Safety & Security

Tailgating Car Theft Package Locker Parking Passes

Tailgating

Prevention of tailgating solves a majority of our security vulnerabilities at Monte Vista. 

Please take a look at the following guidelines to familiarize yourself with what to do to prevent situations like these, thanks for keeping Monte Vista safe!

Pedestrian Tailgating Guidelines

Mindset

  1. Always assume positive intention: People may be careless and kind in letting others come in, or they may have something on their mind as they exit and may not notice. Someone could be having a bad day. Don’t be a jerk about it. 
  2. Don’t stereotype who does and does not live here: Avoid implicit biases against anyone who may not dress or behave the same way as you. P51 is a diverse area with residents from different walks of life. 

Behavior

  1. Look before you enter: If there is someone behind you, ensure they have their phone out or are ready to punch in their own code. If you are suspecting they are loitering to tailgate in, gracefully allow them to use the Latch to enter first.
  2. Confront with a positive attitude: Start with a friendly wave and a smile, and ask something like “Hey, can I help you get somewhere?” without letting them in. If you didn’t notice and they followed you, say “We’re trying to build a safe community and I would like you to go back out and enter on your own.” If they refuse or are acting suspicious, you can call 911.
  3. Avoid dangerous situations: If they are threatening in any way, call 911 and avoid confrontation. Let your neighbors know in the Google Group as well so they stay out of harm’s way.

DO NOT:

  • Aggressively confront someone and interrogate them.
  • Judge someone based on their appearance (e.g. wearing a hoodie and having long hair – we are literally in Silicon Valley).
  • Accuse them of anything (e.g. breaking into a car) if you have not personally witnessed the behavior.

Car Tailgating Guidelines

Mindset

  • Unintentional tailgating happens. Education is more important than judgement and condemnation. People may be tired after a day of work or a long drive. There may have been times you’ve driven and have been absent minded as well. Security is a muscle we must all build. 
  • Start with an education/de-escalation mindset. Arguments are unnecessary, unproductive, and everyone feels worse after going through one. 

Behavior

  • If you see an individual on foot attempting to enter the gate behind or in front of you, please report that immediately to SJPD and alert the Google Group.
  • It’s okay to stop the car after entering to prevent the tailgating car from entering, and having them use their own Latch to prove they live here.
  • If the other individual holds up their phone with the Latch App, you can use your best judgement to assume positive intention and that they are a neighbor.
  • Don’t start arguments with your neighbor or a suspicious individual, always de-escalate the situation and assume positive intentions.



If you’ve had a theft/break-in

  1. File a police report either online  https://www.sjpd.org/reporting-crime/report-crimes-online or by calling (408) 277-8900 and having the police come out.
  2. Report it to the Property Management company and the HOA Board and we will review cameras for footage and so security vulnerabilities and causes. 
  3. Bring it up in the next HOA Meeting to review security measures needed.



Prevention – Catalytic Converter Theft

Toyota Priuses and Honda Elements have a very exposed  catalytic converter, which makes it easier for thieves to remove and sell the part, since the palladium inside is worth a lot of $. There are numerous reports on Nextdoor, and a  theft attempt at Plant 51 was made the week of January 4, 2021 in the outside gated area, and another was carried out on a Honda Element inside the garage. 

Typical Cars Targeted

Prius: Get an aluminum  shield installed underneath your car. Price Quotes from Yelp (sorted based on cost, all are at least a 4.5+ on Yelp) – also price quotes increase all the time so call for the latest.

  1. Tires Unlimited – $160 labor fee, you’ll need to buy the part 
  2. Babe’s Mufflers – $318 including parts and labor 
  3. High Street Automotive – $150 for install, part you’ll need to buy for $160+tax 
  4. GIC – $400 including parts and labor

Honda Element: You can get a Cat Clamp  https://catclamp.com/media/ or a cat cover  https://catshield.com/collections/catshield-all/products/millercat-2003-2011-honda-element-cat-shield.

Articles

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/feb/01/catalytic-converter-thefts-hybrid-car-insurance-toyota-prius

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35059184/catalytic-converter-theft-cars-up-why/

Prevention – Dash Cameras

HIGHLY recommended for insurance purposes to prevent a he-said-she-said in accidents, and some have a sentry mode for when motion or movement is detected.

Lots of options to choose from:  https://www.amazon.com/dash-cam/s?k=dash+cam but it’s recommended to not trust the reviews (they are mostly paid) and try a few yourself, then return the ones you don’t like. 

Prevention – Tesla Sentry Mode

If you have a Tesla, don’t forget to turn on Sentry Mode

https://www.tesla.com/blog/sentry-mode-guarding-your-tesla

https://driving.ca/tesla/features/feature-story/watch-five-times-sentry-mode-put-tesla-haters-in-their-place



There’s A Package Waiting For You!

We are pleased to introduce you to the Package Concierge System. The Package Concierge is a bank of electronic lockers where your packages are delivered for your easy retrieval at any time 24/7. By installing this system we hope to slow down the theft of packages by criminals who seem to follow the package drivers into our Community.

Below are both basic instructions for registering and using this exciting new amenity. There’s also a short video that describes the process at –  How To Use Video



How Do I Register?

We have downloaded the names of every resident in our property management system so if you haven’t received a notification titled “Welcome to Package Concierge” please email ( communitycare@actionlife.com) or call Community Care at (949) 450-0202 with the name, email, and phone of everyone receiving packages at your address so we can record you in the Package Concierge system. 

Step 1 – check your Inbox to retrieve the assigned Username so you can complete registration.

Step 2 – Registration is simple – click on the following link  https://packageconciergeadmin.com/Register.aspx

Step 3 – Enter your Username and “click” Next.

Step 4 – The system will guide you through the registration process, including how to set up your own 4-digit PIN. The entire process only takes a few minutes of your time.

Step 5 – We also recommend you download the Package Concierge App as it will also contain a convenient barcode which can be used on the locker system to identify you. Then all you have to remember is your PIN to retrieve packages.

 [NOTE:  You must register in order to receive packages.]

What if I don’t receive a registration email?

If you haven’t received an email titled “Welcome to Package Concierge” please follow up with Customer Service. You may wish to register children as dependents to protect their privacy rather than having their own accounts This is done after your account is set up.

How Does it Work?

Packages are delivered into the Package Concierge by delivery drivers from UPS, FedEx, Amazon, OnTrac, DHL, and the USPS. You will receive a notification letting you know your package has been delivered. You can then go to the Package Concierge lockers to retrieve your package using your personal Username and PIN. All lockers containing your packages will automatically open so you can retrieve all your packages.

How Will I be Notified When I Receive a Package?

You will receive a text, email or phone call when your package is delivered based on your selection at registration. The message will include your Username and Barcode each time in case you need to refer to the message when retrieving your package. That way, you only have to remember your PIN.

What if I have Questions or Need Help Registering or Getting Packages?

The Package Concierge is very user friendly so we don’t anticipate you having problems. However, we want this experience to be a positive one so we have Support available directly from Package Concierge at  support@packageconcierge.com or by phone at 1-888-989-7225.

MONTE VISTA – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Package Lockers – There have been some questions about how they work –

Where did you get residences’ information for the Package Lockers?

Answer:The information in our property management software (owners and residents) for each condo and townhome has been downloaded and put into the package locker system. Those who

don’t have an email or phone number listed in the system got a hand delivered letter to their front door.

Is there an additional cost for using the Package Lockers? Answer: No. It’s included in the HOA dues as an amenity.

How did the drivers find out?

Answer: The carriers (UPS, FedEx, OnTrac, Amazon, Google, DHL, USPS) have been notified we now have lockers and we have trained as many of the drivers as we could track down. In each case we showed them how to access the lockers so they can deliver packages successfully. 

Can a driver remove a package for me?

Answer: No. For security reasons, a driver can only place a package into the lockers. Once the door is closed, the package is secure and no one can open it except the person it’s addressed to, the system administrator, or the manufacturer ‘s technical support for the lockers.

Are packages delivered to a name and/or an address?

Answer: The best way to ensure you are notified that a package is in the lockers is to register. If your account is in the system and you have not registered, the package will be delivered to the lockers and you will receive two emails (one about the package and one for registration). You have to register to get your package.

 Can I Opt-Out of Using the Package Lockers and have packages delivered to my porch? Answer: In the event you don’t want packages delivered to the lockers, you have to contact George to disable your account. This will cause the driver to deliver to your door. 

If I Opt-Out but others in my townhome/unit don’t what happens?

Answer: We cannot guarantee your packages will be delivered to the porch because many

drivers deliver to an address and don’t consider a name mis-match so we cannot guarantee your packages will be delivered to the porch.

 

We live in the townhouses. Are the Package Concierge lockers available for renters in the town homes?

Answer: We gladly provide them as an amenity to all residents (Condos, townhomes, owners and renters).

I have received a package notification for one of my tenants. Should I just give them my registration email or should they still contact you?

Answer: Absentee landlords should be disabled in the system to avoid packages being recorded under their names. Instead, each resident in the unit/home should be registered under their own name. 

Can you walk me through? How do I register?

Answer: All I need is the names, emails, and phone numbers of anyone in your household that receives packages. The registration process then sends an email to each so they can assign themselves a PIN. That’s it.

So where is the package concierge located? I got an email and created my PIN so what’s the next step to retrieve my package?

Answer: They are located in the Guest parking area of the Garage entrance on Gaspar Vista.

I’ve registered each person living in our unit – Do we need a key or passcode to access them?

Answer: To retrieve packages or get the status of your account you need only your user ID and PIN (Personal Identification Number) . Download the Package Concierge app and it will also provide a convenient barcode you can use to log into the kiosk for packages. The barcode reader is just below the screen on the right hand side.

Will this be set up unit number or name? Many residences have more than one individual living there.

Answer: Registration is by each individual in a condo/townhome.

How do I retrieve the package from the lockers? I think I’m supposed to have something delivered but have not received it yet.

Answer: Once you have registered you need only your user ID or barcode and a PIN to retrieve packages from the lockers. 

I got a notification about a delivery to the lockers (telling me to set up account which I did) but no barcode so I can retrieve it. What should I do?

Answer: You can type your user ID and PIN, the locker will open automatically. You can also download the Package Concierge App to your smartphone and that will also contain your barcode.

I provided the name, address, email and phone number of everyone in our home. What’s next?

Answer: You should both receive welcome emails. If you don’t you can log into  www.packageconciergeadmin.com to set up PINS. Then you’re all set 

The UPS, Amazon, OnTrac, FedEx, Google Express driver came to my door and doesn’t know about the lockers.

Answer: They are located in the Guest parking area of the Garage entrance on Gaspar Vista. The driver can get an access code from the locker administrator (George Szymkiewicz 408-568- 2700).

Today I got a package from Amazon on my front door. Is there anything else I’m missing that I need to do from my end to ensure that my future packages go directly to the concierge?

Answer: Please let the driver know we have lockers. They are located in the Guest parking area of the Garage entrance on Gaspar Vista.

I was expecting a package yesterday from FedEx and they marked it a delivery exception and didn’t deliver it. Could it have been due to my wife’s name being on the package concierge account and not me?

Answer: Technically yes. Everyone in a household should be registered. If you prefer one account for all, just list everyone else as a Dependent. Drivers do, occasionally deliver to the address only so it’s important that an absentee landlords name not be in the system because the package could be entered under their name by mistake making it hard to retrieve. 

I am getting a microwave delivered by UPS that is too big for the lockers or it might be too heavy for me to get it out. For bigger items do they deliver to the door?

Answer: Yes. If the item doesn’t fit in an available locker, they will deliver it.

What is the procedure if the package is too large for the lockers or needs a signature, like a wine shipment?

Answer: The UPS driver told me those are delivered to the door. For example, we get wine delivered and that needs an adult signature so they will continue to come to our door.

What do I do if the delivery person ignores the package concierge tries to deliver directly to the house?

Answer: In some cases that may be unavoidable because the package is too large to fit in a locker, a signature is required, or it must be legally signed by an adult (like wine). If these situations don’t apply, it may be driver training (they don’t know about the lockers). The best way to ensure delivery to the lockers has been to specify them in the online order delivery instructions.

Guest Parking Passes

Please contact Community Care at (949) 450-0202 or email them at communitycare@actionlife.com for a Guest Parking Pass.

Parking Permit Requirements:

1.    Request for guest parking permit must be submitted and approved, in writing, to the management company a minimum of five (5) business days prior to issuance of permit.

2.    Guest vehicles parked overnight in the guest parking spaces for more than two (2) consecutive nights, between Midnight-Garn, must have guest parking permit 5 days in advance.

3.    Parking permits are vehicle specific, time specific, and non-transferable.

4.    Parking permits must be placed on the driver side dashboard and clearly visible to code enforcement. Failure to correctly display parking permit may result in tow. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or resident to ensure compliance of these rules.

5.    Abuse of the guest parking permit policy may result in the revocation of permit privileges.

6.    Guest parking permits are free and cannot exceed more than 7 calendar days. It is the responsibility of the owner or resident to obtain the guest parking permit 5 business days in advance for their guest.

7.    All parking permits must be obtained from the property management’s Community Care. The office is open M-F from 8am-5pm, excluding holidays.

8.    The homeowner is responsible for the actions of their residents, tenants, guests, contractors, and invitees to ensure they comply with the parking rules and permitting process.