The Vuecrest View July 2023 It’s a good time to build a community consensus around a security plan to be presented to the City of Bellevue. Let’s be proactive and work together! Tell us what is important to you. In This Issue: June 20th Emergency HOA Security Meeting Security Options Being Assessed Property Theft Risk Factors MyBellevue City Service App Keep Your Contact Information Current Calendar Items Vuecrest Book Club Meetings (Meeting in Person) Vuecrest Monthly Board Meeting (Remote Access Below) Thursday, July 13th, 6:00P SAVE the DATE Vuecrest Annual Picnic, Saturday, August 12th, 4:00-7P Vuecrest LIFE-Neighbor to Neighbor June 20th Emergency HOA Security Meeting It was encouraging to see more than 50 homeowners in attendance at our June 20th virtual meeting! We encourage all of you to continue the discussion at our next Round Table Meeting (time and date yet to be determined) and/or our monthly HOA meetings. These discussions are designed as fact finding initiatives to determine what security measures community members believe are BOTH effective and cost effective for maintaining and protecting the lovely community we value now and in the future. Once we select the security options, we will work with the City of Bellevue on installation and implementation. Just like changes to our homes, some will likely require City permits. This will be clearly laid out at the next Round Table Discussion Meetings in September and perhaps sooner. Listed below are samples of the pros and cons plus ideas suggested by community members. We want you to know that we hear you. Your volunteer HOA team is working very hard to get us real numbers on each option so we can make informed decision for our households. Please share your suggestions and comments with Vuecrest Safety Committee Chair, Barbara Cosgriff at safety@vuecrest.net <mailto:safety@vuecrest.net> . Solutions always come together when communities work together. Security Options for which costs and viability are being assessed: -Flock Safety Surveillance Cameras PRO: Medina and Hunts Point have camera surveillance. Clyde Hill is in the process of getting surveillance. CON: We are under the City of Bellevue’s jurisdiction. Up to this point, Bellevue has prohibited us from installing them on the city right of ways and streets. This conversation with COB has been started and is ongoing. -Establish a Vuecrest RING Neighborhood Network Work with a contractor and the community to install RING Cameras and leverage the RING Surveillance System at a bulk pricing discount for Vuecrest Neighbors wishing to participate. Below is some important information regarding what is considered illegal surveillance in Washington State. Washington state law requires that all parties to a conversation or electronic communication consent before a recording occurs. Violations as per WA Rev Code § 9.73.030 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.73&full=true#9.73.030> are considered a gross misdemeanor and can also lead to civil damages as per § 9.73.080 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.73&full=true#9.73.080> (penalty), § 9.73.060 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.73&full=true#9.73.060> (civil damages). Regarding video surveillance, the guidance is straightforward, simply avoid audio. While most newer security cameras record both audio and video, it is generally legal to film areas that are viewable to the public. This is because Washington law <https://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/washington/washington-recording-law#:~:text=Washington%20makes%20it%20a%20crime,See%20Wash.&text=You%20should%20always%20get%20the,sense%20tells%20you%20is%20private.> only requires consent before recording a communication or conversation. As such, video surveillance cameras that do not have an audio component or are muted by the operator are most likely within the bounds of privacy law. According to Washington State Police <https://www.waspc.org/assets/ProfessionalServices/modelpolicies/alprpolicy.pdf>, if the security cameras are on private property and are not recording audio, you can utilize them any way you want, as long as you are not intentionally infringing on your neighbor’s privacy. -Hiring Private Unarmed Security to Patrol the Neighborhood PRO: A regular scheduled patrol would grow accustom to what cars and people are familiar to our neighborhood and notice suspicious or out of typical behavior. CON: Marked security vehicles can easily be avoided. PRO: It is possible to get shift coverage (such as 10P-6A) and increase if necessary. CON: Some neighbors have mentioned that it might leave a negative impression to see constant patrol cars in our neighborhood. PRO: This type of patrol would offer a similar protection as would an increased police presence. CON: Ongoing cost and HOA assessment increase. Although included in the options suggested in March and discussed at our May Safety Roundtables, the recent property thefts coupled with natural rise in summer travel, a two month test pilot programs using excess budget funds was proposed using a security company to monitor our neighborhood during the evening hours in July and August. Security companies are still being bid for the trial and all costs will be more thoroughly discussed at the next informational meeting to determine if it is something the community would want. -Securing one or more Vuecrest Entrances PRO: Limited to no access for criminals to watch and case the neighborhood for potential targets. CON: Vuecrest would potentially need to bear the cost of making our public streets private. PRO: According to a peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Real Estate Research, the addition of a community gate adds significant value to a home's worth. The American Real Estate Society study found that homes in a gated community fetch an average home value of $30,000 more than those accessed by public streets. CON: An inconvenience to homeowners and their guests. -Other Security Improvements to be Negotiated with the City of Bellevue o Transition to LED Lamps in our streetlights o Increased police patrols and reports back on crime that happens o Reducing excess shrubbery at our entrances to prevent unwanted activity Property Theft Risk Factors (Information from Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 18, Burglary of Single-Family Homes <http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/e07021611.pdf>, a cooperative publication by the Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services and the U.S. Department of Justice.) (Information provided by Rebecca) 1. Houses near common offenders If you live near a large population of young people, in a neighborhood with a higher-than-average drug problem, an area with already high urban crime or places that bring in a large number of strangers (e.g., shopping centers, sports arenas, transit stations, a major thoroughfare), you’re more vulnerable to burglary, because burglars may be more familiar with potential targets, and residents are accustomed to strangers. 2. Low traffic areas Homes on the outskirts of neighborhoods are more vulnerable, because fewer neighbors will be able to see if a crime is being committed. This includes dead-end streets, cul-de-sacs and locations with few outlets. Any house that’s secluded may also be a target. Corner homes are iffy. They allow thieves to scope the area (including your habits) easily by simply driving by and naturally slowing or stopping for a turn. Depending on your neighborhood’s layout, they may also be less visible to neighbors and police. 3. Previously burglarized homes or homes near one If you’ve already been burglarized, chances are, another thief will find you equally as vulnerable as the first one did. Additionally, the original thief may come back if he wasn’t caught the first time. If he doesn’t come back for you, he may come back to your neighbors, because he considers it a successful area. 4. Homes that have places to hide The way your house is landscaped or built can make your home attractive to thieves. They like places to hide. Bushes growing under windows and low-hanging trees are a thief’s best friend. What they aren’t fans of are prickly landscaping and anything that makes noise, like rocks or gravel. They may also target homes that have architectural features that make it easy. Solid fencing (especially privacy fences) and features that obscure a door or window are popular choices. 5. Empty homes About 60 percent of home burglaries happen during the daytime, and most of those are during the workweek. That’s right… while you’re at work. Most thieves don’t target occupied houses. They also get a bit giddy when they see overgrown yards, mail or papers piling up, a sign you’re on vacation. Not surprisingly, on average, homes that are burglarized tend to be homes that have no dogs. Large dogs may present a physical threat, but don’t count ankle-biters out. They bark and attract a lot of attention. 6. Poor security features For those who do strike at night, poor lighting makes it harder for neighbors to see what they’re doing. They also like homes without security systems (or without engaged security systems) and with no surveillance 7. Easy accessibility In some areas, side or back entries are the most common access point. In others, it’s the front door. This probably reflects regional architectural differences. Either way, houses with entry points weakened by disrepair, residents who leave doors or windows unlocked routinely, or homes with other weakened security (like broken alarms) are more likely to be successfully burgled. Houses with curb appeal 8. Houses with curb appeal Larger and more well-maintained homes with signs of wealth (like expensive vehicles) tell thieves there may be a better payoff at your house. But the most expensive houses likely have security features that make them unappealing to most thieves. 9. Social homeowners Of the people quizzed in a recent Nationwide Insurance survey, 41 percent of homeowners aged 18 to 34 years post photos and updates on social media while they’re on vacation. ABC News reported the story of a woman who was burgled by an old friend she hadn’t seen in years when she posted about a concert on Facebook, and another man was robbed after tweeting about his vacation plans. But it doesn’t stop there. The DOJ publication notes that burglars often know their victims. They may be casual acquaintances (like the lady who does your nails or a close friend or relative of hers), people who provide a service (like a gardener or technician), neighbors or even friends or relatives of friends. All of these people may know a bit more about your routine than the average person (or are people you or an acquaintance of yours may reveal information about your plans to). 10. Non-urban areas According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, reported burglary rates are higher in cities outside metropolitan areas. Rural areas in particular present their own challenges. According to The National Sheriffs’ Association, those who live in isolated rural areas have unique challenges due to the isolation and expensive equipment that’s often left unprotected by the owners (in an area less patrolled by officers). MyBellevue City Service App MyBellevue is a mobile app that makes it possible for people to request services and access city news, jobs and social media easily with their smart phones and other portable devices. Here’s a link to get you there… https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/finance/mybellevue <https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/finance/mybellevue> Keep your Vuecrest Contact Information UP-TO-DATE Please make sure that your homeowner contact information, tenant information, and/or property management information is always up to date. Your information is not shared or distributed to any third party and is only used for your informational and safety benefit. Here’s how to update your information…Go to http://www.vuecrest.net/communicate/update-us <http://www.vuecrest.net/communicate/update-us>, Input your information, and click Submit. CALENDAR ITEMS: Vuecrest Book Club (Meeting IN PERSON) Vuecrest has its own Book Club and all residents are welcome to attend. We meet once a month at 7PM, usually on the first Monday, at various members’ homes. The VC Book Club has an “open-read” format, that is, there is no “chosen” book. We all gather to discuss what we had read since our last meeting. And for those too busy to read, feel free to come and enjoy the friendship and share a little wine and conversation with your neighbors. And you just might hear about a book you’d like to read in the future! Email Mara Pitkethly dtpit@uw.edu <mailto:dtpit@uw.edu> for details. Monthly Board Meeting (Remote) Thursday, July 13th at 6:00P This month’s board meeting will be held remotely. To join the meeting use the link or dial-in information below. Everyone is welcome to join. Please let the Directors know at least three days in advance if you will be bringing any items for discussion so they may be included in the agenda. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84997824569?pwd=VkFXYXBRTUFqZm9sbkxaY0s1TGgvQT09 <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84997824569?pwd=VkFXYXBRTUFqZm9sbkxaY0s1TGgvQT09> Meeting ID: 849 9782 4569 Passcode: 190856 One tap mobile +12532158782,,84997824569#,,,,*190856# US (Tacoma) +12532050468,,84997824569#,,,,*190856# US Dial by your location • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US Meeting ID: 849 9782 4569 Passcode: 190856 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksrv5CeRa <https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksrv5CeRa> Vuecrest LIFE (Neighbor to Neighbor Communication) If any homeowners are truly in need of help with tasks (trash bins, landscaping, etc.). Please contact directors@vuecrest.net <mailto:directors@vuecrest.net> and give members of the Vuecrest community the opportunity to help.