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Owner Seen Stealing HOA Property on VIdeo.

Started by NicoleO1 • 11 replies • 2068 views

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NicoleO1 (California)
Posts: 181
Posted:
Our front of our builidng is covered with video cameras. There was a small item that was stolen by an owner. He has been identified on video. I am not sure how to proceed on this. It's a small inexpensive item, but the idea is if he so easily took that, what else can be taken?? Mail? Packages? etc.

I have the idea of posting a flyer in the common area indicating we know who took it, mention the cctv and offer for them to retunr it not questions asked or the pictures and video will be shared with the local authorities along with his identity.

Ideas or input on this?
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
If this guy was brazen enough to take something despite the cameras being there, I doubt a flyer stating "turn this over or else" will impress him. In fact, it may prompt him or someone else to try destroying them so more mayhem will result.

I suggest you simply turn the video over to the police and let them handle it. A flyer is also a good idea, but I would say our cameras have picked up what appears to be inappropriate behavior and the video is being turned over to law enforcement. In the meantime, people need to be vigilant about their belongings, strange people hanging around - and notify police immediately if they see a crime in progress.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
NicoleO1 (California)
Posts: 181
Posted:
They flyers are under a glass incased notice board from the HOA.. they are relatively safe.
NicoleO1 (California)
Posts: 181
Posted:
They flyers are under a glass incased notice board from the HOA.. they are relatively safe.
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
The HOA is NOT in the law enforcement arena. Turn the tape over to the police and request the item be given back in exchange of no charges filed. The police can NOT drop charges once they file them. ONLY the COURTdrops the charges.

If he steals mail or packages you do not call the local police. You call the postal department. They have a whole department for that sort of thing. Postal inspectors do not play....
Former HOA President
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Is your question, Nicole, how to prevent future thefts of HOA property??

Or to how to punish this thief? Where, exactly, was this item that was stolen?

Would you care to share with us what was stolen?
LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099
Posted:
Nicole,

As the others have said, let the police handle this. Report the theft, even though minor, and turn the tape over to the police. I would not recommend putting up any notices or fliers as that could lead to the destruction of the physical evidence, which is the item he took.
NigelB (Texas)
Posts: 254
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By NicoleO1 on 11/22/2014 9:21 PM
Our front of our builidng is covered with video cameras. There was a small item that was stolen by an owner. He has been identified on video. I am not sure how to proceed on this. It's a small inexpensive item, but the idea is if he so easily took that, what else can be taken?? Mail? Packages? etc.

I have the idea of posting a flyer in the common area indicating we know who took it, mention the cctv and offer for them to retunr it not questions asked or the pictures and video will be shared with the local authorities along with his identity.

Ideas or input on this?

1. Who was the owner of the "small item"?
If it was the HOA - then the HOA should file a report with your local law enforcement agency and provide them a copy of the evidence showing the theft.
2. While some might think that it is the Police who decide whether or not an individual should be charged with a crime - it is actually the local district attorney. Depending on the value of the stolen property, they might decide that it is not worth the time, effort and expenditure of taxpayer money to prosecute.
The simplest thing to do is to have the HOA or management company contact the property owner via certified mail advising him or her that there is video evidence they removed an item and request they immediately return it. Just include a screen capture showing the theft.
JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170
Posted:
Who knows maybe it was a sign and the person was just enforcing the HOA signage bylaws. Public shaming might actually turn into a Civil Suit against the recorder or the HOA. But hey see what happens call the police, might just get told it's a civil matter.

I've seen wanted posters for pets before but never heard of this type of action, makes no legal sense to post a picture and not confront the person, since the identity is well known. Plus seen good Samaritans removing things and fixing them up and returning them in better shape.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Cameras are there to deter and, if needed, aid the police in the capturing of perpetrators.

Either utilize the camera footage for what it is there for or not.

If the item stolen belongs to the Association, the Board should make the decision
If the item stolen belongs to a member or resident, the Board should inform the member that footage is available and, if they request, it will be turned over to the police. The Board should not show the footage to the member (as this can cause other issues).

It's either a police matter or it's not considered an issue at all.
BobD4 (up north)
Posts: 1,002
Posted:
Some lawyer would love to have a client falsely accused, or whose accused theft "looks familiar face" but could be several individuals. Do your cameras have some degree of prior warning to owners/privacy issues(and conversely foolish reliance)? Most exterior cameras everywhere at a gated, downtown luxury condo complex captured no images - a shocker after the 2007, still unsolved butchering death of a retired Federal tax court judge, his wife & an innocent visitor to their condo suite.
NicoleO1 (California)
Posts: 181
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By BobD4 on 11/23/2014 9:57 PM
Some lawyer would love to have a client falsely accused, or whose accused theft "looks familiar face" but could be several individuals. Do your cameras have some degree of prior warning to owners/privacy issues(and conversely foolish reliance)? Most exterior cameras everywhere at a gated, downtown luxury condo complex captured no images - a shocker after the 2007, still unsolved butchering death of a retired Federal tax court judge, his wife & an innocent visitor to their condo suite.

OH yes.. there are warning signs and yes he was identified. Still has to return the item. He was id's by one of th owerrs who he heleped with things before stealing the item. Unfortunately this man has a short fuse and has had some loud altercations domestically from his unit. We are going through our PM and then the PD at this point.

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