be properly noticed via email or signage. Call the Association office at 480-585-0808 or email John Raabe at jraabe@toscanaliving.net.

Don't lend your access devices to others. In the recent cases of bike-room theft, there are no visible signs of forced-entry into the rooms. This lends to the idea that the thief is gaining access with a key, potentially provided by a family-member or friend. Please ensure you are not lending keys or key fobs to individuals who do not live at Toscana.

Lock your doors. Whether it's the door to your unit, your car, your storage cage, or even the shared bike-rooms make sure your belongings are securely locked up before walking away.

Install an alarm system. This will help alert anyone around your property that something is amiss. It's a good idea to use a system that can notify you of a potential break-in no matter where you are (and that you can shut off remotely, in case of a false-alarm).

Pick up packages as soon as possible. If you are having deliveries made to your unit, try to make sure someone is home to accept them. Delivery drivers will leave packages in your hallway, unless otherwise directed.

Don't allow people to follow you in. As often as possible, try to prevent people "tailgating" in behind you. If they don't have their own access device, they may not belong in your building, parkade, or the community.

Be discreet. Avoid advertising you are away from your home for extended periods of time...especially on social media. You never know who is looking at those posts!

Build a strong community. Get to know your neighbors. People who care for one another will be on the lookout for the well-being of those around them. One of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is by attending the various clubs and events that Toscana offers.