FYI - crime in area

I was hoping it was the meter guy, but I looked in the other neighbors yards- you can see them all at once... and there wasn't anybody there. I also contacted the Gas company and they said nobody was scheduled to be out there. Glad to hear other people have had some luck with their pad locks and am hoping that will do the trick. These fences are fairly high anyhow- maybe 6ft.. So it would be a little effort for someone to get over. Let's hope that whatever happened on Thanksgiving in "Carrisbrook" is a very isolated event. I'm surprised there hasn't been more news on that one...

 

FWIW ... if the meter reader (gas or electric) cannot read your meter, the company will do an 'average' bill based on last years data for that location.

SO .. if you used your gas fireplace alot last year, and you aren't this year, you may see a high bill based on last years usage.

If you're worried about someone getting in through your back gate, a padlock is not going to keep a determined burgler away. Insure you have a good sliding door barrier or lock installed. A wood dowel is a step in the right direction, but one of the aluminum bars that can be installed in the middle of the door is best.

For windows, install a secondary lock that is attached to the window, and has a pin that is locked into a hole drilled in the sash.

And as has been mentioned, a good alarm system is worth the extra money it costs.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

At our next BOD meeting we will discuss these events with the Sherriffs representative. Also, the neighborhood watch is getting started and it would be great if we could get one person from each street to act as street captain. This person could attend the meetings and let their neighbors know what is happening and where we are with everything. We need active involvement throughout the community to keep these events from happening.

 

Does anybody have an alarm system company they recommend? We are of course, concerned about the cost, and we are also renting. Any suggestions on who to contact or questions to ask?... Neilz, Thanks for the pointers on the other stuff. I hate that we even have this thread, but am glad it is up. It is important for the community to stay connected on these issues.
Thanks...

 

Renting makes adding an alarm system harder, as you have to use a wireless system, which then drives up the cost. You do have some options however.

You may want to only protect areas that are 'ground floor', that is, walk out basements, basement windows and deck sliding doors. In that case, a motion detector system could cover these areas. Of course, there is the issue that if you have pets, they tend to trip the alarm.

This happened to us one time. We have all our basement windows alarmed, we built the house with the system hardwired. We also added a motion detector in the basement in case some smart burgler knew how to get around the window sensors.

Trouble is, one night one of our cats got in the basement (we don't normally let them down there) and we didn't realize it. Sure enough, about 2 AM we awoke (along with most of the neighbors) to the alarm going off.

The phrase standing up in bed came to mind after that one. []

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

There are wireless alarm systems that can be installed and are portable. The base unit (control panel) sits on a table. It's the same CP that can be installed and attached to the wall, it just comes with an adaptor to make it a table model.

The wireless sensors can be installed with two sided foam tape (available at Home Depot, the tape is about a 1/8 inch thick) These sensors can monitor all doors easily. When you move, just take them down and take the entire system with you. These wireless door sensors can cost up to $50 so you definately want to be able to take them with you.

There are two types of motion detectors. One is very sensitive, probably the type neilz dealt with. There is also motion detectors that are pet friendly. Basically, they do not "monitor" all the way to the floor. This allows a pet to walk around un-detected.

Check out the Homeowner's Corner http://hoa.broadlands.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1291 for a thread on security systems with other opinions and discussion.

 

This is very helpful info. We have an appt. with ADT this week and will discuss these options with him. We are starting to realize that it is a "good" investment and if wireless, one that we can take with us. Thanks for posting the info...

 

Anybody ever know a cat to stay on the floor?

 

not to knock alarm systems, they have their value, but in this particular instance, the guy cut the phone lines (making most of those monitored alarm systems useless). It's sounds like he wanted to do more than steal a couple of tv's.

 

I think what would be interesting to note is: does the house that was broken into have a security system, or the signs indicating that they did?

A security system is not totally useless if the phone line is cut. Because the alarm would likely still make noise since most have battery back-up (unless obviously deactivated). Most burglars won't stick around a place where there is a lot of noise (i.e. alarm going off). This was also true with this case, except is was the child screaming that made the intruder leave, not an alarm going off.

 

You can buy alarms with a cellular backup.

 

There are ways to physically secure the outside phone line, minimizing the potential for cutting of the line.

If you are real paranoid, you can have a cell phone hooked up to the alarm system, therefore, eliminating the outside of the house wire issue.

This issue is easier to address than the free range cat issue. If a cat was worth anything, it could earn it's keep by attacking the intruder, but I am sure the cat thinks that would be to much work.

 

Apparently the intruder entered through the garage. I thought that he went in through the sliding door, but a neighbor of theirs told me that the family had left their car door unlocked by mistake and the intruder was able to open the garage door. He only raised it slightly and slid underneath.
This info has made me super vigilant about locking my car doors. WE installed double deadlocks on our garage and front doors when we moved in as well.

 

well even if they cut the phone line it does not really matter. The police here took 1 hour 45 minutes to get to our house when our alarm went off. I so hope that's not the norm. Not ADT's fault. They dispatched to the police 2 minutes after the alarm went off and they could not get in touch with us. When ADT finally contacted us we went home expecting the police to be there cause I'm 20 minutes away. Nope didn't see them. The funny part was that I saw 3 cop cars patroling the broadlands area on my way home that day. 1 hour 45 minutes. That's just unacceptable. And they charged me for them coming out. BS

 

how much did they charge?

 

Actually I don't think it is about area, but about mass. We have motion detectors in multiple areas of the house, and the cat runs freely all night. She has never set it off. I know it's working though, because that alarm has no problem going off when I march downstairs.

Marianne

 

Marianne,

I think you are right. I seem to recall a reference to the "poundage" of the pet. Not sure how that works technically, but seems plausable.

 

Key point that everybody needs to remember is reducing your odds ..
Does alarm prevent crimes? No
Does double deadlocks prevent break ins? No
Does flood light with motion sensor prevent crimes? No

However, they do reduce your odds of being a victim of a crime. Thus, it is worth your trouble of installing in my opinion. It is all about reducing your odds.....

 

I am so surprised that it took so long for the police to arrive...and that they charged you???!!!

As much as I hate to admit it, in the past 6 weeks I managed to inadvertantly set off our alarm 3 times and not be able to recall the passcode. [V] Each time, the police arrived within ten minutes. OpenBand called in less than a minute after the alarm had been set off. And no, I was not charged by the police although shall we say I was quite embarrassed! [:I]

I wonder if the difference is between OpenBand and ADT?

 

From recent Board of Supervisors documents:

Date of Meeting: December 14, 2004

#9

LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM

SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT/ NEW CHAPTER 655/FALSE ALARMS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF LOUDOUN COUNTY/ AUTHORIZATION FOR PUBLIC HEARING

ELECTION DISTRICT: County-wide

CRITICAL ACTION DATE: None

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Sheriff’s Office: The Sheriff’s Office recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the draft newly-proposed Chapter 655 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County on its December 14, 2004 public hearing agenda and consider its adoption at its January 4, 2005 meeting.

Committee: At its September 27th meeting, the Public Safety Committee voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend that the Board of Supervisors adopt a new Chapter 655 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County; and place it on the Board of Supervisors December 14, 2004 public hearing agenda with adoption on January 4, 2005.

Board: At its October 19, 2004 meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously (9-0) to forward the draft False Alarm Ordinance to public hearing on December 14, 2004 for comment.

BACKGROUND:

False alarms create a financial burden for taxpayers, a safety concern for deputies and a significant drain on critical law enforcement resources. In a 2002 study, conducted jointly by the Sheriff's Office and the Department of Information Technology, it was determined that the Sheriff’s Office has responded to over 66,000 alarms since 1996. Of this number, 99% of the alarms were determined to be false. Based on 2002 statistics alone, the number of alarms required 5,795.15 hours of deputy and dispatcher time and is increasing at an average rate of 8.8% per year. In 2002, this equated to a cost of $138,933, exclusive of vehicles, equipment or other expenses. Clearly, this is not an efficient and effective use of law enforcement personnel.

The Sheriff’s Office has researched methods to reduce the number of false alarms, and determined the best solution for the County of Loudoun is the enactment of an ordinance that authorizes a system of fees and fines to both gain compliance and offset the costs incurred by the agency.

This is the method currently in use in more than 95% of jurisdictions throughout the United States and in all Washington DC metropolitan area localities that have alarm ordinances. A model ordinance has been developed in conjunction with the alarm industry, and based on the experience of other localities, a significant reduction can be expected after the first year. Although this approach does not eliminate law enforcement response, it does result in both a reduction in the number of alarms and recovery of costs, and is supported by the alarm industry. It will, however, require a two-person unit to administer the ordinance. The Treasurer's Office will handle collection with no increase in staffing needed at this time.

In July of 2004, the Sheriff’s office brought this information before the Public Safety Board and explained the critical amount of resources and cost that it takes to respond to alarms. The Sheriff’s office was directed by the committee to come back before them with a draft ordinance.

The Sheriff’s Office has been working in conjunction with the Office of the County Attorney and the Treasurer and has developed a proposed ordinance that best meets the needs of our agency and the community. This includes working with the Treasurer and his staff on how the collection process will work, and what staff and software will be needed to accomplish this task.

The proposed ordinance will require alarm users (residential and commercial) and alarm companies to register with the Sheriff’s Office if they wish our response to alarm activations. The Sheriff’s Office will then track all calls that require a response to an alarm, and those found to be false activation’s in violation of the ordinance will be fined for third and subsequent responses in any given calendar year. This ordinance will also require alarm companies to provide the proper training to alarm users to prevent false activations. The ordinance also requires alarm companies to use methods and equipment that is proven to reduce false alarms. There will be a appeal process in the ordinance for those who believe they were wrongfully fined.

The two person False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) will:

· Track violators through our CAD system, and send out bills for violations.

· Work with alarm companies and alarm users to educate and train them on ways to reduce false alarms.

· Research and implement new ideas on how reduce false activations.

· Work with the County Administration to keep the alarm ordinance up to date, and also work with other Law Enforcement Agencies in Loudoun to reduce false alarms.

· Supply the Sheriff’s Office and county government with reports and statistics in relation to the false alarm problem in Loudoun County.

· Work with the Treasurers Office to see that fees and fines are being collected.

· Process and track any appeals that might be filed by an alarm user or company.

This type of approach to the False Alarm problem has proven effective in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and is supported by the alarm industry (see Attachment 4). This ordinance will cover both residential and business alarms.

The implementation of this type of ordinance should not cause any deficit in public safety, and by reducing the amount of false alarms it should improve response to valid alarms.

Registration and associated fees will be necessary to verify alarm users and companies are complying with certifications, proper equipment and installation of systems that are outlined in the ordinance. If adopted, two civilian positions (2.0 FTE’s, 1-Alarm Administrator S-2, and 1- Assistant Alarm Administrator T-2) in the Sheriff’s Office will be required to handle registration, billing and other administrative activities. Also software to be used by Sheriff’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office will be needed to bill, track and collect fees and fines. The registration fees and false alarm fines will offset the cost of administering the ordinance, as well as recover some of the cost of deputies and dispatch time responding to calls.

Out of the three incorporated towns in the County of Loudoun, that have police departments, Leesburg and Purcellville are currently studying the feasibility of passing a similar ordinance based on fees and fines, and Middleburg has one in place.

ISSUES:

The Public Safety Committee reviewed information supplied by the Sheriff’s Office on the alarm users with the highest incidence of false alarms. After viewing this information, they requested that the Sheriff’s Office add both school and public facilities’ alarm systems as part of the proposed ordinance. This means both schools and public facilities within the County are now included.

In order to start enforcement of the ordinance by July 1, 2005 it will be necessary to employ the first position (1.0 FTE Alarm Administrator S-2) starting January 4, 2005, along with the computer, equipment and software to begin the administrative duties associated with the ordinance. Local tax funding of $94,156 will be required for start up cost, but will be recovered later when registration fees are paid.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Revenue: Based upon the 4,030 unique addresses that the Sheriff’s Office responded to in 2002, and the proposed $30 registration fee for residential alarm users, it is estimated that $120,900 in registration revenue from residential alarms will accrue to the County in FY 2005 alone. It is unknown at this time the amount of registration revenue that will be collected from commercial alarm users ($45 registration fee) for FY 2005 or the amount of fine revenue that will accrue to the County.

Expenditures: Approximately $115,156 in local tax funds will be required in FY 2005 to hire the Alarm Administrator S-2 (1.0 FTE) and purchase the necessary software and equipment. Approximately, $67,236 will be required for FY 2006 to add the second position for the False Alarm Reduction Unit and respective operational costs – Asst. Alarm Administrator (1.0 FTE). A FY 2006 Budget Enhancement will be submitted to the County Administrator for the second position and will include any projected revenue offsets. A total of $122,278 will be needed to fully fund both positions in FY06, which consist of salary, benefits and equipment.

Net Fiscal Impact: Based upon the estimated expenditures and revenue, it is likely that the false alarm ordinance will have a positive fiscal impact to the County’s General Fund (revenue will exceed expenditures).

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Adjust or eliminate some of the fees, fines, inspections or requirements.

2. Eliminate or amend the residential or commercial section.

3. Do not develop or implement an alarm ordinance, and continue to spend county resources on response to false alarms.