Security Manager’s Report – March, 2010

In early January, a BOLO (Be on the Look Out) was issued by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department in reference to an individual that was an original member of the “Dinner Set Gang”.  This group of individuals burglarized homes from Fort Lauderdale to Jupiter in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  This BOLO was information on that individual who served 22 years for crimes committed while a member of this group.  The BOLO gave precise details as to what the individual was driving and the license plate information.

On January 22^nd at approximately 1600 hours, this vehicle entered the South Gate of PGA National.  USO Rebecca Tubb was posted on the gate and noticed a vehicle fitting the description.  She immediately studied the BOLO and positively identified the driver and vehicle.  After making positive identification, USO Tubb notified her shift Supervisor and calls were made to the Palm Beach Gardens Police.

Wackenhut Area Supervisor Tom Hartog was at PGA National when the call came over the radio.  Tom notified Wackenhut’s  West Palm Beach office which also sent support.  PGA National Supervisor, Major Keith Echols, was about t go off duty, but he stayed and began patrolling the community in his own vehicle.  Shift Supervisor Lt. Dave Montague, Zone 1 officer CPO Trevor Snyder and Zone 2 officer CPO Harvey Friedman all patrolled surrounding neighborhoods.  Tom Hartog began patrolling in his own vehicle and later office staff, Mark Dolan and Ed Rodriguez from West Palm assisted by patrolling in theirs own vehicle.

Palm Beach Gardens Police arrived on scene and established a perimeter around PGA National, placing a marked unit at each entrance and exit.  After approximately 30 minutes and with the assistance of all patrol units, the suspect was found and this information was relayed to the Palm Beach Gardens Police who were on scene.  As the suspect exited the property through the south gate, Palm Beach Gardens Police stopped the vehicle as it proceeded westbound on Northlake Blvd.

A total of 7 Wackenhut vehicles assisted in patrolling PGA National to find this individual and it worked.  The teamwork and dedication that everyone displayed, from each gate officer, the dispatch officer and all patrolling units was evident in the identification of this individual.  But most importantly, it was the job of USO Rebecca Tubb that deserves all the credit in this incident.

Had it not been for her taking her job seriously, being dedicated and on her toes, the recognition of this individual most likely would have gone unnoticed.  USO Tubb did a tremendous job.  Thank you Rebecca, job well done.

As your security provider we are working hard to give you, the residents of PGA National optimum service. This goal is easily attained with your cooperation.  As residents, if you see anyone that looks suspicious in your neighborhood do not hesitate to call security at 627-1600.  It is important that you lock your vehicle whenever it is parked and under no circumstance leave anything of value in your vehicle.  Also, remember to set your house alarm whenever you leave your home.

With your cooperation, I know we will reduce the amount of crime in PGA National and send a message to all would be thieves that we are watching.

Be Vigilant.

Property Manager’s Report – March, 2010

The POA annual meeting was held at the end of January (too late for the elected board members to be noted in the February issue).  Congratulations to Mike Engelsher (also elected Vice President), Jack Hughes (elected Secretary), Ralph Infanti, Don Paulus and Phil Slifka they were re-elected and will serve another 2 year term with fellow board members Herb Andrew, Bob Brown (Treasurer), Bob Hodgson (President), Jeanne Larsen.  The POA Board and Committee Chairpersons are listed on PGA TV Channel 63 and here on the website

THANK YOU!

To all the dog walkers – I have noticed more and more people cleaning up after their pets ….I thank you personally from the bottom of my shoes.  Oops, I mean heart!  Keep up the great work and help spread the word to others.

ARE THEY BREAKING IN?

In case you haven’t heard, PGA has had a few burglaries this year.  Although it is a very unusual thing in the community, I regret to tell you that it IS happening.  There are a million rumors (as usual) about this subject so please call the POA if you have a question.   Some of you may have received an email about a group allegedly active again in the area but even if you didn’t get the message, there are a few simple things that you can do to keep your home (and neighborhood) safe:

LOCK YOU DOOR AND SET THE ALARM. If you don’t have glass break sensors or motion sensors in all areas, get them!   If your bathroom window doesn’t have alarms – get them installed!   The group I referred to doesn’t let an alarm chase them off if there– they simply come in the master bedroom via the sliding glass door by breaking the glass(most sensors are magnetic on the window frame)  or they enter via the bathroom through  the window you left open for ventilation.

WATCH YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:  A Lexington Green resident called Wackenhut because they saw a couple people carrying things out the back of a residence.  One looked like a vacuum cleaner (no, silly, the thing they were carrying… not the person!  How can a person look like a vacuum?) .  Because they were observed and a partial license plate was obtained, they were apprehended!

DAY TIME IS THE TIME TO BE ALERT:  With all the people in the community during the day, it is prime time for break-ins.  If you see something that doesn’t look right, call security or call the police.

FISHING (OR CASING?):  There are NO authorized fishing areas in any community in PGA National.  If you see someone fishing along the bank near any residence, call security.  Anyone wishing to fish within PGA must obtain a fishing license from the POA and they may only fish in specific areas (along main roads).  Someone standing near homes has a great opportunity to watch a resident’s “routine” or to know who is home.

The bottom line is to keep your eyes open and call security if you see ANYTHING suspicious.  Wackenhut’s phone number is 627-1600.  Palm Beach Gardens Police is 799-4445 but if it is a true EMERGENCY, you should call 911.

ALL THOSE CAMERAS!

To all of you who realize how important it is to put your best face forward and have taken the time to clean up your property for the Honda Classic, the POA Board thanks you!  After mid-March when the blimps are gone and the TV crews have all packed up, please continue your efforts!

When you live in a community year-round you become immune to certain things – good and bad.  You may not notice the un-mulched worn out landscape but others new to the community do!  In the alternative, you may not notice how good the majority of the homes are maintained but other do.  I often hear how nice PGA looks – especially for a community that is 30 years old!  This is due to you (thank you) and we hope that you will continue to take pride and even if financially you are not able to do a lot, just keeping the property neat is a considerable help!

CHILDRENS PARTY IN THE PARK

The Annual Children’s Party in the Park will be held next month!  Yep, it’s that time again!  Mark the date:  SATURDAY, APRIL 24 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. IN MASTERS PARK.   A post card will be mailed to all PGA residences so that you can RSVP and pick up a food pass if you want a hot dog or hamburger.  Hope to see you there!