Thefts down 33% since installation of new gate system

GATE ACCESS

by Emma DiMaggio

Communications Manager

From January through June of this year, there were 33% fewer thefts compared to the same time last year, in part thanks to the installation of Leisure World’s new gate access system in January. Catalytic converter thefts also dropped from seven instances to zero, and bike thefts were halved.

Less than two years ago, reports of theft appeared regularly in the LW Weekly. In October 2022, four golf carts were stolen in one week. One week later, four bikes were stolen. And one month later, in December 2022, three more bikes and two more golf carts were stolen in the span of two days.

In contrast, during the first six months of this year, six vehicles have been stolen: three bikes, one golf cart, one scooter and one car.

The reduction in thefts is due to several factors.

First, the new gate access system allows the Security Department to track who is entering and exiting the community. Would-be thieves are discouraged from entering Leisure World because the gate system makes it difficult to conceal their identity.

Prior to the installation of the new gate system, Security had no way to accurately track each person who entered the community. Against policy, parking passes would be exchanged between family members or even stolen, and Security had no mechanism to deactivate those passes.

The current gate system gives residents total control over their guest lists. When a family dispute occurs, they can remove unwelcome relatives from their guest list the same day and be confident that the person will be turned away at the gate.

Over the past six months, residents have become acclimated to the new system, as evidenced by a substantial decrease in gate arm collisions. During early implementation, collisions with gate arms occurred regularly, with at least one gate arm detached per day, according to Security Director Victor Rocha.

Now, about one arm is detached per week, which Security staff attribute to guests and vendors who are unfamiliar with the system.

With more familiarity has also come efficiency—people are moving through gates more quickly, causing fewer back-ups and shorter lines, if any. Each day, Security staff guides over 6,000 vehicles through the gates and scans or creates passes for 1,200-1,400 visitors.

Though back-ups are becoming rare, the GRF Board of Directors, in collaboration with GRF staff, have continued to make adjustments to the system. Sensors have been regularly recalibrated and entry lanes were recently reconfigured to reduce cross-traffic. The board will continue to look at ways to enhance safety at the gates.

GRF welcomes suggestions and ideas for improvement. For more information on how to submit a comment to the foundation, see page 4.

Residents can also comment in-person at GRF Board meetings.

Emma DiMaggio