At the beginning of this vacation season and as a helpful reminder, we want to share some ways we can all help each other protect ourselves and our property.

Heathlake Security Incidents – Year-to-Date 2023 (as of May 31, 2023)
We have experienced two incidents of mailbox theft, one report of someone rattling a door, and a recent report of a home burglary while a resident was away.  Last year, we heard of a few car break-ins (many of which had unlocked doors, but still not ok).

While these incidents are quite minor, relatively speaking for a large metropolitan area, we would like to strive for zero and definitely understand that when it happens to you, it’s a very big deal.

The components of a security program in order of the line of defense are:
1.  Deterrent (visible presence of resident activity or a security program, no matter the type)
2.  Prevention and Access Management (secured valuables as well as locked and secured points of entry with control over who has access)
3.  Detection Mechanisms (motion lighting, phone notification of movement, alarm system)
4.  Incident Response (the actions to take if an incident is occurring or has occurred)

Efforts spent in the earlier lines of defense are directly related to a reduction in incidents and the need for incident response efforts.  It is far less expensive to invest in deterrent and prevention measures than it is to experience a burglary.  Still, incidents still do happen, and so all components must be addressed.

What Heathlake does as a Community

1.  Deterrents:    Heathlake deploys visible traffic cameras at entrances (flock cameras) and has hired State Patrol for an active monitoring and visible presence in the neighborhood, which can be seen at all hours minimally 20 hours per week.  State Patrol also spends extra time at homes where residents are vacationing if they are notified (vacation watch – vacation.watch@statepatrolservices.com).  The HOA is also planning to place more visible signage regarding security at entrances. 

2.  Prevention and Access Management:   Heathlake uses electronic access controls for entry points into grounds and the clubhouse.  No valuable items are kept in view in any common areas.  The clubhouse manager is notified anytime a person enters the clubhouse.   Additionally, State Patrol has a list of “concerning vehicles” and will question any car or suspicious person on that list if they encounter them during patrol.

3.  Detection Mechanisms:   Due to not having any valuable items in the clubhouse and the expansive nature of the common grounds, Heathlake does not have an active alarm system other than notifications from the controlled entrances.

4.  Incident Response:  Again, State Patrol does look for suspicious vehicles and persons.  However, in the event of an incident, residents must call 911 (for emergencies) or HPD and the Constable.  Once those calls are placed, a call can also be placed to State Patrol.  If they are close to the neighborhood, they will respond very quickly.  

State Patrol is Heathlake’s security deterrent, prevention, and in some cases detection.  But once an incident occurs, the matter must be brought to the police first and then to State Patrol.

What Residents Can Do as Individuals

1.  Deterrents:    Install a doorbell camera, motion lights, and security signage

2.  Prevention and Access Management:   Consider smart locks so that you know when and who accesses your property; install simple lamp/light timers so it seems as if someone is home (when away); turn on a radio speaker so that sounds inside the home are heard (when away)

3.  Detection Mechanisms:   Consider a security system (monitored or not) that will make noise upon entry; use smart devices for cameras/motion so that you receive phone notifications of activity

4.  Incident Response:  Follow the steps below.  When you hear of an incident, check your cameras to see if you recorded anything that may be helpful to a neighbor

What to do when there is an incident

1. Emergency? Call 911
2. HPD 713-884-3131
3. Constable 281-463-6666
4. State Patrol 346-441-1989
5. Then, reach out to your neighbors and anyone on the HOA board (Board of Directors – Heathlake)  or security@heathlake.org (which goes to Don Brennan, HOA board liaise for security matters)

The Security Team, State Patrol, and your neighbors can collect camera data to better piece the incident together. It’s a group effort!