Fences and Walls Must Be Fixed

Tell-tale sign the property has issues.

The first low-hanging fruit I look for in a security assessment of a property is the condition of the perimeter fence or wall. A photo of a damaged wall or fence speaks volumes as to the condition of the rest of the property. If management allows customers, residents, or visitors to view this lack of care, there will be other issues, such as lighting, broken CCTV cameras, or overgrown foliage, to name a few.

Keep maintenance records of repairs, and contact law enforcement to file damage reports. Also, request additional patrols and ensure a record is maintained as to the request. When law enforcement conducts an area check, the visit is often noted in the computer-aided dispatch system for future retrieval.

The second area that deserves attention is the fencing around pool areas, including gate locks and signage. Pool areas should be locked during nighttime hours, and signs should be posted with the pool hours and a no trespassing notice. Anyone in the pool area who is not a guest or resident should be reported to law enforcement immediately for trespassing. There will be an official record of the trespassing and the law enforcement calls for service, which are public records available to anyone. Remember, documentation, or the lack thereof, will help make the case.

I hope this helps. Be safe