Category: Crime Watch

Incidents and trends affecting your safety

Security Update & Alert

This is an update from our Lt. Lai regarding criminal activity around our area, she states:  “There have been several incidents in the deep Grove area in the last couple of weeks.  Most of the incidents have been in the areas surrounding Utopia.   They have occurred from Battersea, Main Highway, North Bay Home’s Drive, and the latest near Merrie Christmas Park.  The incidents include attempting to break into homes, actually breaking in, and breaking into numerous vehicles.  There are several video incidents with vehicles, it is clear to see a subject who walks up to every car door trying until he finds cars that are open.  There appears to be a group of individuals targeting the area.  Although the individuals doing the home break-ins appear to be different from the person involved with the cars.  There was an incident a day ago on Malaga, in our area, where someone went onto the property but did not go into the home.  We still classify that as a burglary.  On a side note, I also stopped an individual who was walking around taking pictures who was staying at an Air B&B.  You have a few people within Utopia renting out their properties.  Please be aware of this within your area as it brings a lot more transient people”.
 Lt. Lai reminds us to lock our vehicles, use alarms and report any suspicious activity.  Our patrol’s presence continues to deter, however this rash of activity right on our border is looking to be a problem, so stay vigilant and know that our officers are keenly aware of this up tick in criminal activity.

Notification of a Burglary

Dear Members,

One of our members living at 3737 El Prado experienced a serious burglary this month.  Professional perpetrators entered the premises soon after the owners left for the evening, using specialized glass cutting tools, and quickly stole an extensive amount of jewelry.  Our patrol was on duty at the time, but there was no alarm set off by the break-in so in this case our patrol was unaware until after the fact.  We want you to be aware that although we pride ourselves in having great safety in Utopia, there still can be crime occurring in our neighborhood.   It is mostly petty thefts of items from cars left unlocked and yard theft, but when an incident of this magnitude strikes one of our members, we are deeply troubled and concerned.

Please be vigilant.  Turn on your alarms.  Always lock your doors.  Leave a light on and music playing if you go out for the evening.   Consider security cameras if your residence cannot be seen from the street, and yard lighting if your property is very dark.

Finally, report any suspicious people and/or activities in the neighborhood to the patrol; anything you notice that is out of the ordinary.  Utopia police are our first and most important line of defense in deterring criminals from our neighborhood.  We must give them all the support we can.

Thank you one and all for contributing mightily to the safety and security of Utopia.  The board joins me in wishing you a safe and happy 2019.

Sincerely,

Gale Patron
Security Liaison

Utopia Homeowners’ Security Association – Message From the President

Dear Utopia Security Association Members,

      As 2018 winds down, as does my first year as president, I thought I would reflect on what a busy and eventful year it has been for our organization.  First, I would like to acknowledge the board for its tireless work and dedicated focus on doing the business of our association.  Whether it is new membership recruitment, oversight of the books, organizing events like Movie Night, working with our Lt. to insure consistent and proper patrol coverage, maintaining our website as well as all other technology upgrades, compiling our meeting minutes, answering the various members’ questions and communicating to our membership with updates like this; it all gets done in a professional manner.

Second, I want to thank two board members that resigned their positions early in the year, Hardy Katz (treasurer) and Vicki Katz (member at large).  They both played integral roles during their tenure on the board and continue to be strong supporters of our organization.  And, I would like to welcome two new board members, Annette La Greca and Matt Dillon.  All of this goes on behind the scenes to support and keep our organization strong.  So thank you to both current and former board members alike.

Last but not least, I would like to thank our long time members as well as new members because without your continued support there would be no association.  Our patrols are the heart of deterrence; they secure our safety and are the envy of many.  We are often asked how do you do it?  The answer lies in all our members’ unwavering support.

Finally, as we end the year I look forward to next year as we further strengthen and grow our organization.  I hope to see you at the Annual Members Meeting on January 27, 2019 from 4:00 – 6:00 at in the park at La Playa and Ventura.

Sincerely,

Corinne Collins

President

Utopia Homeowners’ Security Association

 

2018 New Members Festive Celebration


The New Members Cocktail Reception at the home of Glenn and Gale Patron provided an opportunity for new residents to meet each other and the board of Utopia HOSA.  It is truly delightful to welcome so many young families to the association including Nappa, a 4 month old chocolate lab who attended the festivities with glee.  Providing safety and security for the “little people” of community is especially gratifying to us and the patrol officers, many of whom are parents of young children as well.

View New Members’ Cocktail Party pics on the website
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