SECURITY SURVEY REPORT
February 2005
This paper was prepared by Prestwick’s Security Committee using the data provided in
a courtesy security report furnished to the Board by Mr. Nicholas Mariano of Mariano &
Associates, dated November 2004. Mr. Mariano’s “Security Survey Report” covers
all areas of ‘security’ as it currently pertains to Prestwick. The overall objective of this
report is to consolidate Mr. Mariano’s many comments into a concise listing, add this
committee’s recommendations, and provide a report to the Prestwick Property Owners
Association Board of Directors for further discussion and action.
Pedestrian (walk-through) Gates
Survey Findings:
• Consider Electronic Gate Openers (card access only) for East and West Gates.
• Consider doubling the use of Pool Access Cards for Electronic Gate Openers.
Committee Recommendation: Some means of controlling access through the
walk-through gates must be instituted in the short-term, or possibly consider
permanently securing these gates to all pedestrian walk-through traffic.
Overall Responsibility: POA
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Board plans to padlock all walk-through
gates for a 90-day trial period. The purpose of this initiative is to further restrict
access to Prestwick by unauthorized persons. During this trial period all pedestrians
having code cards can use the electronic gates to enter the property; however, all
other pedestrian traffic will be requested to use the Main Gate or the electronic
keypad for access. An exit (Button) switch will be installed inside each exit
electronic gate to allow pedestrians to exit the property. During this trial period,
residents should provide positive and/or negative feedback to the Property Manager
for later analysis and consideration by the Board.
Fencing
Survey Findings:
• Perimeter fencing provides an obstacle for the casual person wanting
unauthorized entry to the property.
• Some perimeter fencing is in need of immediate repair.
• Post additional signage along fence line advising persons that entrance to
Prestwick is restricted to property owners and guests only.
Committee Recommendation: Even though perimeter fencing may not completely
prevent unauthorized entry, it does provide residents a certain level of gated
community security.
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Responsibility: POA/Sub-Contractor
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Board directed the Committee to assist
the Property Manager in conducting a visual inspection of all property fencing to
determine the current condition. Deficiencies noted with fencing which were the
responsibilities of the POA were repaired. Much of the fencing belongs to the
Prestwick Country Club. Deficiencies noted with fencing that were determined to be
outside of POA responsibility will be reported to the responsible parties for their
individual action(s).
Lighting
Survey Findings:
• Installed illumination throughout the neighborhood is poor to fair at best.
• Inspection should be conducted in all neighborhoods to determine where repair
or new installations are needed.
• Install additional streetlights along roadways throughout neighborhoods using
other types of streetlamps that provide better illumination or use higher wattage
lamps.
• Property owners/other HOA associations within Prestwick should survey their
properties to determine if shrubs or trees are blocking lighting within their areas
and require pruning/trimming.
• Common area shrubs or trees in some areas require pruning/trimming to improve
lighting.
Committee Recommendation: Recommend that a professional analysis be
conducted within Prestwick to determine lighting shortfalls throughout all sectors and
then present findings to the POA Board for their consideration. Communicate via
the newsletter, that property owners should be encouraged to trim shrubs and trees
on their respective property and keep their individual residences lighted during the
evening hours.
Responsibility: POA/property owners
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Board directed the Committee to contact
Santee Cooper and request a street lighting needs assessment immediately within
all sectors of Prestwick to identify lighting shortfalls. During February, Santee
Cooper conducted the requested study and identified an immediate need for twenty-
five new street lamp installations. As of the February 28 2005, POA meeting, the
Board approved moving forward with the installation of 25 new street lamps. Santee
Cooper also plans to trim any trees on POA property, which are blocking existing
street lamps. Property owners are encouraged to trim any trees on their property
that are interfering with street lighting. Long-Term – The Board plans to work with
Santee Cooper on other Prestwick lighting upgrade proposals.
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Vehicle Access Gates
Survey Findings:
• Install two vehicle (drop) gates at main entrance to curb unauthorized usage of
vehicle stickers by non-property owners. Property owners would use right lane,
guests/contractors use left lane.
• All permanent vehicle stickers and gate access cards should be limited to
property owners only.
• Tee-times should be verified with Club-house/pro-shop.
• Consider installing two new gates on the east and west sides of the entrance
circle. Guards in main gatehouse would issue one-time-only codes for entry into
Prestwick. Property owners would enter via cards, guests and contractors would
use one-time-only codes. Golfers and Club House users would have free access
to those facilities, but would not be able to enter Prestwick residence area
without code.
• Guests needing entrance to tennis club would have to obtain a one-time-only
code from guard at main gate.
• Cameras can supplement guard forces only if they are constantly monitored.
However, it is felt that the cost of installing CCTV’s does not justify the minimal
benefit that would be received.
Committee Recommendation: Due to the costs that may be associated with
several of the stated suggestions, more study and analysis is needed. The
Committee views this issue as long-term.
Responsibility: POA/Outside Contractors
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Board plans to develop an annual vehicle
sticker policy. Overall costs and any potential inconvenience to property owners that
may result from this new policy will be taken into consideration. The Board will also
work closely with U.S. Security Associates Inc. to address ‘access’ issues and
concerns addressed in their monthly report. The Board will make adjustments to the
access policy, as warranted.
Long-Term – The Board will conduct additional feasibility studies regarding the
installation of electronic arm gates at the main gate, and camera system installation
at the center and back gates. During the decision making process, the Board
encourages any helpful feedback pertaining to these issues from the membership.
Guard Services
Survey Findings:
• Guards are a positive – presence of guards can be credited with a lower level of
crime and vandalism then those neighboring areas without guards.
• Consideration should be given to reinstating roving patrols after sundown.
• The recent survey indicated that most homeowners did not want to take part in a
roving patrol program. Main gate guards can be used for this purpose should
vehicle (drop-down) gates be added to main entrance.
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Committee Recommendation: Stationed Gate Guards tend to bolster a feeling of
overall security within a neighborhood such as Prestwick. However, should the
guards not be steadfast and consistent while administrating their duties, negative
perceptions could result. Short-Term – In the short-term, the newly developed and
posted access guidelines in the guardhouse should correct many of the observed
inconsistencies associated with the guards and their related duties. Long-Term – A
study should be conducted to determine the possible instituting of a roving patrol.
Responsibility: POA/U. S. Security Associates Inc.
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – Overall communication has improved
between U.S. Security Associates Inc. and the Board. New Access Guidelines have
been implemented. An access bell alarm was installed in the guardhouse to alert
the security guard of any approaching vehicle(s). U.S. Security Associates Inc.
representatives will be attending the monthly Security Committee meetings in the
future. The Board plans to install rumble strips in the outgoing lane of the main gate
to slow exiting traffic. Long-Term – The Board will reconsider the roving patrol
issue at a later date.
Neighborhood Watch
Survey Findings: Such watches help ensure security for neighborhoods; however,
a recent survey of homeowners indicated that residents were equally split for taking
part in a neighborhood watch program.
Committee Recommendation: Although additional study is suggested, this should
be considered a short-term initiative. The Security Committee met to discuss
Neighborhood Watch options and decided to recommend to the Board that a
Neighborhood Watch Sub-Committee be formed.
Responsibility: POA
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Security Committee was directed to form
a Neighborhood Watch Sub-Committee to determine specific involvement needs,
search out volunteers, and then report back to the Security Committee. An initial
Neighborhood Watch organization meeting will be held within the next few weeks.
The Board plans to keep the property owners informed of the progress of the
Neighborhood Watch initiative via the Newsletter and the future Prestwick website.
Home Owner Issues
Survey Findings:
• Propose that a website be established for community news to keep residents
informed of crime incidents and trends.
• Residents and guests do not obey posted speed limits and stop signs.
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• Installing rumble strips would help reduce speeds; however, would not be as
inconvenient as speed bumps. Recent survey findings were against speed
bumps by a three-to-one ratio.
• Residents should exercise better common sense in regard to locking vehicles,
closing garage doors, and leaving exterior lights on. Valuables should not be left
in vehicles.
• Residents should survey residences for adequately installed locking devices.
• Double-keyed dead bolts are recommended for rear patio doors, garage
entrances, and for doors in secluded entrances.
• Residents should consider security alarm system installations and window film.
• Residents should ensure all shrubs and trees adjacent to their homes are kept
trimmed and pruned.
• Residents should light their homes’ exteriors at night.
Committee Recommendation: Providing communication throughout any
community is extremely important and desirable. It not only educates, but it keeps
the residents up-to-speed and responsibly energized. Articles should be presented
in each issue of the newsletter encouraging the residents to be more personally
responsible for those neighborhood security issues for which they have ultimate
control.
Responsibility: Property Owners/POA
Timeline(s)/Action(s): Short-Term – The Board will utilize the Prestwick Post (the
quarterly newsletter) to provide recommendations and suggestions to the
Membership on a regular basis. The Board will make communication and
information sharing a priority.
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