River Trails Homeowners Association

I too have had a break in. I haven't had time to post about it. On Christmas Eve I awoke to find that someone had tried to pry open my passenger window of my car while it was in my driveway. They shattered the glass.They didn't steal anything because I think that my dog scared them away. However, the whole door had to be replaced. The total damages cost over $2000. How bold the theif was. I live on the corner of Perdido and Saranac. It is a pretty busy intersection. We have such a wonderful neighborhood with great people. I just hope that it is people coming into our neighborhood and doing these horrible things.

bwil, taboo, and all: again, so sorry to hear about this. It is scary. I think we all moved into what was a nice, quiet peaceful neighborhood. Seems to be a change in the air. I too hope it's not from within, although it was alleged that the vandals of '07 were from close by. This most recent wave has been bold indeed, sounds like it's mainly daytime hits. I raised a question to a neighbor about a suspicious vehicle I saw this  past week, turned out ok.

Again, sad to hear these things piling up.

Part of the agreement with Carrizo Gas is that a replacement wall will be built around River Trails-- the ratty appearance of the existing wall invites in the criminal element.   I noticed Lakes of River trails has had gang graffiti sprayed on their walls from time to time (which quickley gets painted out), so the gangs in the county are already marking their territory.  When Guiliani was mayor of New York, he found by making things look tidy, it had a psycholgical effect on criminals who probably moved their base of operations to Newark, NJ.    

Perhaps the new wall (assuming they ever get people to sign gas leases and get a drilling permit) can have a provision to where it can be converted have gates on the entrances if things start going downhill.   After reading the Star-Telegram, I have been sensing a move away from the "get-tough" approach to crime over the last several months and an embrace of "they are just victims of society" idea. 

I do not want a bunker mentality but unless something is done it is headed that way.    I had that in New Olreans and was glad to get away.

Card accuated gates were  something I was  adamently opposed to prior to the burglaries because it makes getting in and a hassle; the thugs will just tailgate someone on their way in.    The other thing would be to have mandantory HOA dues (another thing I was adamently opposed to ) to hire security since the FW police are so busy in East Fort Worth.    I was told the Boca Raton police station was no longer staffed as of a year ago due to budget constraints

However, the brazeness of the last break-ins has been frightening and the chance of me arriving while a burglary is is process is extremely likely.   Is it going to take someone getting killed before we start dealing with crime?

I suggested a mandatory HOA last summer to help with funding to clean up our neighborhood.  I was told it wasn't possible because it wasn't in the original deed.  I too think it would help and would feel much better if the wall and gates were put up.  I have also considered calling around and seeing if there are any home security companies that would be willing to offer a deal for group rates.  I'm sure many people in the neighborhood would have a security system installed after all the break-ins recently.  Surely a company would be willing to drop the installation charge or offer a % off with a minimum group order.  Please respond if this is something you're interested in and if I see enough responses, I'll start making calls!