sometime in early december, someone tried to punch the lock of my car with a hammer and screw driver(?), the attempted break-in failed but did leave a deep scratch mark on my driver side door and caused some damage to the lock and handle, it looked like maybe someone showed up while the thief was working on it, so he(she) had to give up halfway and the scratch mark is from hand slipped while punching .It was a weekday between 1:30pm to 3:00pm(odd?!)
around noon time christmas day, I noticed a new scratch mark on the door , and my lock was punched much wider.seems like the low life came back sometime between christmas eve and noon christmas day,worked a little harder on my lock.he/she did not get thru this time around either.
the perv might actually live in this buildng because it seems like he/she could "hit" the parkade at anytime, day or night, weekday or weekend, and he was actually taking his time to work on some of the vehicles.
if sadly it is the case, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the guy for his patience and kindness of not smashing my window YET.
I'd also would like to let you know that i have cleaned every thing out of my car since the first attempt, I do not even leave my parkade access card in the car any more.
I think the condo board should consider change the locks to the P2 and P3 parkade, and make sure only tenants/owners with vehicles parked down there have the access to the parkade.
All it is gonna cost is 2 locks in each parkade level and cutting and distributing new keys to the vehicle owners.
if this does not help solve the problem, which means the thief not only have access to the elevator but also possibily has a vehicle parked down there as well, then I do not know any security measure would help at all.we may as well stop wasting money on security guards and start parking our vehicles on the street, since it might actually be safer there.
I'm sorry to hear of your report. Not in the least surprised, but sorry nonetheless.
This is the first report I've heard of that happened during THE DAY, however. That is ill news. Likely important information, but bad news just the same.
Over the past few weeks, I have developed a 4 stage parkade security improvement plan, which will take some doing to implement from start to finish, but should increase security in the parkade to about the best we'll ever be able to get. Unless, as you propose, the culprit(s) is/are a resident(s), in which case no amount of security will ever be good enough.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to be vigilant and to NOT leave ANYTHING of value in your cars. If the parkade became less a gold mine for theft, that would help decrease the number of break-ins that occur.
I guess i've been a little hermit-crab-ish over this whole week, but just coming back into the parkade i noticed one of the cars that was broken into. Back driver side window smashed in, glass all over the ground and an errant (telling?) glove on the ground as well.
Sucks to see this kinda stuff, luckily i wasnt 'hit' this time.
I agree we should try and step things up to do something, but its really tough considering what someone said (and we're all likely thinking).
The perps likely live in the building. Its not a matter of stopping them. I mean - how do you stop someone with all the keys and access they would want?
Its a matter of preventing them from becoming residents in the building itself. An Atlantean task, to be sure...
Looks like someone had a great weekend down in the parkade. My car was there like usual Sunday night when I popped down to put something into it on my way out of the building. Monday evening when I went to go out, it was gone. So they break into as many cars as they can, and then steal one for a getaway as the grande finale?
Real secure parking we've got. Our security personnel said, call the police, and I said, ya, but what are YOU going to do about it? Do I want to buy myself a new vehicle and park it down there now? She said that starting tonight there is a guard in the building from 8-8. Too little, too late. What's one guy going to do? He'll be checking out P3 while the perp is robbing cars on P2. If they are bothering with the expensive new garage door and repaving the whole parkade... how about putting up a proper barrier (fence) between the two sides... as if any of us couldn't get over that if we had the inclination. How about better lights? - anyone ever look over to the Impark side and notice it's way brighter over there? But wait, we want to identify how they're getting in the parkade to commit all this theft? Maybe they live here, folks. Maybe it's the same jerks who spit and spill beer in the elevators, and graffiti and slice up every notice put up in the elevators, and drop their garbage all over the place. If there are no cameras, the situation is not likely to ever get much attention. I rent from the owner so I'm not in a position to say if I would pay for cameras, but I think condo fees cover a pool and a secure parking area, neither of which we have. So it seems that the building has responsibility here, and funds could probably be reallocated from somewhere else to get the cameras. I don't really think unit owners should have to pay anything unless the building can at least demonstrate that real action is being taken.
(...) how about putting up a proper barrier (fence) between the two sides... as if any of us couldn't get over that if we had the inclination (...)
I don't think anybody is jumping that barrier, my friend. There's easy access from P1 or P2 (before the fence) to P3 (after the fence) via the stairs on the south end of the building. And probably other accesses too. I just figured out about this one today, I simply walked all the way up to the street. Granted, you need a key to get in from the street level, but anybody can walk to the Impark level (P1 or P2 before the fence) just as if they had a car parked there, then get the stairs to P3, open the gate from the inside, letting a car into the P3 area with all tools needed (and plenty of space to fill with stolen car stereos). Those stair doors need to be bolted shut ASAP. This is a major security flaw in our "secure" parking lot.
(...) Maybe they live here, folks. Maybe it's the same jerks who spit and spill beer in the elevators, and graffiti and slice up every notice put up in the elevators, and drop their garbage all over the place (...)
That is actually a pretty plausible possibility; the quality of the building overall went down the chute around 10 months after I moved in.
(...) but I think condo fees cover a pool and a secure parking area, neither of which we have. So it seems that the building has responsibility here, and funds could probably be reallocated from somewhere else to get the cameras. I don't really think unit owners should have to pay anything unless the building can at least demonstrate that real action is being taken.
I agree 100% with you here. Apparently the building (or management, whatever) seems to be taking a position of "ok tenants, you have to make your own security committee, you have to spend money on cameras, on security companies, etc etc" when they actually use the "secure parking" as a way to attract new tenants to live here. They seem to forget we pay for parking already. I that just so our cars are not out in the cold?
I've been trying to withhold commentary on this issue, since I'm feeling a bit biased (having been a victim myself) and can't ensure complete impartiality in my response. However, I'm going to give it my best shot.
First, people ARE jumping over the fence. The security committee has already identified the primary access point of exactly this type of break-in. That said, you are correct Mr. Alvares, there are MANY ways to access the parkade (and I'm not going to identify them, as that would be like providing the blueprints for more break-ins). I know all of them, having spent the past 2 months walking around the entire building and looking for just those types of problems. Sadly, as much as I would like to implement your suggetion to bolt the doors in the stairwells shut, we can't do so because of the fire code.
Now, what are doing about it? I can agree with most of your assessment that very little has been done about parkade security in quite some time, but not about the formation of the committee. The security committee has been the most pro-active, progressive, positive change within the building in quite some time. And we would be even more effective if we had more people involved. So, while I always appreciate your input here on the forum (another SC initiative, btw), you would be even more valuable if you were to lend us some of your time as well. The bigger and more involved our internal community, the better off we all are, owners and tenants alike. But, I digess...
To get back to my original point, we ARE exploring the possibility of a solid wall between the commercial and residential sides. We are looking into cameras and heightened security throughout the building, including the parkade, to discover how feasible such measures are. We are even exploring the possibility of having the camera views accesible to every tenant on their home televisions (and when I say we, I mean the board, not the committee). Unfortunately, crime happens faster than ways to resolve it. I'd love to be able to just do whatever is necessary to resolve the problem as best as possible, but that just isn't legal. We have to do things properly, and according to protocol, as frustrating as that may be. Especially when you wake up one morning to discover your lock punched out and your stereo missing, or even worse, your car gone entirely.
Finally, just to clear up any misconception about the security committee itself, here's everything in a nutshell. The security committee was NOT formed by the property management company. We have nothing to do with the property management company. We are a committee made up of owner-occupants and renters alike, volunteering our time and energy towards one common goal; the betterment of the Cap Centre community for the good of all residents. Yes, there are some members of this committee who serve on the board (I'm one of them), which we, ultimately, answer to. But that doesn't in any way affect the goals of our committee. We are acting to make the building we live in a better place to live. It will never be trouble-free or perfect, but it can be a whole lot better than it is. And, so far, in the few short months we've been active, not only have we identified numerous issues that wouldn't have been discovered otherwise, we've had some of them resolved. I can honestly say that I am as proud of everything we have accomplished as a committee so far as I am of anything else I have ever done. And that's saying something, as I'm more than just a Lebowski Little Achiever.
If anyone would like to speak further on this issue (or any other issue, for that matter), but would prefer to do so in a less public setting, feel free to contact me at capcentrechris@ymail.com
Ok Chris, let me start by apologizing if my post (any of them) seemed to minimize your (and the Security Committee) efforts to make this building a better place. That's not what I meant. I understand that it's hard to do anything concrete when there is so much bureaucracy in your way. You and all the others have my respect for at least trying.
I'm just frustrated because I'm literally losing sleep over something that should not be an issue. If I pay for SECURE car parking, that should mean my stuff is secure while it's there. Off course nothing is 100% secure, but it appears to me that our so-called secure car parking is very far from that. Rather I believe we have heated car-parking, that's all.
After a friend and neighbor called me yesterday around 1AM to tell me she saw the vehicle with the window smashed, I called the police to ask what we could do. One of the suggestions the officer gave me was that we set up a neighborhood watch. Or get cameras placed. But I'll bet those aren't news for you. So I ask: how complicated is it to get security cameras in the parkade? And more lights?
And, oh, in terms of the fire regulations / stairwell doors, why aren't they just like the other doors (above ground), where you need a key to go from the stairwell into any level? I'm just thinking about the stairwell thing because on the P3 level (south) there's actually a broken CD on the floor, which made me think that was the entry point (or at least exit) for the the most recent break-in extravaganza, not the fence. But that's just me and I'm not even a detective, hehehe... Maybe I'm just watching too much CSI.
Also, what good is it to put up a solid wall instead of a fence, but leave other easier entrances available? I can't seem to understand that.
Anyway, I'm getting tired of all this typing, be nice and let us all know if we have a neighborhood watch setup anytime soon. I'd love to join a group and go for a walk to try and meet the person who took my stereo.
Hopefully something will be done, for the good of the residents.
Myself? I can't wait for August.
Your apology isn't necessary, but I accept it under the goodwill under which it was given. I'm not insulted. In fact, I'm always happy to hear from every resident what concerns they have. We can't work to fix things we know nothing of.
To speak to your neighbourhood watch comment, the security committee is, in essence, much the same thing. Which is why we're always looking for more people. It is unrealistic to expect the same handful of people to be patrolling the building 24/7; we need more people. And, the more people we have, the more effective we can be.
So, I'm going to invite you (and anyone else) to come and meet with us at our next security meeting. (We'll call it an open meeting, for anyone interested in even just inquiring as to what we're all about). We're meeting tomorrow evening, at 7pm, at the Pint. We normally meet in the room on the south side of the pub, just to the right of the entrance, next to the washrooms. Everyone is welcome to come down and join us, ask whatever questions you may have or provide us with more input, even if you don't end up enlisting. We'd be happy to meet with all of you!
Well said Chris. That last paragraph deserves a thread of its own. Its too poignant to potentially be lost here in an unrelated topic.
Everyone who visits the site with a hint of doubt in their mind needs to see and understand the points you're bringing across there.
Yeah, my car was broken into on Sunday morning as well. It was the second time in 10 days, the first time happening on Friday, Dec 4th. On that day, nothing was taken, except about 5 dollars worth of quarters and a Snickers chocolate bar. This time around, my passenger door locks were busted and the radio + ipod are gone from the glove compartment.
I'm amazed that this not being the first time, the building is still 'considering' the possibility of installing security cameras. It doesn't take many. I believe that about 6-10 well-placed cameras covering the entrances and exits should do it. They also just need to record a loop of, say 48h. With this system in place, any break-ins reported would trigger a review of the videos leading to (a) identification of the criminals or (2) identification of the routes they are using to go in and out of the building to easily.
Also, given that we all pay extra for the so-called 'secure' parking, I would think that the building, not the residents should pay for the expenses regarding this issue.
To all you that haven't yet had you cars broken into: this was not the first time it happened, and will not be the last. Enough words, committees, forums and such. We all want to see action. Unfortunately now is too late for some of us.
To be frank, before moving in, I wanted to live in Capital Centre for like 4 years. Finally did so in the summer of 2008. The first year here was not bad at all. But since last spring, many 'little things' have made me want to move out.
The water issues, those animals that spit on the elevators and spill beer in it every weekend, the closed pool, the not-so-secure parking, the elevator issue that we all know about, and more. The dead man on the 9th floor that I the lady in the office wanted me to believe that was someone cooking is also worth mentioning.
My car was also broken into today; it happened between noon and 5:00. They managed to steal everything that was located in my trunk and ripped through everything in the cab of the car.
As it seems like theft is an issue in our parkade, I think it's about time we put up surveillance cameras, we need to have some kind of deterrent.
As an owner, I am helping pay for the renovations on the first and second levels of the parkade; I think measures need to be taken to upgrade our stalls, making it a safer place to park our vehicles. Any other ideas?
I'm sorry to hear about the recent break ins. As you say, this is definitely something that we'd like to find a solution to.
As for placing cameras in the parkade, like anything else it's mostly an issue of cost. I really like though, how you noted that as an owner you're willing to pay for this. Hearing these kind of opinions is, in my opinion, really beneficial. This type of discussion helps us to justify such expenditures. If we know that there's a large number of residents having these same issues it makes it easier for us to prioritize where we should spend money. If we don't know what's important to residents we can't prioritize what's important and what's not.
I'd like to encourage anyone else with ideas about cameras/improving parkade security to share their ideas here.
My personal opinion is that putting cameras in the parkade would be an excellent start. It certainly won't solve the problem completely - but we've got to start somewhere. I also think that putting cameras in the gym, pool (eventually), and lobbies (Centre tower already has a camera) would be excellent as well.
My car was broken into also I noticed it at about 930 on sunday morning... passenger side door. Lock busted and handle taken right out of my car... :(
Nothing was stolen from my car... i have a car alarm and wonder if my alarm went before they got in. Not sure...
My vehicle was broken into sometime between late Christmas Eve and early Christmas Day. Was anyone else hit? They took the usual electronics, cash, and a bag of hockey equipment. Creeps! Not a Merry Christmas!!
attempted break-in repeatly
sometime in early december, someone tried to punch the lock of my car with a hammer and screw driver(?), the attempted break-in failed but did leave a deep scratch mark on my driver side door and caused some damage to the lock and handle, it looked like maybe someone showed up while the thief was working on it, so he(she) had to give up halfway and the scratch mark is from hand slipped while punching .It was a weekday between 1:30pm to 3:00pm(odd?!)
around noon time christmas day, I noticed a new scratch mark on the door , and my lock was punched much wider.seems like the low life came back sometime between christmas eve and noon christmas day,worked a little harder on my lock.he/she did not get thru this time around either.
the perv might actually live
the perv might actually live in this buildng because it seems like he/she could "hit" the parkade at anytime, day or night, weekday or weekend, and he was actually taking his time to work on some of the vehicles.
if sadly it is the case, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to the guy for his patience and kindness of not smashing my window YET.
I'd also would like to let you know that i have cleaned every thing out of my car since the first attempt, I do not even leave my parkade access card in the car any more.
changing the lock to the parkade?
I think the condo board should consider change the locks to the P2 and P3 parkade, and make sure only tenants/owners with vehicles parked down there have the access to the parkade.
All it is gonna cost is 2 locks in each parkade level and cutting and distributing new keys to the vehicle owners.
if this does not help solve the problem, which means the thief not only have access to the elevator but also possibily has a vehicle parked down there as well, then I do not know any security measure would help at all.we may as well stop wasting money on security guards and start parking our vehicles on the street, since it might actually be safer there.
Parkade Security
I'm sorry to hear of your report. Not in the least surprised, but sorry nonetheless.
This is the first report I've heard of that happened during THE DAY, however. That is ill news. Likely important information, but bad news just the same.
Over the past few weeks, I have developed a 4 stage parkade security improvement plan, which will take some doing to implement from start to finish, but should increase security in the parkade to about the best we'll ever be able to get. Unless, as you propose, the culprit(s) is/are a resident(s), in which case no amount of security will ever be good enough.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to be vigilant and to NOT leave ANYTHING of value in your cars. If the parkade became less a gold mine for theft, that would help decrease the number of break-ins that occur.
just noticed it now
I guess i've been a little hermit-crab-ish over this whole week, but just coming back into the parkade i noticed one of the cars that was broken into. Back driver side window smashed in, glass all over the ground and an errant (telling?) glove on the ground as well.
Sucks to see this kinda stuff, luckily i wasnt 'hit' this time.
I agree we should try and step things up to do something, but its really tough considering what someone said (and we're all likely thinking).
The perps likely live in the building. Its not a matter of stopping them. I mean - how do you stop someone with all the keys and access they would want?
Its a matter of preventing them from becoming residents in the building itself. An Atlantean task, to be sure...
Again, my condolances to those affected.
Car Theft
Looks like someone had a great weekend down in the parkade. My car was there like usual Sunday night when I popped down to put something into it on my way out of the building. Monday evening when I went to go out, it was gone. So they break into as many cars as they can, and then steal one for a getaway as the grande finale?
Real secure parking we've got. Our security personnel said, call the police, and I said, ya, but what are YOU going to do about it? Do I want to buy myself a new vehicle and park it down there now? She said that starting tonight there is a guard in the building from 8-8. Too little, too late. What's one guy going to do? He'll be checking out P3 while the perp is robbing cars on P2. If they are bothering with the expensive new garage door and repaving the whole parkade... how about putting up a proper barrier (fence) between the two sides... as if any of us couldn't get over that if we had the inclination. How about better lights? - anyone ever look over to the Impark side and notice it's way brighter over there? But wait, we want to identify how they're getting in the parkade to commit all this theft? Maybe they live here, folks. Maybe it's the same jerks who spit and spill beer in the elevators, and graffiti and slice up every notice put up in the elevators, and drop their garbage all over the place. If there are no cameras, the situation is not likely to ever get much attention. I rent from the owner so I'm not in a position to say if I would pay for cameras, but I think condo fees cover a pool and a secure parking area, neither of which we have. So it seems that the building has responsibility here, and funds could probably be reallocated from somewhere else to get the cameras. I don't really think unit owners should have to pay anything unless the building can at least demonstrate that real action is being taken.
many good points here onFoot....
(...) how about putting up a proper barrier (fence) between the two sides... as if any of us couldn't get over that if we had the inclination (...)
I don't think anybody is jumping that barrier, my friend. There's easy access from P1 or P2 (before the fence) to P3 (after the fence) via the stairs on the south end of the building. And probably other accesses too. I just figured out about this one today, I simply walked all the way up to the street. Granted, you need a key to get in from the street level, but anybody can walk to the Impark level (P1 or P2 before the fence) just as if they had a car parked there, then get the stairs to P3, open the gate from the inside, letting a car into the P3 area with all tools needed (and plenty of space to fill with stolen car stereos).
Those stair doors need to be bolted shut ASAP. This is a major security flaw in our "secure" parking lot.
(...) Maybe they live here, folks. Maybe it's the same jerks who spit and spill beer in the elevators, and graffiti and slice up every notice put up in the elevators, and drop their garbage all over the place (...)
That is actually a pretty plausible possibility; the quality of the building overall went down the chute around 10 months after I moved in.
(...) but I think condo fees cover a pool and a secure parking area, neither of which we have. So it seems that the building has responsibility here, and funds could probably be reallocated from somewhere else to get the cameras. I don't really think unit owners should have to pay anything unless the building can at least demonstrate that real action is being taken.
I agree 100% with you here. Apparently the building (or management, whatever) seems to be taking a position of "ok tenants, you have to make your own security committee, you have to spend money on cameras, on security companies, etc etc" when they actually use the "secure parking" as a way to attract new tenants to live here. They seem to forget we pay for parking already. I that just so our cars are not out in the cold?
We're all in this Together...
I've been trying to withhold commentary on this issue, since I'm feeling a bit biased (having been a victim myself) and can't ensure complete impartiality in my response. However, I'm going to give it my best shot.
First, people ARE jumping over the fence. The security committee has already identified the primary access point of exactly this type of break-in. That said, you are correct Mr. Alvares, there are MANY ways to access the parkade (and I'm not going to identify them, as that would be like providing the blueprints for more break-ins). I know all of them, having spent the past 2 months walking around the entire building and looking for just those types of problems. Sadly, as much as I would like to implement your suggetion to bolt the doors in the stairwells shut, we can't do so because of the fire code.
Now, what are doing about it? I can agree with most of your assessment that very little has been done about parkade security in quite some time, but not about the formation of the committee. The security committee has been the most pro-active, progressive, positive change within the building in quite some time. And we would be even more effective if we had more people involved. So, while I always appreciate your input here on the forum (another SC initiative, btw), you would be even more valuable if you were to lend us some of your time as well. The bigger and more involved our internal community, the better off we all are, owners and tenants alike. But, I digess...
To get back to my original point, we ARE exploring the possibility of a solid wall between the commercial and residential sides. We are looking into cameras and heightened security throughout the building, including the parkade, to discover how feasible such measures are. We are even exploring the possibility of having the camera views accesible to every tenant on their home televisions (and when I say we, I mean the board, not the committee). Unfortunately, crime happens faster than ways to resolve it. I'd love to be able to just do whatever is necessary to resolve the problem as best as possible, but that just isn't legal. We have to do things properly, and according to protocol, as frustrating as that may be. Especially when you wake up one morning to discover your lock punched out and your stereo missing, or even worse, your car gone entirely.
Finally, just to clear up any misconception about the security committee itself, here's everything in a nutshell. The security committee was NOT formed by the property management company. We have nothing to do with the property management company. We are a committee made up of owner-occupants and renters alike, volunteering our time and energy towards one common goal; the betterment of the Cap Centre community for the good of all residents. Yes, there are some members of this committee who serve on the board (I'm one of them), which we, ultimately, answer to. But that doesn't in any way affect the goals of our committee. We are acting to make the building we live in a better place to live. It will never be trouble-free or perfect, but it can be a whole lot better than it is. And, so far, in the few short months we've been active, not only have we identified numerous issues that wouldn't have been discovered otherwise, we've had some of them resolved. I can honestly say that I am as proud of everything we have accomplished as a committee so far as I am of anything else I have ever done. And that's saying something, as I'm more than just a Lebowski Little Achiever.
If anyone would like to speak further on this issue (or any other issue, for that matter), but would prefer to do so in a less public setting, feel free to contact me at capcentrechris@ymail.com
Chris...
Ok Chris, let me start by apologizing if my post (any of them) seemed to minimize your (and the Security Committee) efforts to make this building a better place. That's not what I meant. I understand that it's hard to do anything concrete when there is so much bureaucracy in your way. You and all the others have my respect for at least trying.
I'm just frustrated because I'm literally losing sleep over something that should not be an issue. If I pay for SECURE car parking, that should mean my stuff is secure while it's there. Off course nothing is 100% secure, but it appears to me that our so-called secure car parking is very far from that. Rather I believe we have heated car-parking, that's all.
After a friend and neighbor called me yesterday around 1AM to tell me she saw the vehicle with the window smashed, I called the police to ask what we could do. One of the suggestions the officer gave me was that we set up a neighborhood watch. Or get cameras placed. But I'll bet those aren't news for you. So I ask: how complicated is it to get security cameras in the parkade? And more lights?
And, oh, in terms of the fire regulations / stairwell doors, why aren't they just like the other doors (above ground), where you need a key to go from the stairwell into any level? I'm just thinking about the stairwell thing because on the P3 level (south) there's actually a broken CD on the floor, which made me think that was the entry point (or at least exit) for the the most recent break-in extravaganza, not the fence. But that's just me and I'm not even a detective, hehehe... Maybe I'm just watching too much CSI.
Also, what good is it to put up a solid wall instead of a fence, but leave other easier entrances available? I can't seem to understand that.
Anyway, I'm getting tired of all this typing, be nice and let us all know if we have a neighborhood watch setup anytime soon. I'd love to join a group and go for a walk to try and meet the person who took my stereo.
Hopefully something will be done, for the good of the residents.
Myself? I can't wait for August.
No Worries
Your apology isn't necessary, but I accept it under the goodwill under which it was given. I'm not insulted. In fact, I'm always happy to hear from every resident what concerns they have. We can't work to fix things we know nothing of.
To speak to your neighbourhood watch comment, the security committee is, in essence, much the same thing. Which is why we're always looking for more people. It is unrealistic to expect the same handful of people to be patrolling the building 24/7; we need more people. And, the more people we have, the more effective we can be.
So, I'm going to invite you (and anyone else) to come and meet with us at our next security meeting. (We'll call it an open meeting, for anyone interested in even just inquiring as to what we're all about). We're meeting tomorrow evening, at 7pm, at the Pint. We normally meet in the room on the south side of the pub, just to the right of the entrance, next to the washrooms. Everyone is welcome to come down and join us, ask whatever questions you may have or provide us with more input, even if you don't end up enlisting. We'd be happy to meet with all of you!
Dec 16, 7PM, The Pint.
I will do my best to be there.
hear hear
Well said Chris. That last paragraph deserves a thread of its own. Its too poignant to potentially be lost here in an unrelated topic.
Everyone who visits the site with a hint of doubt in their mind needs to see and understand the points you're bringing across there.
Why am I not surprised?
Yeah, my car was broken into on Sunday morning as well.
It was the second time in 10 days, the first time happening on Friday, Dec 4th. On that day, nothing was taken, except about 5 dollars worth of quarters and a Snickers chocolate bar. This time around, my passenger door locks were busted and the radio + ipod are gone from the glove compartment.
I'm amazed that this not being the first time, the building is still 'considering' the possibility of installing security cameras. It doesn't take many. I believe that about 6-10 well-placed cameras covering the entrances and exits should do it. They also just need to record a loop of, say 48h. With this system in place, any break-ins reported would trigger a review of the videos leading to (a) identification of the criminals or (2) identification of the routes they are using to go in and out of the building to easily.
Also, given that we all pay extra for the so-called 'secure' parking, I would think that the building, not the residents should pay for the expenses regarding this issue.
To all you that haven't yet had you cars broken into: this was not the first time it happened, and will not be the last. Enough words, committees, forums and such. We all want to see action. Unfortunately now is too late for some of us.
To be frank, before moving in, I wanted to live in Capital Centre for like 4 years. Finally did so in the summer of 2008. The first year here was not bad at all. But since last spring, many 'little things' have made me want to move out.
The water issues, those animals that spit on the elevators and spill beer in it every weekend, the closed pool, the not-so-secure parking, the elevator issue that we all know about, and more. The dead man on the 9th floor that I the lady in the office wanted me to believe that was someone cooking is also worth mentioning.
I've had enough, Capital Centre.
Another break-in
My car was also broken into today; it happened between noon and 5:00. They managed to steal everything that was located in my trunk and ripped through everything in the cab of the car.
As it seems like theft is an issue in our parkade, I think it's about time we put up surveillance cameras, we need to have some kind of deterrent.
As an owner, I am helping pay for the renovations on the first and second levels of the parkade; I think measures need to be taken to upgrade our stalls, making it a safer place to park our vehicles. Any other ideas?
Re: Cameras
I'm sorry to hear about the recent break ins. As you say, this is definitely something that we'd like to find a solution to.
As for placing cameras in the parkade, like anything else it's mostly an issue of cost. I really like though, how you noted that as an owner you're willing to pay for this. Hearing these kind of opinions is, in my opinion, really beneficial. This type of discussion helps us to justify such expenditures. If we know that there's a large number of residents having these same issues it makes it easier for us to prioritize where we should spend money. If we don't know what's important to residents we can't prioritize what's important and what's not.
I'd like to encourage anyone else with ideas about cameras/improving parkade security to share their ideas here.
My personal opinion is that putting cameras in the parkade would be an excellent start. It certainly won't solve the problem completely - but we've got to start somewhere. I also think that putting cameras in the gym, pool (eventually), and lobbies (Centre tower already has a camera) would be excellent as well.
my car
My car was broken into also I noticed it at about 930 on sunday morning... passenger side door. Lock busted and handle taken right out of my car... :(
Nothing was stolen from my car... i have a car alarm and wonder if my alarm went before they got in. Not sure...
Christmas Break in
My vehicle was broken into sometime between late Christmas Eve and early Christmas Day. Was anyone else hit? They took the usual electronics, cash, and a bag of hockey equipment. Creeps! Not a Merry Christmas!!