Perimeter fence/gate and resale values?

Hi all,

Our complex is a small set of townhomes in an urban residential area. Our front doors all face a gated courtyard, but our garages and outside parking spaces have no restricted access. While relatively safe, we have had a handful of car break-ins and garage thefts (from garage doors left open) over the past few years.

Lately we've had a few residents request that we explore building a perimeter fence and vehicle access gate enclosing all of the property, so that the garages and parking spaces are not easily accessible. What's interesting to me is that the arguments for this aren't so much to increase security, but mainly to make the complex "look" safer and thus increase resale values. The proponents seem to understand that such a fence can easily be scaled - zoning rules would limit its height to 4 feet - and "walk-behinds" are unavoidable, but still says that it will pay for itself in increased home equity.

Does this argument make sense to anyone?

I would agree with the other Brad, a 4 foot fence is going to stop nothing. Crooks jump fences all the time, this would just give the appearance of security and lead to problems.

I agree that cameras might be a wiser investment.

Melissa:

Actually if you talk to any law enforcement officer cameras are a viable and effective tool in crime PREVENTION. Put up cameras and post signs that the area is under surveilance. Sure, it won't stop everyone, but it is a deterrent. It is an undisputed fact, that is why cameras (or black bubble pretending to have cameras) are in a lot of stores, parking lots, arenas, etc.. They want people to know they are being watched to make them think twice.

ChrisW4,

I have to agree with the responses you’ve received thus far. I too would think that the 4’ fence in question certainly wouldn’t be much of deterrence for any burglar.

I like the less expensive approach to all of that as suggested by JM2. Not only will it deter potential burglaries, car lefts, break-ins, etc., it’s safer for every resident within the community. IMO

I’m not sure who wouldn’t want a motion censored light fixture, their very inexpensive (providing there already is a light fixture) and extremely useful.

We (in our community) have “neighborhood watch signs” they are posted in the entrances of our community, although I’m sure by now it’s no longer an “active Neighbor watch”, never the less it’s a warning to all that you are being watched by all residing in this community, certainly a deterrent to those individuals that feel they will get away with their crime.

Let me clarify (active), in other words we don’t have meetings, we don’t have a neighborhood watch captain, although it certainly would be advisable, everyone is watching out for each other.

I would think that your governing documents mentions something pertaining to the garage doors being left open, (if not you may want to add proper wording to address that particular situation in your Rules & Regulations)

I believe our governing document states something very similar to, all garage doors must remain closed except when ingress and egress.

I would definitely pursue these options before presenting the expense of the fence to residents. I would be more than positive the cost would be substantially less to the individual homeowner and thus reducing the crime rate within your community.

Best of luck and keep us posted
Chuck W.