Residents,

Recently, the Board and Management have received an increased number of complaints about two main topics, loose trash and vehicle break-ins. We would like to take a minute to address these items and share ways that you, as a neighborhood, can help reduce the prevalence of the issues.

Loose Trash

The number one cause for loose trash to be strewn about the neighborhood is due to residents placing their trash in thin plastic bags.  In conjunction with placing the trash in thin bags, residents are placing their trash at the curb several hours prior to the trash actually being collected.  The abundance of trash attracts unwanted pests, such as crows and other critters.  These animals are able to easily rip open the thin bags and rummage through the trash.  Any sort of wind gust will then spread the trash that is in, and around, the now opened bag throughout the neighborhood.  This issue is amplified when there are numerous residents that contribute to the problem.

Ways to Help

• USE A COVERED TRASH CAN.  Using a covered trash can is the best way to prevent loose trash.  If you use a covered trash can, please store it out of view on non-trash days.
• DO NOT USE GROCERY STORE BAGS.  These bags are the thinnest and are the source of almost all the loose trash.
• USE CONTRACTOR BAGS or DOUBLE BAG YOUR KITCHEN BAG.  Using thick bags or double bagging your kitchen bags will make it much harder for the animals to rip open.
• PLACE YOUR TRASH AT THE CURB ON THE TRASH DAY.  Trash days are Tuesdays and Fridays.  Placing your trash at the curb the morning of the trash collection day will reduce the amount of time the trash is accessible to animals.  If the trash company fails to pick up your trash or you’ve missed the trash collection for the day, please bring your trash back inside your property.
• PICK UP LOOSE TRASH.  If you see loose trash, just pick it up.  It only takes a few moments to pick up any loose trash around your home and it makes a big difference.
• COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR CHILDREN.  If your child needs to perform community service for a badge or school project, please contact me.  Having them pick up loose trash in the neighborhood is a great way to accomplish two goals.

Vehicle Break-Ins

Vehicle break-ins are upsetting and create a concern of an unsafe neighborhood.  However, almost all of the break-ins that have occurred in the neighborhood have been due to a vehicle door being left unlocked.  Also, leaving valuable items in plain sight will attract unwanted attention.

Ways to Help

• LOCK YOUR VEHICLE DOORS.  The thieves that are breaking in to vehicles are looking for a quick score.  Dealing with a locked vehicle is too much of a hassle and they will move on to another vehicle.
• HIDE VALUABLE ITEMS.  Do not leave computers, GPS devices, loose change, etc. out in the open.  If you must leave these items in your vehicle, please lock them in the trunk.
• REPORT ANY THEFT TO THE POLICE.  There have been many instances where a resident has informed me of a break-in, but did not report it to the police.  The police use crime statistics to determine where their presence is needed.  Also, reporting a crime (regardless of the severity) could lead to the capture of the thief.  The police will likely survey the area looking for security cameras (including doorbell cameras) that could be useful evidence.
• KEEP EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON.  Make sure that your porch light is functioning.  An illuminated area will deter most thieves. Additionally, if you notice an HOA light pole not functioning properly, please report it me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy email.  Without your help, the Board is not able to remedy these issues.  Please share this email with your neighbors to spread the information.

Thank you,

Ryan Courtney

Sequoia Management Company