San Antonio Notification System Operational

Monday's inclement weather triggered an alert from the San Antonio Notification System. Launched last month in conjunction with the San Antonio Flood Emergency (SAFE) System, the notifications "augment existing public warning systems by allowing City officials to notify citizens via a variety of devices, i.e. home phone, cell phone, email, fax, and text messages."

An email notification from the National Weather Service was forwarded by the system Monday afternoon as heavy rain crossed Bexar Co.

According to the Notification System sign-up page, "citizens can register by telephone or internet and can select which types of notifications they would like to receive." Bio-hazard alerts are also included.

March 2009 Safety Committee Report

Gate Camera Upgrade Nets Hit & Run Driver
The improved gate cameras resulted in identifying the driver responsible for crashing the entry gate, Sunday, March 8. The driver's insurance covered the cost of repairs, just under $4200. Further upgrades are in progress and, so far, are within the $3900 budgeted. This single incident already justifies the HOA's investment.

Spring Break Brings Mischief
Overnight, Friday, 6 March the lifeguard stand was thrown into the pool and the Plexiglas counter top was smashed. Also, a resident on Brentcove reported his vehicle was egged during the same weekend. Blue Armor emphasized park patrols during the break; no other incidents were reported.

Cellular on Patrol
COP volunteers averaged two patrols a week this month. There was nothing significant to report. Two members also removed graffiti from the fence over the drainage culvert near Ferris Creek and Branwood. The graffiti was discovered previously by a third COP member.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers performed follow-up investigations on traffic complaints resulting in letters to violators and the assessment of fines when necessary, in accordance with HOA covenants. They also conducted speed enforcement by radar on three occasions, though no violations were observed.

Officers also notified two homeowners of garage doors left open unintentionally. Several other garage doors were found open throughout the month, but officers were unable to make contact with residents.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to eight calls for service to FSR during March compared to 18 calls during March last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 responses.

The March 2009 dispatch log recorded an assault, two disturbances, and two unspecified miscellaneous calls. Also, a suspicious person was reported near Braun and Finesilver at about 1:00 pm, Monday, 9 March. And a burglary was reported on Bakerswood, 22 March, though no details are available. The hit and run at the gate, 8 March, was logged as criminal mischief.

There were no responses to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES.

Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes of Finesilver Ranch is the closest gated community and, presumably, has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison purposes.

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, no registered sex offenders live in Finesilver Ranch.

SAFD Responses
There were no SAFD responses to FSR during March.

Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog for updates throughout the month.

Suspicious Activity on Sweetwood

During the late afternoon of Thursday, 9 April a resident reported an unidentified man wearing black pants and carrying "two round, shiny, sharp objects" was banging on the front door. The resident did not answer and the person departed. No further description is available.

A similar incident occurred at the same location, Friday, 3 April at 10:45 pm. SAPD responded to that case and warned the homeowner to be aware of this "classic home invasion technique." Apparently some unsuspecting folks respond to the urgent banging by opening the door without first verifying the person's identify, which allows the would-be intruder access. Police advise: Do not open the door to people you don't know, especially at night.

Police and crime prevention specialists recommend residents use outdoor lighting to deter nighttime criminal activity. According to electric utility experts, typical residential lighting will not strain the power grid, nor the pocketbook.

Details of the incidents were provided to Blue Armor for increased patrol emphasis; FSR's Cellular on Patrol volunteers will step up their patrols as well.

Solicitor Poses as SAWS Affiliate

Representatives of a Texas based company, Aquafuzion, conducted door-to-door sales in Finesilver Ranch Thursday evening, 9 April. According to one resident, sales people attempted to gain trust by stating the company was visiting the neighborhood in coordination with SAWS, the San Antonio Water System. Allegedly, SAWS had received several complaints and requested Aquafuzion test water quality on their behalf.

The resident doubted the veracity of the sales person and requested to speak with a manager. Contact with Aquafuzion's San Antonio office confirmed the company has no relationship with SAWS. At the urging of the resident, the sales crew leader collected the team of about four sales people who had deployed throughout FSR and departed the neighborhood in a silver, late model Jeep, possibly a Cherokee, TX plate, GPZ 728.

A report was filed with SAPD and, following the advice of the responding officer, the resident intends to file a complaint against Aquafuzion with the Attorney General.

Using experience as a guide, the solicitation team may return to FSR for two or three days consecutively to ensure total market saturation. Residents should refrain from engaging with door-to-door sales representatives. See this post for information detailing previous FSR soliciting incidents.

According to SAWS, customers are "urged to be on guard against individuals who may pose as our employees just to gain access to their homes." See their 1 April news release for SAWS protocols.

Blue Armor was provided the details of yesterday's case and will escort solicitors from the property should they return. If you're concerned about solicitors in FSR, call Association Management Services (829-7202) to request a security patrol response and SAPD (207-7273) if you wish to file a report. A call to SAPD is especially warranted if you're subject to strong arm or dishonest sales practices.