Possible illegal activity in a home

Can the HOA do anything to support a few
neighbors that feel criminal activity
is going on at a house on their street?
They have notified police, also the BOD.
The home was purchased in 2005, has a
lock box on the door (no for sale sign)
and wierd people in and out all evening
and nite long.

Robert,
I am sorry you got the impression that we were questioning or
even doubting the activity. Actually the Bod takes issues like
this very seriously which prompted me to share it because this is the
first experience for this BOD. The neighbors have done just what you
suggested in your last sentence, and I wanted no rock left unturned.
I appreciate your feedback.
Jackie

Sounds like the right thing to do to
me. I will share with the other BOD's
and I am sure we will send a letter.
Thanks so much

To all,
IMHO. There is a huge differences between an owner reporting suspecious activity around their place of dwelling, than that of a HOA business inquiring about activities inside a house, based on the reports of someone else. Whether there is a lock box on the door or not is not reason enough for big brother to butt in and reports by individuals should be handled by the police. There would seem to be less libel actions to take by big brother. Nothing wrong with a Board member accompaning the owners to the Police station as support and voice their concern to police. But don't go so far as to accuse anyone. Are you sure that is the only house in the neighborhood that has a lock box? How do you KNOW the lock box was not placed there by a realtor, they don't have to put a sign out for the place to be for sale.
All I am saying is the Board better be very careful what they do, the individual is seeking protection for the home they own and live in, the HOA is protecting the common areas and has no responsibility to any individual home. That does not mean they shoulddn't be concerned what goes on in the community and have very limited powers over individual dwelling. Not true with a Condo. The BOD of a condo has the right to access any individual unit without the owners permission if warrented, and they better be careful about that.

thank you for your advice. We won't step over the line.

This is just too simple! It is not a board problem, it is a police problem. Let the folks seeing the activity call 911, and the police will handle this. If they somehow talk themselves out of it the first time, call every time you see illegal behaviour.

Jackie, if there is a lock box on the door, contact a local real estate agent that you know. Give him/her the property address, and ask for the listing agent's name and phone if it is indeed listed or expired. Then give this listing agent a call and inform them of your observations, as a concerned neighbor. Agent may have knowledge of whether or not this home is "vacant" or not, and may have a perfectly good explanation of what your neighbors are witnessing. And if not, then figure out your next option. Start there, can't hurt.

You win!!

Jackie:

Back on point, I think the success of any successful neighborhood watch is active citizens and an active HOA. It sounds like you have both, however, there is a line IMO, that the HOA needs to stay on the other side of. It is the responsibility of the police to investigate. It is the HOA's job to bring public awareness to crime prevention and safety. If the residents are observing things they feel are wrong they should report it to the HOA and to the police department. Your HOA should have a liaison with the police department that you can contact and inform of the situation.

Thanks for all the input. It is comforting to know what the "standard of care" is across the nation. To kind of sum it up, myself and rest of BOD want to be aware of suspicious activity and support the neighbors who
make police reports. We use our wonderful web site (thank you Doug) to alert our community about facts....not suspicions. Ironically last nite
was the "first ever" car break-in at our neighborhood. A strange man was
seen walking around "looking" during the day but the person didn't call the police. We aren't profiling and can't even connect the two. But gut
instinct still exhists and being compassionate to the victims still remains the priority.
Jackie

I am flattered but probably older than you....which means "I am a mother so I don't scare easily." I know it's politically incorrect to deny gut feelings but I challenge most people who are parents or have participated in raising kids, especially teens, that if they hadn't followed their gut feeling they would have regretted it. I hear you and appreciate your concerns.......don't fret. let's give it a rest.
thanks,
J

OK.........you beat it out of me. I am 65 in 6 weeks. No apology necessary
because I post something when I want to hear what people think. If we agree
to disagree it simply isn't personal. I appreciate all the comments even
though a few miss the message I am concerned about. hopefully I too will
improve with my wording. Ta Ta for now.