January 2011 Safety Committee Report



 Leave it; Lose it 

More Vehicle Burglaries in FSR
At least three vehicle burglaries were reported during January.  All occurred on the south side of the neighborhood; one on Birchbrook overnight 1 - 2 Jan, and two more between midnight and 5:00 am 23 Jan on Burnwood and Bentwood View.  A third break-in occurred the same night, but the location of that incident is unknown as of this post.

Vehicle burglaries are pervasive in San Antonio.  The last rash of burglaries occurred in FSR during November.  These smash-and-grabs offer low risk and easy pay-offs to thieves at the expense of owners who underestimate their vulnerability.  Don't leave valuables in your car.


Teens Allegedly Burn Some Greenspace
On Tuesday afternoon, 11 January, a resident observed six or seven teen-aged boys playing with a fire they had allegedly started in the greenspace behind Edgecreek.  While on the phone with authorities, the resident saw one of the boys stomp out the flames after burning a  "large section of grass."  A fire department response was not necessary, but SAPD took a report.

Cellular on Patrol

Neighborhood volunteers conducted two scheduled patrols during January. One team called SAPD to check on a suspicious vehicle parked at the community center, 14 January. 

The COP would like your help. Report suspicious activity to SAPD. 

Interested in joining COP?  Call AMS (829-7202) or email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com for more information. 

Blue Armor Patrol Summary

On 11 January a resident on Edgecreek reported five youths aged 9-14 years were playing with paintball weapons in the greenspace behind the property.  The security officer contacted the youths and determined they were Silverbrook residents armed with "Airsoft" weapons.  It is unknown if these were the same boys involved with the above fire, reported the same day.  They were instructed to stay clear of Finesilver Ranch.

Compared to paintball and other "toy" weapons, Airsoft guns have a lower muzzle velocity and use less harmful plastic BB's.  Nevertheless, in some cases these too are illegal in San Antonio.  Previous posts summarize the ordinance prohibiting children under 16 possessing any weapon that discharges a "missile" or bullet by compressed air or spring action.

A patrolman escorted two solicitors off the property, 15 January.

On 16 January, an officer received a complaint of speeders on Finesilver Dr.  Since then, Blue Armor increased traffic enforcement resulting in a few citations and several warnings.  A couple of drivers questioned the authority of FSR HOA's contracted security officers to issue citations for speeding on private streets.  See this post for information on authorities and appeals. 

SAPD Responses
The calls for service website is not updated for January as of this post.  According to an officer at the Prue Substation, a new program used to load the data isn't working properly.

Sex Offender Watch
Fox29 and KENS5 reported a Stevenson MS teacher was arrested 24 January on charges of indecency with a child.  The 13 year old female victim is a Stevenson student.

As of this post, there are no registered sex offenders residing in FSR. 

SAFD Responses
San Antonio Fire/EMS responded to one medical call in FSR.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202).

Join the conversation with your neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

October 2010 Safety Committee Report

Burglaries and Thefts Reported
Two autos were burglarized, one on Boundbrook, 14 October and another on Edgecreek on the 28th. The latter was one of many vehicle burglaries that occurred in Braun area neighborhoods, 26 - 28 October. 

Greenbriar, near Nichols ES, was hit hardest with thefts from six vehicles . 

Burglars are after GPS receivers, other electronics, cash and credit cards, and any bag or case that may appear to contain these items (whether they do or not).

Less costly, but invasive none-the-less:  A decorative deer went missing from a front yard on Atwell Park, overnight 10 October.  This is a repeat theft of garden features from this property.  One-by-one they disappear, so, according to the homeowner, they won't be replaced.

New Gate Post Struck

The entry gate was damaged yet again, 6 October despite the smaller footprint presented by the new center post. The repair came faster and cheaper, but FSR residents are stuck with the bill:  Video shows the hit and run vehicle, a white "dually" pick-up pulling a goose neck trailer, had no plates.

Mind the Signs

It's your neighborhood, your neighbors, your vehicle, your responsibility.  Drive friendly, FSR!

Cellular on Patrol
Neighborhood volunteers conducted four patrols during October, including two on Halloween night.  There was nothing significant to report. 

The COP is always open to new volunteers. Call AMS (829-7202) or email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com for more information.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Early Saturday afternoon, 16 October, an officer approached juveniles playing with paint guns at the open space near Finesilver and Cove Creek.  The kids ran off before the officer could inform them of ordinances prohibiting their use.

An officer observed several juveniles at the community center at about 10:30 pm, Thursday, 21 October.  All of them ran into the woods on seeing the Blue Armor patrol car drive up.  Despite the suspicious behavior, the officer found everything in its place. 

Blue Armor made extra patrols of FSR streets the night before, during, and after Halloween festivities.  There was nothing significant to report.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to only six calls for service in Finesilver Ranch marking low call volume for two consecutive months.  There were 16 calls during October last year. The 2009 call average was 12 per month.

Officers investigated a vehicle burglary on Edgecreek, a suspicious vehicle on Bakerswood, two burglar alarms, took a "miscellaneous" report, and assisted fire/EMS with an injured or sick party.

The Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES surpassed FSR's October call load. There were six vehicle burglaries, a report of threats, a disturbance, a missing person, and two cases marked "miscellaneous."
Greenbriar has about 1/4 the number of homes as Finesilver Ranch and presumably has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison.

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, there are no registered sex offenders residing in FSR.

SAFD Responses
San Antonio Fire/EMS made two medical calls to Finesilver Ranch during October.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202)

Join the conversation with over 70 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

July 2010 Safety Committee Report

Third Outbreak of Vehicle Burglaries this Year 

Another string of vehicle burglaries occurred in Finesilver Ranch during July.  Based on SAPD reports alone, this is the third outbreak this year and the fourth since December.  Continuing the trend, the three break-ins that occurred overnight 24 July were on the south side of FSR.

Blue Armor Security and FSR's neighborhood watch group were notified, but the best defense against vehicle burglaries is to park in the garage or to remove valuables.

Quick Repair to Damaged Braun Rd Stop Sign
A resident found the stop sign at Braun and Finesilver laying on the road Sunday, 11 July.  She called Association Management Services and within a couple hours the city had a temporary in place.  Neighbors, don't hesitate to call AMS (829-7202) or the city of San Antonio (311) when something is out of place.  They'll work to fix the problem as soon as possible. 

Cellular on Patrol Activity
Volunteers conducted four late night patrols during July.  No unusual activity was spotted, though some residents were warned of open garage doors.  The COP is always open to new volunteers.  Call AMS (829-7202) or email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com for more information.
 
Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers and SAPD responded to a report of approximately 12 people drinking and fighting in the vicinity of the pool at about 3:00 Friday morning, 30 July.  The group left the area by the time officers arrived.

During routine patrols, Blue Armor monitored Finesilver Dr for speeders and cited suspected abandoned vehicles and parking violators.
 
SAPD Responses
Police responded to 17 calls for service in Finesilver Ranch.  There were 12 calls during July last year, matching the 2009 call average of 12 per month.

The calls included the three vehicle burglaries, the aforementioned fight, two reports of an assault, a disturbance, an unspecified theft, one identity theft case, six burglar alarm responses, a miscellaneous report, and one unspecified burglary. 

Of note, three of the 17 calls were reported at one address on different dates for assault, disturbance, and burglary.

Police responded to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES for a disturbance and a credit card abuse complaint.
Greenbriar, with about 1/4 the number of homes as Finesilver Ranch, is the closest gated community and presumably has similar demographics for crime reporting comparison.

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, there are no registered sex offenders residing in FSR.

SAFD Responses
Firefighters made three medical calls to Finesilver Ranch during June.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202)

Join the conversation with over 60 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

May 2010 Safety Committee Report

Burglaries Reported on Atwell Park 
On Saturday, 8 May, SAPD was dispatched to two vehicle burglaries at adjacent addresses on Atwell Park.  According to a respondent on FSR's Facebook Group, one of the thefts included nothing but a $25 radio.  Of course, the meager take doesn't diminish the victims' sense of violation. 

In a possibly related case, another Atwell Park resident reported a burglary 9 May.  Whether this was a third vehicle break-in or a residential burglary is unknown.
   
Pedestrian Gate Damaged in Crash
The stone work and pedestrian gate were damaged in a crash, 28 May.  Since the driver was unable to show police proof of insurance, Association Management Services pursues compensation by other means.  A contractor will begin repairs soon.  Operation of the vehicle exit gate was not impaired. 

Cellular on Patrol Activity
An Atwell Park resident reported a planter was stolen overnight Monday, 3 May.  The same family lost lawn ornaments last year.  The COP endeavors to keep abreast of various incidents around FSR, great and small.  Please help the COP, and your neighbors, by calling 207-SAPD when suspicious activity is observed.

On Friday and Saturday, 21 and 22 May, between 10:00 and 11:00 pm, COP volunteers observed teenagers loitering at park.  On 22 May, SAPD made the scene to ensure they dispersed.  Please note:  The FSR park and pool areas close at 10:00 and the City of San Antonio maintains a curfew after 11:00 for kids under 17.

Patrols were conducted on two other nights during May.  A few residents were notified of open garage doors in the night.  Notify FSR's COP by the means listed below to alert volunteers to crime prevention concerns.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
In addition to periodic crime prevention patrols of FSR, officers monitored traffic and enforced HOA covenants.  Though no moving violations were observed, five citations were issued for illegal parking.

A security officer and SAPD made the scene of a minor accident on Ferris Branch, 2 May.  Another officer assisted SAPD regarding the teens at the park, 22 May.

SAPD Responses 
Police responded to 14 calls for service in Finesilver Ranch during May; there were 14 calls during May last year too. The monthly average for 2009 was 12 calls.

Officers responded to three minor vehicle accidents; the 28 May gate crash, the 2 May crash mentioned by Blue Armor on Ferris Branch, and a third wreck reported by a resident on Brentridge, 18 May.

Police also took reports for the three burglaries on Atwell Park and, elsewhere in FSR, responded to two presumably false burglar alarms.

Another call was a suspicious vehicle on Boundbrook at about 10:30 pm, 11 May.  And there was a "traffic related" incident at Braun and Finesilver, just before midnight, also 11 May.  This probably regards a traffic violation.  More significantly, a DWI was investigated on Braun near Ryder on 25 May, at about 4:30 am. 

Finally, police logged two disturbances and two miscellaneous cases in FSR.

In the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, police responded to a disturbance and three miscellaneous calls.

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

Sex Offender Watch
As of this post, there are no registered sex offenders residing in FSR.

SAFD Responses
Fire and EMS crews responded to one medical emergency and two automatic fire alarms during May.

Receive Safety Committee Updates Throughout the Month
Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow FSRsafety on Twitter for area safety and crime prevention news throughout the month.

Questions or concerns? Post a comment on the Blog, email FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com, or call Association Management Services (829-7202)

For more FSR news and views, join over 60 neighbors on the Finesilver Ranch Facebook Group.

January 2010 Safety Committee Report

Auto Break-ins Continue into 2010
For the second time in eight days, FSR residents' vehicles were burglarized, this time overnight 4-5 January according to police reports.  At least four burglaries occurred on Branwood, Canterview, Ferris Creek, and Sweetwood.  A GPS was stolen from one vehicle, and a gym bag with workout clothes was taken from another.  As of this post, details concerning the other two vehicles are not available.

Cellular on Patrol volunteers and FSR Block Captains distributed flyers warning neighbors of their vulnerability to vehicle burglaries, and Blue Armor Security was advised of the apparent increasing threat.  Leave it, lose it.  

Gate Bends to Another Hit & Run
Cameras captured a hit & run crash into the exit gate Wednesday afternoon, 13 January.  Association Management Services contacted police to share the recording.  The HOA awaits assignment of a police investigator to pursue compensation.

Cellular on Patrol
The FSR COP conducted four patrols during January.  At least one open garage door was noted on three different late night patrols, and an exit gate malfunction was reported to the association manager.

Current COP members are encouraged to attend the refresher training class to be held at SAPD's Prue Rd Substation near Fredericksburg Rd, Thursday, 18 February, 6:00 to 10:00 pm.

For residents interested in joining FSR's COP, see the flyer distributed door-to-door last month for contact information.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers continued to emphasize early morning coverage in an effort to deter vehicle burglaries.

On 1 January just before midnight, a security officer dispersed five teens from the community center parking lot.  Unless there is a private party, the park is closed at 10:00 pm.  Further, the city has imposed an 11:00 pm curfew for children under 17 years.

Around midnight 3 January, Blue Armor noted a helicopter overhead and two SAPD police vehicles patrolling the neighborhood.  This activity coincided with a shooting which occurred near Tezel and Mainland.

Security officers informed AMS of exit gate malfunctions on 13, 21, 27, and 29 January.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 17 Finesilver Ranch service calls during January, compared to 10 during January last year. The monthly average for 2009 was 12 calls.  This is down from the previous two years' averages of 14 (2008) and 15 (2007). 

January 2010 police responses were for the four vehicle burglaries, eight burglar alarms, and a forgery case.  Police also responded to a disturbance on Atwell Park, 17 January, possibly associated with late night skateboarders who toppled garbage cans.

A minor car wreck was reported on Bentwood View, 31 January, but it is unclear whether the accident actually took place in Finesilver Ranch.

Police also took two "miscellaneous" reports.

For the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, police responded to a sole burglar alarm

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

Sex Offender Watch
No registered sex offenders reside in Finesilver Ranch as of this post.

SAFD Responses
There were no fire or EMS responses to Finesilver Ranch this period.

Follow FSRsafety on Twitter
Join Twitter and follow FSRsafety to receive time sensitive announcements of neighborhood safety and crime prevention concerns online and via text message.

During January, FSRsafety issued 12 "tweets" on public safety interests occurring in and immediately surrounding Finesilver Ranch.

Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow on Twitter for updates throughout the month. Contact the committee via email: FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com. Call Association Management Services (829-7202) for more contact options.

December 2009 Safety Committee Report

A Night of Vehicle Burglaries and Suspicious Activity
At least three Finesilver Ranch families were victims of vehicle break-ins overnight 27 – 28 December. Apparently the four vehicles involved were unlocked allowing the burglars to enter and rummage for valuables. Anecdotal reports indicate nothing was taken. There are no official police reports of these incidents.

The same night, at about 1:00 am, Blue Armor Security observed four suspicious males on foot near the park.  They later entered a green Honda and drove away to avoid the patrolman.  The officer followed the Honda out the gate and obtained a license plate number.

Unfortunately, police have nothing to investigate since none of the burglary victims filed a report. The neighborhood Cellular on Patrol and Blue Armor Security were informed of the activity.

Incidentally, the Safety Committee learned of another two vehicle burglaries on Sweetwod and Briarwood occurring the night of 4 – 5 January. In these cases windows were broken and personal property of marginal value was taken.  At least one of the victims filed a police report.

Man Possibly Poses as Peace Officer
Other suspicious activity included reports of an unfamiliar security vehicle patrolling FSR streets on 8 December. This coincided with a complaint of a uniformed man who, while possibly posing as a police officer, confronted teenagers at the park. A witness observed a dark blue sedan with a red stripe parked at the community center at the time.

It is not conclusively known whether the man was a legitimate officer or not. However, the incidents may be related to the arrest elsewhere in San Antonio of a former security company employee accused of harassment and other police impersonation incidents.

Blue Armor is the contracted security service for Finesilver Ranch. Their vehicles are white with blue lettering and red stripes.  Officers wear a dark blue or black uniform. If you observe any other security company in Finsesilver Ranch, call Association Management Services, 829-7202.

Cellular on Patrol
Members of Finesilver Ranch’s COP met 8 December to plan 2010 activities. There are currently about 20 active members who watch for suspicious activity and promote crime prevention on a daily basis.  They also performed weekly scheduled patrols last year.  Late night patrols are scheduled for the coming year as well.

If interested in joining COP, see the flyer recently distributed door-to-door.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers emphasized early morning coverage in an effort to deter vehicle burglaries.  In one case, 31 December at about 1:40 am, an officer observed a pick-up truck racing to the gate in an effort to tailgate another through the entrance.  Noticing the patrolman, the truck driver backed down the entry and departed west.  The Blue Armor officer copied the license plate and followed the vehicle to Loop 1604.  

On 22 December, while patrolling the park on foot at about 1:00 am, an officer observed three males and one female run from the woods adjacent to the pool into a white Nissan parked at the community center.  The officer caught up to the vehicle as it exited FSR; a license plate number was obtained.

Also, Blue Armor received the report of the 8 December possible impersonation case, and on the 26th, directed three solicitors off the property.  

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 15 service calls in Finesilver Ranch during December, compared to 11 during December last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 calls.

• A home on Edgecreek was reportedly burglarized. No further information is available as of this post.
• A minor accident was reported around 1:00 am, 5 December on Sweetwood.  It is not clear whether the crash actually occurred in Finesilver Ranch.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported Saturday, 12 December on Andover Creek at about 4:30 pm.
• There were two theft reports.  At least one of these occurred at a location away from FSR.

Police also made two burglar alarms, responded to three disturbances, and took five "miscellaneous" reports.

There were two police responses to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES, both of them burglar alarms.

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

Sex Offender Watch
No registered sex offenders reside in Finesilver Ranch as of this post.

SAFD Responses
San Antonio Fire and EMS responded to a record five emergency calls in Finesilver Ranch during December. There were two medical calls and two automatic residential alarms. Firefighters also ventillated a kitchen due to a "brisket flame up," according to an incident report.

Follow FSRsafety on Twitter
Join Twitter and follow FSRsafety to receive time sensitive announcements of neighborhood safety and crime prevention concerns online and via text message.

During December, FSRsafety issued 22 "tweets" on public safety interests occurring in and immediately surrounding Finesilver Ranch.

Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow on Twitter for updates throughout the month.  Contact the committee via email:  FSRsafety@yahoogroups.com.  Call Association Management Services (829-7202) for more contact information.

June 2009 Safety Committee Report

Vehicle Burglaries
Police logs indicate five autos were burglarized in Finesilver Ranch between 2:00 and 4:00 am, 21 June. Considering anecdotal reporting, burglars may have struck as many as seven vehicles. All of the break-ins occurred on the south side of the neighborhood in front of homes on Atwell Park, Burnwood, Sweetwood, and Twinpost.

Items stolen range from professional sound equipment to portable electronics. The full extent of property damage/ loss and other details are unknown pending release of official reports.

One family reported the burglars opened a garage door at about 3:00 am using a remote that was stowed in a vehicle parked outside. The homeowner's dogs deterred the burglars from entering the garage or other parts of the home. The thieves departed before a description or other details could be obtained.

A review of gate video during the 2:00 - 4:00 am time frame was inconclusive. On this particular night, Blue Armor Security and FSR's Cellular on Patrol neighborhood watch team did not conduct patrols during this time period.

The best advice to protect against vehicle burglaries comes from an official SAPD slogan: "Leave it, Lose it." See previous posts for additional information on vehicle burglaries in FSR.

Truck Damages Gate Stonework
The driver of a moving van clipped the stone pillar at the gate on 16 June. Despite video which clearly captures the hit and run, company officials continue to ignore the board's request for restitution. The board is pressing charges.

Solicitors Return
An Aquafuzion water purification system salesperson conducted door-to-door solicitations 26 June. Using tactics similar to those used last April, the solicitor falsely claimed to be conducting water tests on behalf of local utility companies in order to gain confidence in the product.

Please report solicitors to SAPD (207-7273) and Association Management Services (829-7202). AMS will request a Blue Armor Security response to remove them from the neighborhood.

Cellular on Patrol
Volunteers conducted weekly neighborhood watch patrols. No suspicious activity was observed; however some grateful residents were reminded to close garage doors.

Blue Armor Patrol Summary
Security officers continued random daily patrols of FSR -- monitoring traffic, raising awareness to property vulnerabilities, and patrolling the park on foot.

Officers monitored traffic flow at the conclusion of the FSR Torpedo Swim Team's final home meet, 16 June. This was in response to a neighbor's valid concern that the rush of traffic associated with about 200 swimmers presented a hazard.

SAPD Responses
Police responded to 18 calls for service to FSR during June compared to 13 calls during June last year. The monthly average for 2008 was 14 responses. The above average responses reflect the vehicle burglaries, with at least five reported to SAPD. Incidentally, another resident reported a vehicle break-in while parked at an apartment complex on Babcock Rd.

Also recorded by SAPD during June were two minor accidents, one on Burnwood and another at Finesilver and Braun Rds, plus the gate hit & run. There were six alarm calls, one call marked "miscellaneous," and a mistaken 911 call.

Finally, a suspicious vehicle on Cove Creek prompted a call to police. At about 11:30 pm, Saturday, 25 June, a teen aged male was approached by an adult male driving a dark colored SUV who offered a ride. SAPD took a report and the Safety Committee later reviewed gate video, to no avail.

SAPD logged four calls to the Greenbriar neighborhood near Nichols ES. Residents there reported a home burglary and an unrelated vehicle burglary occurring on 15 and 25 June respectively. There were also a disturbance and a suspicious vehicle.

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
No registered sex offenders live in Finesilver Ranch as of this post.

SAFD Responses
There were no fire/ EMS calls to FSR.

Follow FSRsafety on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FSRsafety
The Safety Committee joined the social networking scene on Twitter, an Internet application that offers a text messaging broadcast capability. Residents may now receive time sensitive announcements of neighborhood safety and crime prevention concerns via text message.

These "microblog" messages are also remotely posted to fsrsafety.blogspot.com providing on-the-spot reporting and highlighting announcements which do not warrant more complete narratives. Twitter users may follow FSRsafety updates by clicking the link on the right panel of the Safety Committee blog.

Subscribe to the FSR Safety Committee Blog and follow on Twitter for updates throughout the month.