Unforced Entry

Notice 2016 No 6

During the night of 15/16 February 2016 and again on 2/3 March 2016 two incidents of theft occurred respectively from a residence in Greenwood Way and one in Summer- wood Way. On each occasion access was by means of unforced entry through an open window and a door. Items stolen varied between lap-top computers, related equipment and a handbag and wallet.

Each of the incidents were reported to and within a short space of time investigated by senior management of the Association’s service provider, Servest, together with their local staff. The SAPS were also involved. The Trustees were also informed of the events and they were dealt with in detail at meetings on 17 February and 7 March 2016.

The circumstances surrounding the incidents made it impossible to determine whether they were internally orchestrated or whether the perpetrator gained access by a means other than via the entrance gates or those perimeter walls protected by electric security fences. No alarm signal was triggered by the security fences. Due to the fact that the Committee was dealing with an absence of detail surrounding the event, the Trustees were hesitant to generally publicize the occurrence of the theft. However, due to the apparent apathy of many residents in response to appeals by the Committee to be vigilant in terms of safety and security of person and property, the Trustees at their second meeting resolved to issue this notice regarding the occurrence of the two incidents.

The Committee’s resolution furthermore emphasised the need for a high level of vigilance by our security personnel when conducting their regular nightly patrols as well as in respect of monitoring the access and exit of contractors and their staff. The necessity was also identified for the introduction of relevant strategic safeguards in the village should there be any further report of such incidents.

There is the need to once again remind residents that whilst security is one of the major priorities for the Management Committee, Summerwood remains to be an access-controlled village and not one where absolute security is the norm. Residents remain individually responsible for the security of their property and collectively responsible for the security of the village as a whole. Should residents wish to engage with their private service providers in this regard and arrange for rapid-deployment staff to be available when required, the Summerwood security personnel have been instructed to not delay their access to the village but to employ the necessary entrance protocols after the event.

Also important is to bear in mind that all security systems, including the perimeter wall and electric security fence, serve as a deterrent and fulfil a detection function and are not guaranteed to prevent a determined attempt at intrusion into the village. In respect of perimeter walls, the Committee is currently hard at work in arranging for the securing of the Summerwood/Country Places common boundary which is to be completed by the end of March 2016.