Stolen Access

Two recent car break-ins at a downtown condo garage have residents concerned for their vehicles and personal property. Despite having a gated residential parking area that requires a remote fob for entry, thieves have still managed to gain access.

On Monday, February 1, a homeowner reported that his car was broken into but didn’t believe anything was stolen because nothing of significant value had been left inside. Another resident said that his convertible top was cut open and small items, including a garage remote, were taken from his vehicle.

Residents say that the recent break-ins are familiar to a series of burglaries that occurred in middle of 2008, when there were reports of over a dozen robberies. Stolen items included laptops, cell phones, and iPods.

During that time, the robberies stirred talks of increasing building security. Homeowners stated that their high HOA fees should cover the installation of security cameras at entry points into the building. When the issue was brought up for discussion at a board meeting, no action could be taken because they only had one police report on record.

“We must establish an accurate history of the incidents,” said a homeowner and former board member. “We need to get it on record so the board can assess the need for such an expenditure.”

This time around, recent victims have already contacted police and will be filing reports. According to police, victims of break-ins have up to a year to file a report.