Crime and Safety Update
We are sorry to report that there have been at least two catalytic converter thefts in our neighborhood and more in the surrounding community in recent days. The week before that, we had thefts of items from cars overnight. There are reports in Rancho Bernardo of mail being taken from mailboxes. And recently we had yet another side impact (T-bone) accident at the stop light at Summerfield and Espola.
We wanted to take this opportunity to raise awareness and provide some links to potentially useful information.
The ‘Crime & Safety’ section of NextDoor.com is a good place to receive and share local alerts. See our 2019 annual meeting presentation for some tips on getting the most out of Nextdoor.
Pubic Safety and Services Contacts & Websites
Our Public Safety and Services web page has contact information for the Sheriff, services for daily crime email alerts (CrimeMapping.com), Cal Fire current incidents info, AlertSanDiego reverse-911 emergency alerting in the event of fires and links to other general emergency preparedness information.
Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converter theft is a major problem since the catalytic converters can be very quickly cut out from a car or truck’s exhaust system and sold to a scrap dealer (for the platinum and other precious metals in them) for hundreds of dollars. Replacement can cost thousands of dollars. See: ABC10 4S Ranch video. The Poway Sheriff posted the following information on https://nextdoor.com/news_feed/?post=118082057
Vehicle catalytic converters can be targets for criminals due to expensive materials that are used in their manufacture. Tips to protect your vehicle include:
* Park in your garage or a secured area when possible
* Consider welding your catalytic converter to your vehicle frame
* Calibrate your car alarm (if you have one) to be vibration-sensitive
* Engrave your VIN on your catalytic converter
For questions about how to keep your vehicle safe, or anything related to crime prevention, please contact the Poway Station’s Crime Prevention Unit at (858) 513-2810.
Please note that there is discussion that welding the converter may not work, or may cause other problems. Some are recommending a ‘CatClamp’. Please see the discussions on NextDoor and do your own research.
Surveillance Cameras
If you are considering putting in video cameras, the reviews at sites like these may be helpful as you make your decision: Toms Guide, WireCutter and PC Magazine.- In general, higher resolution video is better.
- Infrared night vision systems will not work through a window.
- WiFi connected systems may not stay online all the time if there is enough signal interference.
- Battery powered systems will need to be recharged – sometimes the first day after you’ve left on vacation (speaking from personal experience here…)
- Determine if the features you want require a monthly subscription in addition to buying the camera.
- When installing systems, be sure to consider California regulations governing recordings: Ask a cop: surveillance cameras and Home Security Camera Laws California: 3 Facts to Surprise You
- And of course bear in mind – video cameras may serve as a deterrent and evidence in the event of a crime, but are no guarantee of safety.
- If you are considering getting the ‘Ring’ video monitoring system – you may be interested in trying out the ‘Ring Neighbors’ app – it allows you to receive information from Ring system users about crime and safety reports (and sometimes local videos of coyotes and mountain lions), and is free and available to anyone whether using the Ring cameras or not.
Mail Theft
There have been videos and reports of cars cruising through RB going from mailbox to mailbox late at night. Apparently some checks have been stolen and the name on the check altered. If you decide to change out your mailbox for one that locks, please remember to submit an Architectural Improvement Form. If you do experience mail theft or tampering, please be sure to report it to the post office.
Safety On Our Streets
We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be extra cautious when exiting the neighborhood at the Summerfield/Espola light. There have been multiple accidents at this intersection over the years. The board has previously been in contact with Poway traffic engineering, but the more residents that raise the issue, the more likely it is to get addressed. You may wish to consider contacting them or a member of the city council or the mayor to raise the issue as you personally see fit.
The speed limit within our neighborhood is 25 MPH, and we have a LOT of kids at play here. We encourage all residents to observe the speed limit and drive with caution at all times. If you see a delivery driver speeding, it may be more effective to get the vehicle number and call that delivery company and report any concerns.
We have a number of small motor bikes in the neighborhood – please make sure to operate these vehicles in a safe and legal fashion! Please consult the DMV website on miniature bikes, classes of motorcycles and the motorcycle handbook, and stay safe!
Fire Season Preparedness
We hope that we do not have another wildfire like the one in 2007 that caused our neighborhood to be evacuated— but it is fire season again, and we should all stand ready to respond if needed.
We encourage everyone to subscribe to AlertSanDiego. This is the county’s “reverse 911” emergency notification system and the City of Poway’s primary resource for contacting you in an event that needs your immediate attention, such as an evacuation due to fires. All landlines are automatically a part of this database, but by registering your email address and mobile phone number, you won’t miss a notification if you’re away from home.