Increasing Safety in Gated Communities Gated communities provide their residents with increased security and greater peace of mind, but some residents fearful of home invasions and property crime may want enhanced security. Although gated communities provide a high level of security, measures to prevent crime can always be improved. Faster communication with public safety officials via emergency call systems, enhanced electronic deterrents to crime, and neighborhood watch patrols are all excellent strategies to improve security in any community, including gated communities.
Gated Communities Becoming More Popular Gated communities are neighborhoods, housing complexes, or other communities secured by a closed perimeter of walls or fences. Some of these communities also include amenities and some shopping facilities. Access to these communities is strictly controlled, as gates are the only sanctioned entry and exit points. In addition to gates and walls, some gated communities also have security personnel patrolling the area. Gated communities have a long history in the U.S. and around the world. Many cities throughout medieval Europe had gated sections of their cities to protect wealthy residents from riots and unrest. St. Louis has a strong tradition of gated communities, as many walled off streets and neighborhoods were created for the city’s wealthy families in the late 19th century. According to the New York Times, about 10 percent of homes in the U.S. – about 10 million housing units including houses, apartments and condos – are in gated communities. Between 2001 and 2009, the number of homes in gated communities grew by about 53 percent. Most estimates predict further growth in gated communities based on various social pressures. Gated communities are not just the preserve of the rich and privileged. Moderate income housing units are also embracing steel and concrete gates and walls, and enhanced security, to provide their residents with a feeling of safety. These communities are most popular in the South and the West, and are less widespread in the Midwest and Northeastern part of the country. Gated communities are successful in deterring crime. By strictly controlling entrance and exit points to the area, gated communities help reduce criminals’ opportunity to commit burglary, vandalism, and other crimes.
As budgetary pressures cause local and state governments to rethink their incarceration policies, residents fearful of crimes committed by criminals released early from prison will likely increasingly choose to live in gated communities, spurring demand for these homes. It will also likely spur demand for enhanced security options. Stepping Up Security Although gated communities offer an enhanced level of security to residents, some may seek further measures to ensure the safety of themselves and their property. Neighborhood watch – For gated communities that don’t have security personnel, or that only have security in the gatehouse, a neighborhood watch of volunteers can enhance security. Volunteers that regularly patrol the community can help spot suspicious individuals or potential crimes. Neighborhood watch members must have proper training, however. Watch members should be trained to avoid direct confrontation with criminals or suspicious persons, and instead report these situations to law enforcement or security. Watch members can provide valuable eyes and ears, but they are not law enforcement officers and should not act as if they are. Video surveillance – Setting up video surveillance cameras throughout the community can provide a number of security benefits. Visible cameras serve as a deterrent to criminals, as they do not wish to have their activities documented on film. Cameras can also provide critical evidence for law enforcement officers in the event of a break-in, vandalism, or other crime in the community. Lighting – Unlighted sections of fencing or wall are inviting opportunities for criminals to gain access to the gated community. Having proper lighting throughout the community can help reduce criminals’ potential points of access to the community. Building a true community – One of the best deterrents to crime is a strong community where neighbors know one another and look out for one another. An alert neighbor will notice when an unauthorized person is lurking around a home in the community and will take action to inform authorities. Gated communities can build stronger bonds among neighbors by hosting regular community events. Giving residents a chance to mingle and get to know one another can help create the sense of shared responsibility and community needed to make an area safe. Curbing tailgating – Tailgating is when an authorized vehicle owner swipes his or her keycard, or punches in the gate code and enters the gate, and another vehicle follows quickly behind before the gate can close again. Tailgating can be convenient for visitors following residents into the community, but can also result in unauthorized malicious actors gaining access to the community. Public awareness campaigns to discourage tailgating in the community can help reduce this practice and the security risk it entails. Get a dog – Our canine friends make excellent deterrents to criminal activity. Even a small dog can provide a valuable warning of suspicious activity or help to convince criminals that perhaps another house or neighborhood presents a more appealing target. Updates – Regular updates to members of gated communities concerning community rules and security procedures can help ensure that these safeguards are upheld. A
quarterly newsletter or annual event can help gated community management reinforce the need for security in gated communities. Emergency Call Services Emergency call systems are also helpful in protecting their users from hazards other than those posed by criminals. Nurse call systems can provide users with significant health issues with fast access to a medical professional or caregiver. Seconds can often be vital when dealing with a heart attack, stroke, or other significant health event, so fast communication can save lives. Systems Technologies produces wireless emergency call systems for nurse care, home health care, and other applications. Systems Technologies products provide their users with quick access to critical services and are thoroughly tested for durability and reliability. With this enhanced communications capability, Systems Technologies clients can enjoy greater security and greater peace of mind that their loved ones are safe from a variety of risks and hazards.