Have your security cameras actually reduced crime at your HOA?

We've had a big problem with illegal dumping, especially with our dumpster next to the clubhouse, and we've tried a lot of things, including security camera monitoring. We had to change its location because some people did damage it and then we got another one which picks up action in all directions. Previously, people would roll up and simply turn their cars or trucks away from the camera so it couldn't pick up license plates, and I suspect some people were ballsy enough to stand in front of it while their companions loaded the dumpster with mattresses, cardboard, old furniture (inluding sofas) or they'd just leave it in front of the dumpster shed.

It's taken a while, but there seems to be some progress - when they're caught, complaints are filed with the city and the association can also take action against the culprits. There had been some smaller businesses (handyman services, paint companies and such) who would dump construction materials and what not - after our attorney went after them, they repaid our costs in hiring another company to remove the illegal stuff (otherwise the city truck moves on) that seems to have slowed things down.

All of that said, forget thinking a security camera will be a silver bullet, no matter how much you pay. As you've stated, people have Ring doorbells, but that still won't stop "porch pirates", people breaking into mailboxes (or just opening them and taking whatever - we just had a news story on people stealing mail to look for checks). You need a multi-prong approach, perhaps starting with a chat with local police to see what type of crime seems to be more prevalent and ways people can reduce their risk. In fact, it's possible Ring might have made people more complacent - they think because they have it, they don't have to worry, but just as you build a better mousetrap, along comes smarter and faster mice, along with their cousins, the rats.

For example, if garage break-ins are a thing, it might help to remind people to use the side latch on their garage doors if they have one so people can't raise the door very high and slither in. Locking the inner door leading to the inside of the house is also useful, as is locking your car. Unfortunately, that's also necessary these days even though you keep it in the garage.

Perhaps it's time the community considers establishing a neighborhood watch or you might put something on your community website where people can post warnings about strange people in and around the neighborhood. The police can give you tips on how to word that because some people jump to too many conclusions and we end up with "delivering packages as a Fed Ex driver while black" situations where people are threatened or shot at (Google it to find that story - it's also happened to repair staff. Some of the social media sites like Next Door have also spread information - I think you can establish a private group for your community because there's some crazy stuff on that website.

As for monitoring the common areas, you might need a bit more research before making a decision. If you have an area or two that seem more problematic, take a good look at it (with a police officer) to see if what you have is an "attractive nuisance" and need to make some changes. Motion security lights, stronger locks and fences, could be a start. Try the low cost approaches first and if they don't work, then you can consider the cameras. Be sure to keep the community informed - someone might have information that can lead to the culprits and they could be the main source of the trouble.

it doesnt reduce crime, criminals are dumb. it simply provides police a lead

JdW,
It looks like this topic has taken a few different forks in the road. Ring Cameras are for home use and are great for owners. My comments are strictly focused on the Common area of your HOA meaning the Pools, Parks and Amenity areas. As I have been on boards for 14+ years I can say that Cameras are the best value boards can put into place to handle vandals. They work 24/7/365 and may not stop crime but they can answer the questions when it happens. It also can be a great tool when the vandals are kids in the hood. We have had many cases where the parents have been shown the video footage and we have suspended privileges. It is not going to stop many issues but if signage is in place, it can be a deterrent. I have never met with a Police officer who did not want to see the video of an event.

Your post said it may be expensive. I would say money well spent. Your board needs to have answers when bad things happen and without video evidence the Police have nothing. I would not be on a board that did not have a good security camera system.

Not sure what part of Texas you are in but crime is not getting better anywhere.

Cameras just catch crime on camera. Which means a crime had to happen. That wouldn't equal "less crime". It just provides additional proof of a crime was committed and damages. The HOA would need to prosecute if it effected the common property. A homeowner may request the footage if the crime happened on their property.

Most people tend to overlook other aspects of crime. The prosecution part. Which is the end goal of the camera footage. The victim has to decide to PRESS charges. The POLICE ONLY write up charges .They can NOT drop them. The COURT is the one that decides if those charges are valid and punishment. Who in the HOA if a crime happens is going to go to court to pursue those charges? Who is expected in your HOA or Board is going to go to court?

I am not sure if there is much difference between having "Fake surveillance" signs and cameras if your trying to PREVENT crime. The thing that helps prevent crime is not making things look so attractive to criminals. Like keeping various lights on in your house while your on vacation. Make it look like your home. Having personal ring cams. Put security lighting around the home. Park cars inside garages.

I would talk to your local police. They usually have a Neighborhood Watch officer who can educate you and your HOA on what really prevents crime. It may be worth to not make the HOA pay for cameras and security if it's in false hope or perception.

To have cameras or not may be the question? I will just say that the video of 1 Slip and Fall that isn't can pay for a 16 Port camera system 20 times over.

We had an issue with a mom who said her son was shot in the head by an Airsoft Gun in a random attack near our Pool a year ago. It went crazy on FB and everyone was hollering all kinds of things including suing the HOA. One of our board members who is really good at using our camera system looked into it and found 3 great camera angles of the event. Turns out the Kid who was the victim was involved in the Airsoft game and was seen laughing and running around shooting others till he got shot. When the Mom who was a renter came to our Executive session and saw the video of exactly what happened and not what her son said happened, she was extremely embarrassed, and the issue was solved. Without video we would probably be in court still or would have settled out of court.

Are cameras worth it? You bet IMO.

We are a large condo and had several break-ins in a few months. Previously installed cameras helped with two arrests. We then installed visible cameras at every door, new lighting, hardened doors. The break-ins stopped. Which of those mattered, or whether a local bar closing mattered, I don't know.

You have to decide upfront what your intent for security cameras is! If it's to give homeowners' a "feel good" status, then low-end cameras will serve that purpose--but recognize these are of little value in identifying someone. If you truly want actionable footage--you must consider the highest quality of the video you want and where to place the cameras.

I agree.

Repeating myself, too. Cameras have been very useful in identifying those who've caused damage in our exteriors & interiors. They or their unit owners are called to hearing and assessed the amount to repair the damage. this often is to entry or exit vehicle gates, but there's also been damage to our elevators, hallways, etc. These replacements/repairs add up!

One expensive item was partygoers in a Unit saw our wheeled hotel-style luggage rack in the lobby as they were leaving, and took it joyriding on the city streets. It was never recovered. Camera in the elevator told our PM what floor the partiers had left and the lobby camera showed their faces very well. With just 5 units to a floor, a process of elimination left only two that might have had those guests. One of those reported that there was a lot of noise from the night of the joyride. That resident 'fessed up and he/his owner (can't remember which) was billed $1,300 for a new luggage rack after notice and hearing.